Easter Weekend - Our Last Days with Nonna and Papa

 Gianni's team kicked off their opening weekend celebration on Easter weekend. This is his team banner that they carried in the parade seen below. Gianni marched in a cute little parade and then the kids played games all morning as we waited to take our team picture.

 After the baseball celebration, we headed up to Nonna and Papa's for a swim in the pool. Carmen is doing sooooooo well. She actually can swim the entire length of the pool by herself. First time ever. So proud of her. No more fishy for her! After a few hours the kids wanted to go back and color the Easter eggs.

 After the eggs were done we headed home and went to sleep so that the Easter bunny could come. In the morning the kids found all of the eggs and opened their presents.

  Not only did the kids get candy, games, arts and crafts items, dress-up stuff and a remote control car for Gianni, but then Nonna and Papa showed up with even more!

 We all got dressed up and were treated to a wonderful brunch at Verrado. The food was amazing and the kids were so well behaved.

This past weekend we enjoyed our last few days with Nonna and Papa. On Friday night we were able to have them over and cook for them. We had a wonderful Mexican meal and had a fire in the backyard as our temps in Arizona took a dip the past two days. On Saturday, we sat in the freezing cold for Gianni's first baseball game. He actually missed the first game due to a double ear infection and fever but he was rested and ready on Saturday for his first game with this new team. He played catcher and left field and hit the ball on the first pitch every time. After the game it was off to a birthday party and then up to Nonna and Papa's house. That night they had two surprises for the kids. #1 - Nonna taught the kids how to make gnocchi! #2 They bought the kids a remote control boat for the pond in the backyard.

Making gnocchi takes good hands and a quick wrist. They learned how to use my great grandfather's gnocchi board which one day will be passed down to me. Hint Hint!

 After some pizza and wings it was time to take the boat for a test run.

 Then came the hard part. It was time to say goodbye. We won't be seeing my parents until August. We are looking at trying to find some tickets to go see them in June. The kids got into their pj's and gave their kisses and hugs. Carm fell asleep on the way home as usual! We will miss you Nonna and Papa!

Student of the Month and Lots of Baseball Surprises

Carmen was recognized at school on Friday as Student of the Month. She worked so hard this month to be good at school. She has been wanting this all year! I ran over from Wigwam during the assembly to catch her in action at school. She was so cute and excited!

This weekend we went to two spring training baseball games. The first one was Saturday night. It was Goodyear Little League night at the ballpark. The kids ate kettle corn and all the little league players and their families got to go on the field for the national anthem.

Gianni got lucky and was selected to run out onto the field and wait for the players to run out to their spots. Gianni and an older player ran out to their spot at left field. The player that went out to left field where Gianni was positioned was Shelley Duncan from the Indians. He signed a ball for Gianni and shook his hand. Gianni was excited.

Carmen had a special moment as well. While waiting for Gianni, a player or coach..not sure who this is, but he called her over and gave her a ball and took a second to snap a photo..

Today we were back at the park again! Mrs. Merrbaugh's 1st grade class had a day at the ballpark. There were only about 6 kids from the class that went but it was a beautiful and perfect day. Gianni got to hang with some buddies and they actually did a very good job paying attention to the game.

We had a long week and it was nice to stretch out on the grass in the warm sun and feel the breeze. The kids had ice cream and Papa took a nap. Tonight we came home a little red from the sun and worn out. We took showers, popped in a movie, and Carmen fell asleep on the couch at some point between  5:45 and 6:00pm. We just let her sleep and carried her to her room. Another busy week at work coming up. A few more days until Nonna arrives for Easter. We are all excited.