Cub scouts, dance recital, and some soul food

Last weekend, Gianni was able to participate in the Pinewood Derby Car Competition. He was a finalist and so this event was round two. He did not place but said to me, "mom, I'm glad I just got to do it!" I was so proud of him when he said that to me.

After the Derby, we got in the car and headed for California. Abel's family had a party for his mom and for his sister who is about to have a baby any day now. The mariachi band showed up and sang for Abel's mom. Throw in a pinata and food, and it was an official party!

This weekend Carmen had her dance recital. Her song was "L-O-V-E". She continues to love the stage and going to dance class. The outfits, hair, and make up make the event even more special. It always ends with flowers that she keeps in her room until they are completely dead.

Click on the link below to see the video. She is on the left side.

http://youtu.be/WeK4KAWnWPQ

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Holly and I were matching in black shirts and jeans for our Spring Supper Club. 

The theme was Soul Food!

Neeley's Peach Iced Tea

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Okra Fritters w/ Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Chicken and Waffle Monte Cristo w/ Rosemary Maple Gravy

Boozy Braised Collard Greens

Dessert was a Sweet Potato Pie, but apparently I forgot to take a picture. Whoops!

 

 The kids were with Nonna and Papa and it was nice to enjoy time with Abel and my friends. Abel took the day off on Friday and I came home to find out that he was super productive! He cleaned the entire house, did all the laundry, and cleaned the car. He even picked weeds in the front yard. He knew our weekend was going to be crazy so he took care of it to relieve my stress. I am a lucky girl to have him as my partner!

Baseball, baseball, more baseball and some swimming

 Baseball is in the air in the Casillas house! We attended two back to back spring training games at the end of March. The first was with the Goodyear Little League and the second was with Gianni's class at school. The kids had fun on the lawn and the weather was so perfect.

 After a long day of baseball, we have been heading up to Nonna and Papa's house to cool off in the pool. The kids love to go to up there for Saturday Night at Papa's as we call it and it usually surrounds a great dinner, time in the pool, and Carmen falling asleep in the car on the way home.

 We had the most beautiful Easter this year. Nonna did an amazing job of planning a weekend full of fun events. Breakfast on the patio, swimming, a bunny cake, coloring eggs and an egg hunt, and gnocchi for dinner; so really who could ask for anything more.

 Gianni has been a busy little man! He recently won the Pinewood Derby with a car he built for Cub Scouts. He received a trophy and gets to race against other scouts this Saturday. In addition to scouts, baseball is in full swing. His Little League team is the Reds again. This year it is machine pitch and kid pitch which is a whole other level for him. He is doing great and is learning a ton. He has played multiple positions and hit a triple this past weekend.

 At opening day for Little League, there were bounce houses and rides. Miss Carmen decided to do the rock wall and went very far. Only one problem, "how do I get down?" We kept telling her to let go and that the guys would bring her down, but she wasn't having it. After about 5 minutes of me yelling for her to just let go, she finally did it.