4th of July

We spent a week over the 4th at the beach house in Lincoln City. It was such a nice little escape away from the city for a low key, relaxing getaway. We spent time at the beach, took the kids to the aquarium, shopped, and relaxed at the house. Gia was awake for her first fireworks and we got to spend some time with Rob's Aunts from the east coast. It was a great break for us and went by way too fast!

4 years of blogging.

I have been blogging our lives since Luca was 6 months old! I can't believe I kept with it! I think the reason is because I am not a scrapbook person so this was my way of cataloging our lives. I do use a website to create a digital scrapbook each year but it is just pictures. I feel like I have been lagging the last few months on posting which is crazy since I thought I would do it more often the older the kids got.....

So here we are 4 years later still loving life. Luca is 4.5 (almost) and Gia is just over 2 they are polar opposites, which I love. Luca is into firemen and policemen and is constantly changing his clothes and badges to reflect which kind of officer he is. He tells Rob and I he loves us probably 25 times a day and means it every time. He is loving and caring and helps us put Gia down for naps and bedtime by singing her a lullaby every time. He is starting to explore his rebellious side in the last 2 weeks or so which is out of character for him but we are thankful it took this long! His favorite foods are hummus, pirate booty, and cheese. He goes to bed around 815-830 and wakes up about 645 (or whenever G wakes him up.) He usually says please and thank you, sir or ma'am, and ALWAYS says excuse me when interrupting (which is often so that is still annoying.) He is everything I could have ever wished for in my son and although I wish he could stay 4 forever I can't wait to see what kind of man he becomes.

Gia...our Gigi is one of a kind. She has had a big year of growth as well. Her temper tantrums are far less frequent as she learns to talk more and more and is able to communicate better. She is saying new words daily and gets very excited when we know what she is saying. She finally is allowing us to put her hair in a pony tail. Although she still takes it out every time she gets in the car and then lets us put it back in when she gets out. She now says YEA instead of Ci :( I was hoping she would always say ci. She goes to bed around 745 and wakes up between 545 and 745 (not awesome) and is still taking one nap a day. She loves her brother and will mimic whatever he does, the good and the bad :) She says I love you, then blows a kiss, then says night night every time we put her to bed. She LOVES baths and washing her hands. She is obsessed with playing outside. He doesn't eat much these days but will always eat yogurt, pirate booty, and cheese. She does like most fruit and will sometimes eat an avocado. She is becoming such a little girl and I feel so blessed everyday I am her mom. I know she is always going to be dynamic and full of life.

I have seen some websites that will put your blog into a book, might have to look into that.

Luca's Last day of pre school

Today was Luca's last day of 3 year old pre-school (he turned 4 in the middle of the year) It has been such a wonderful year for him and one with a lot of changes. You can see from the comparison picture he grew into quite the little boy this year. He became more confident and interactive with others. His teacher Mrs. Kurtz was such a blessing to us as she really nurtured his "reserved" personality. She allowed him to be himself and with that he naturally blossomed and really came into his own. She set the bar extremely high for his teacher next year (who she recommended to us as a good match for Luca's personality.) I am so thankful our friends recommended Gaarde Christian School to us, it was exactly what I was looking for. Here's to trying to keep him busy all summer until the next school year starts!

Strawberry Festival

Every year my home down puts on a big parade and carnival known as the Strawberry Festival. It is a huge tradition in my family and one that I wanted to continue with my kids. I however envisoned it as my folks taking the kids to the parade while Rob and I enjoy a "free" weekend. This has worked great for the last 2 years until this year when my parents (and sister) insisted Rob and I go and "experience" it. I hadn't been to the parade since probably high school so it was nice enjoying it from my kids perspective this time. We dressed the girls up, lathered on the sunscreen and hit the road. Rob was baffled through most of it but agreed the kids loved it. Here is a pic of the kids getting ready to go!

Mother's day 2011

My momma spoiled me this mother's day. She took my sister and I away for a spa weekend. We had a wonderful time catching up, and enjoying time together. We spent the day at the spa and had a great dinner!

My mom has always be the most generous person I have ever met (maybe tied with my sister) she is so giving of everything she has, her time, energy, and love. Now being a mother myself I can truly appreciate the last 31 years of love she has given me. She is what I aspire to be and am grateful for her daily. Love you mom!

First attempt at 2 year pics

Gianna Age 2

Gianna age 1

I took a few pictures one cold morning. I am hoping to get out one more time before the month ends!

Gia's 2nd birthday party

We celebrated Gia's birthday yesterday with family. We had an Olivia themed birthday since that is her current favorite show. It was a nice day with just family. Gia pulled out every hair bow I put in which was frustrating :)

The family visiting

The only way Gia would eat her cupcake??

Maw Maw, Poppi, and Gia

Charli and Gia breaking in the new trampoline

Sweet Charli

Loving her baby crib from Maw Maw and Pop Pop

Gia and Cohen watching the big kids in the front yard

Trying to blow out her candle

Big Birthday Girl