This one is for Dawn!

I went to a Longaberger party at Dawn's tonight. The consultant had us dress up with beads and tiaras, which of course, Eli loved. So, I had to bring some home to Vinny to see what he thought. He was so excited! Ok Dawn, I posted them of Vinny, your turn to post them of Eli!!!

That's my boy!

Cheesy "Cheese" face!

It's Movie Night!!!

I have taken a few videos over the last week or so, and thought I should get them posted. This is a video of Vinny singing. If any of you have seen it, he usually does it a lot better, but he wanted to watch TV, not sing with mom. He learned this song at daycare. I will try to get some of his other songs recorded soon too! Enjoy!

P.S. I never claimed to be able to sing... But you gotta do what you gotta do...

No!

Here is a video of Vinny being naughty. He has started to climb on the back of the couch all the time, and we keep telling him to get down... Here is his reaction....

No David!

"No David!" by David Shannon is by far Vinny's favorite book. He loves to read it to us. He was a little side tracked, but here is a video of him reading it with me. A lot of the words in here, I didn't know he knew how to say, until we started reading this book. If you have little ones, I highly recommend it.

:(

Today is a sad day in the Marysville KNU Toddler classroom. Ms. Tanya announced that she will be leaving. She is pregnant and this will be her last week full time. She is then going to go part time, and gradually transition out of the Toddler room, until she decides to stay home. She isn't going to come back.
Now, let me tell you about Tanya. She is amazing. She started right as Vinny moved in to waddlers and has moved up with him through pre-toddler and toddler. She is the only one there that really seems to get through to Vinny. He talks more when he is with her, and learns very well from her, and he just loves her. I am so disappointed. I knew that when he turned 2 1/2 that he would be moved up out of her classroom, but I had secretly hoped that she would move up with him then too. Other than me, she has been the "other woman" in his life consistently for over a year now.
I know that she won't read this, but in case she does... Thank you Tanya, for everything you have done. Good luck with your pregnancy and your family as it grows! We will miss you!!!
Now it is just a waiting game. They are not sure yet who is going to move into Vinny's classroom and if Miss Renee is going to become the lead or not. I really hope that she does. Vinny really likes her too, and I know that she would do really well with him. She communicates well with me, too, which I really love. Let's just hope that it all works out!!!

Sunday!

Today we did our annual Mom's birthday lunch. It wasn't as big of a crowd as normal, but it was very nice with just the 6 of us. My mom and Tony's mom were both born on the same day, so every year we get together to celebrate their birthday's together. We went to Bob's Burgers and Brew's in Marysville for thier breakfast bruch buffet. It was SO good! Vinny started acting up, so Tony and him left early, but we got to enjoy our breakfast.
Happy Birthday Mom & Mom! I hope you had a good time!

My mom (Donna) and my Mother-in-law (Linda)

My mom and me.

(Yes, I realize that it looks like I have a mullet. I had my hair back, and you can bet, I won't be wearing my hair like that anytime soon. This is such an unflattering picture.)

Linda and Dan

(My in-laws)

After we got home, and Vinny napped, I did homework and Tony relaxed, we decided to go and visit Grandma Karen. We took Vinny's little quad and let him ride out in the pastures. He is sure getting to like to horses, and I think that they like him too. I didn't take any pictures, but will be sure to the next time we go over there.

After running some errands and coming home, we decided to get out a gift that Vinny had gotten for his birthday, from Papa Vinny, that he hadn't opened yet. It is this building block set with gears. He loved it. In fact, he is out in the living room playing it again with Dad. I didn't know if he would be able to figure it out, but he does pretty good, he just needs a little help to get started.

Why didn't I bring my camera?!?!?!

Last night we took Vinny to the Silvertips game. This isn’t unusual for us to do, but it was an unusual night for how it played out. It was a very exciting game with the final score of 7-3. We played Portland, which is usually a good game. What made this one so fun, was Vinny. He did so well. Usually we have to leave early, or spend the last period walking around, but not last night!
Vinny sat through the whole first period great. When we scored he clapped and gave the ladies that sit next to us big “high fives.” He was so excited. At the break we went and walked a lap, and came back and he sat through the whole 2nd period. He sat eating his apples and reading his book, and searching for the puck out on the ice. When the fights would start, and the crowd would cheer, there would be Vinny waving his finger and yelling “No! No! No!” So, why is it that he knows that the players aren’t supposed to “hit their friends” but he can’t figure out that that rule applies to him too? He would get so worked up when the crowd cheered and stood up… he would climb up on me so that he could stand and clap too.
During the 2nd intermission he “danced for his dinner.” There we are, Vinny, and the 2 ladies that sit next to us, and me doing the chicken dance… I am sure we were quite the sight! During “YMCA” the pointed the camera at us, and we were on the big screen. It was fun to see all of us up there looking like idiots. We didn’t win the contest, but at least Vinny got to dance and got to be on the big screen.
The third period went just as well as the other two. He read the game program and was excited to match up the pictures of the equipment with what the players were wearing. He ate his apples, and drank his water and read and did great. The last 22 seconds of the game, he started to act up, but other than that, he was perfect.
Here is an article about last night’s game… Happy 21st Birthday, Graham Potuer!
http://heraldnet.com/article/20090219/SPORTS/702199844#Silvertips.take.advantage.of.Portlands.mistakes..

The most amazing part of this night was that this was all without his sippy cup. Those of you who know Vinny well, know that he wants his cup 24/7. He always asked for his “bot” and I think that it has kind of become his security blanket, rather than just a drink. He got his “bot” when we got back to the car, and fell asleep quickly, spending the entire night in his own bed. Last night I finally felt like I had a well behaved toddler. He was so easy, and it was so nice to have our bed to ourselves without him crawling into it in the middle of the night.

How weird is that????

Tony's mom and my mom have something in common... The same birthday. February 18th. I think that that in itself is a fun unique coincidence, but what makes it even better is that they were born the same year. Our moms are exactly the same age. It makes their birthdays fun every year because we combine both of our family's together and go out for lunch to celebrate. I think this is going to be either the 5th or 6th year that we do it. (Mom or Linda, you might have to correct me on that) This Sunday, we are going to go to brunch at Bob's Burgers and Brews and I can't wait! I know that it is something special for them, but our lunches are special for me too.
I just wanted to tell you both, Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a wonderful day! See you on Sunday!

**Dawn**

Happy Birthday Dawn! I hope you had a nice time tonight, even though Brian wasn't home. I wish I could have come over and at least had cake! Damn school!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!

The rest of our day...

You might want to read the post below first, so you know what is going on.... They are out of order, and I am not sure how to fix them.

After the boys woke from thier nap we had another fun filled couple of hours, until Dawn and Brian came and got Eli. It was such a fun day, and although exhausting, I really enjoyed seeing how well they interact with eachother now. Now that they are both able to communicate a little more, I think that they play together really well.

Vinny woke up crabby and was pouting because he didn't want me to play with Eli. He moped around like this for a good 10 minutes while I pushed Eli on the swing.

Poor Vinny :(

If this look doesn't break your heart, I don't know what will...

Weeeeee!!!

It didn't take Vinny long to snap out of it. One second he is laying the grass, the next he is laughing on the swing.

Dawn~ Eli LOVED the swing... You guys will have to come over a lot this summer.

Quiet time doing puzzles.

We did a little finger paiting.

They both look like they are taking their work of art so seriously.

The finished materpiece.
Lasagna for dinner. Yum!

We built a fort.

Nap Time!

It's been a busy day around here... Eli came to spend the day with us. They are both fast asleep, so I thought I would take a few minutes to post some pictures, because I am thinking I might be too exhausted tonight.

Snack time!

Eli at the play area at the mall.

The boys playing together.

I promised if they were good they could get ice cream!

Yum!

When we got home, Tony and Joe were in the backyard working on the quad. Vinny went over and climbed right on it. I had no idea he knew how.

Picnic Lunch.

"hi!"

Vinny helping Uncle Joe.

Eli loved Vinny's swing!

Vinny has gotten so good at the regular swing.

Since the guys took a break, Vinny had to step in and help.

Swinging again!

Uncle Joe was giving fun rides on the trike.

All pooped out!!!

I remember Monday... on Sunday

So I decided to do my I remember Monday today, since I have been such a slacker and keep forgetting. Plus I will be babysitting Eli all day tomorrow, so I don't think I will have much time to get done. With Valentine's being yesterday, and the anniversary of Tony and my first date, I thought I would write about that.

I remember 7 years ago... Tony and my first date. February 22, 2002. We went to the Spaghetti Factory and then went to Giggles comedy club in Seattle. I was so excited. A lot had gone on the few months before, and all of it was life changing for me. I was worth all the trouble and heart ache in the end, but who could of known that it would be the beginning of something so wonderful. Tony and I met in high school (long story) and didn't talk for several years, but got reacquainted in the end of 2001. I fell for him hard, and I fell fast. Even though we didn't have our first official date until that night, I was already head over heals with him.

I was so nervous. I knew that I really liked him, but had no idea how he felt about me. I had been surprised that he had actually wanted to go out on a date. Both of our situations were weird, and I came with baggage that wasn't easy to just toss aside. Even though we grew up in the same area, we were now in completely different worlds. I had no idea how the night would turn out. I remember at the comedy club looking to see if he was laughing at the same things that I laughed at, and trying so hard to figure him out. Those of you who know Tony know that he is the hardest person to read.

I had no idea that it would be the day that would change my life forever. Sitting there eating spaghetti, I never would have thought that this was the man that I would marry and eventually a child or more with.

Our first date must have gone well :) We moved in together in May and by November were looking for a house to buy. Fast forward to now, and we have been married for nearly 5 years, we have a wonderful son, and are working everyday towards our "happily ever after..."

Tony~ I can't believe that it has been 7 years since our first date. 7 years is a long time. I treasure every moment that we have spent together and look forward to 70 more years together. I love you so much! Thank you for being so great to me and for giving me this wonderful life. I can't imagine a day without you.

Vinny's Valentine's Party

Vinny had his Valentine's day party at school today. It was a lot of fun, and believe it or not, he was even pretty well behaved. After his Christmas party, I was a little nervous :
Mrs. Tanya passed out ribbon streamers and they all danced around and shook their streamers. Then they sat down for circle time, where they read some books and sang some songs. They sang Skidermink-a-dink-a-dink, and I love you. Plus some of thier other favorites. It was so precious during "I love you" when they got to the part that goes "and a kiss from me to you..." Vinny turned around and planted a big wet one on me... It melted my heart.
After circle time, it was time for treats. They had cupcakes and cookies and fruit and juice. After snack we walked over to Jaydn's classroom to visit Ms. Tami and Jaydn and Jessica.
Vinny came home with a basket full of valentine's from his friends.

Vinny

Aiden

Jaxon

Conner

Vinny playing with the streamers.

Vinny & Mariana

Being Goofy!

Cheese!

Circle Time

Snack Time

Vinny was really enjoying his treats.

Yum!

Playing with with his little Valentine, Jaydn.

Happy Valentine's Day!