Life as Vinny's mom

School pictures

2011-11-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

We finally got Vinny's school pictures back. I love them!!!

They also did a picture of Vinny and Donovan together! Too cute!

A couple of Vinny funnies...

2011-11-16T20:30:00.000-08:00

Just a few little funny things Vinny has said lately, that I don't want forget...

Vinny was upset because he wanted some "pumped up kicks..." We told him that they dont have them in his size. He said they do "cuz the song says that ALL the other kids have the pumped up kicks."

We were playing candyland and Vinny just smacked me on the cheek really hard. When I asked him why he did it, he said "I was high fiving your face" ouch!!!! Of course, Tony thought is was hilarious!!!

Vinny asked me why he wasn't going to get to be a big brother. I told him that we were happy with how our family
was and didn't feel like we needed a baby right now. Plus I mentioned that I felt like I was too old to have anyother baby. He told me that he wasn't too old, and he would help me make one... Had to backtrack myself out of that one...

Vinny & Donovan

2011-11-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

Donovan's family has seats near ours at the hockey game, so the boys like to sneak over and see each other during the game. Here are some cute shots I got at a recent game.

From my sweet boy...

2011-11-16T20:17:00.001-08:00

Love you, too, Vin!

I know it is a little late....

2011-11-16T20:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween, from Vindiana Jones!

Slumber party

2011-11-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Vinny had his buddy from school, Donovan, stay the night. Those too have so much fun together! Well, most of the time, until they have to share, or play a game... lol... But they do enjoy eachothers company and had a lot of fun together. Vinny keeps asking when they get to have another slumber party. He can't wait!

A season of giving.

2011-11-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

Through work, I was introduced to this amazing service organization called the Lions Club. I had always heard of it, but never really knew much about it. After going to a few of their meetings, I decided to join. They do wonderful things for our community and help out in so many ways. Throught the Lions Club, I learned a lot about the need to volunteers and donations to our local food banks. I knew that there was a need, but didn't really realize how much of one. I recently started to volunteer at the Lake Stevens Community Food Bank.

When I saw that Vinny's school had a food drive, I was excited to be able to talk to him about it and get together some donations. Now Vinny has always been very generous. He always wants to put money in the moneyjars he sees and is always excited to drop stuff off at Goodwill or do donate to different things. We have talked to him quite a bit about how some people aren't as fortunate as we are and he seems to really understand and have compassion for the situation. When I told him about the food bank and the donations he was all excited to go shopping. We went through our cupboards at home and got a bag full of items. We headed to Walmart and I gave him a $10 and told him to go ahead and pick out what he wanted to donate. He picked out all of his favorites. Rice, spaghetti, corn bread, ramen, applesauce, and fruit cups as well as some other smaller items. He was so proud. I was so proud. It was a great experience for both of us. Not only did he do something to help others, but he practiced his math skills, as well!

He wanted me to take a picture to show his dad all the stuff he bought!

New Hockey Lessons

2011-11-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Vinny has gotten pretty bored and frustrated with hockey lessons at Comcast, so we decided to look into other options. He really wants to play hockey, not ice skate, as he puts it. We have tried to explain to him that he has to learn to skate first, but it is just "too boring." After some asking around and some research, we found out about the sno-king beginners in Kirkland. We decided to go ahead and try out. Vinny LOVES it!!! He actually gets to take his stick out and hit around a puck. He feels like he is practicing hockey and it so excited to be going there. He still has about 3 more weeks at Everett, so for the time being, he is going to both (plus doing gymnastics,) but he seems to enjoy the Everett one more now too, because he knows that he gets to use his stick too... Here are some pics from his first session.

Bad cell phone pic... oops!

Go Tips!

2011-11-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

TIme for our annual Silvertips/Lincoln picture!

Here is the link to see past pictures of him... http://lifeasvinnysmom.blogspot.com/2010/09/wow-how-hes-grown.html

Vinny's school projects

2011-11-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here are several pictures of Vinny's projects that he has brought home from school lately. If you click on them, you can see them better. Vinny has proven that he really hates to color and isn't really into the whole art thing. He loves to draw race tracks and maps, but that is about it.

2011-10-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

Lately I have kind of been addicted to a new website called Pinterest. (http://www.pinterest.com/) It is full of great ideas! I have tried several recipes, and some crafts and have a ton more that I can't wait to do. I thought I would share some of the things I have made so far...

The photo on the banner of my blog was from a picture that I saw on there ....

Rules to Follow picture: I still need to frame this.

I love you this much card: Vinny made this for Tony for Father's Day.

I love you because picture: I love this. I write little messages to Tony and Vinny in dry erase marker and it wipes right off.

Ruler Growth Chart: My favorite thing. I didn't really make it thugh. My father in law did. (Thanks Dan!!!!) It has Vinny's height from birth and I can't wait to keep it up as he grows.

Puffy Paint: This was a puffy paint project that we did that was a lot of fun.

I can't wait to try tons of other ideas I have found on there!

Dad & Me Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Vinny's school does a special night where the students and their Dads get to go to school and carve pumpkins. It is a fun night for just the two of them and Vinny had so much fun!

52 week project - week 41

2011-10-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Friday night was Pink the Rink at the Everett Silvertips. It was an event to raise money for breast cancer research. The Silvertips ended up raising over $78,000 that night! Here is a pic of Vinny and I showing our support!

yes, I am behind...

2011-10-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

I realize how far behind I am in blogging. To be honest, I have been working a lot of later nights, and just been so busy, that when I am home I don't have time to spend the time on the computer. It is just so much faster to post pictures on facebook, that I usually just do that, so if you every want to see pics, check there. :)
Vinny has been doing hockey lessons and loves it. He has had 3 so far and the coach says he is doing really well. I keep wondering when he will get bored with it, because what 4 year old sticks to something so much, but he is determined to be on a hockey team.
He also took up a new sport. Gymnastics. He went to a birthday party at Rising Star Gymnastics and loved it. So, he went back for his 1st class last Thursday and wants to keep going, so we are going to let him do that too. It's only once a week, for 45 minutes, so if nothing else, it wears him out.

I love you mom.

2011-10-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize it is sideways, but I took this on my phone... such a good job <3

Speech Update

2011-10-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Vinny went back to meet with Vivian Brade at Marshall to talk about his IEP and speech. He was so excited to go and see her again. In the morning before we left he was jumping up and down in the living room saying "I get to see Ms. Vivian!!!" When she re evaluated him, we decided to drop him down to visiting her once a month for 30 minutes. This won't do a whole lot, but she will be able to give us some homework type things, and just help us to keep on top of everything so that he doesn't relapse.
I am so proud of him for the accomplishments and improvement he has made so far.

Field trip to the pumpkin patch

2011-10-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Last week, Vinny's school went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. Tony was able to take the time off of work to go with him. They both said that they had a great time. Vinny picked out this pumpkin.

52 week project - week 41

2011-10-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

52 week project - week 39

2011-10-15T19:29:00.001-07:00

52 week project - week 38

2011-10-15T19:27:00.001-07:00

Oops... missed a couple of weeks.

52 week project - week 35

2011-10-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

He's famous... again.

2011-09-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Remember a few years ago when our little hockey fan was on a Silvertips Ticket?

http://lifeasvinnysmom.blogspot.com/2009/09/go-tips.html

Well, today we picked up our ticket books and what did we find ?

Vinny on a coupon!!!

Vinny's 1st day of Pre-K

2011-09-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Vinny started pre-K yesterday. He is going to Bethleham Lutheran Christian School again and has the same teachers as last year. Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. T. He was so excited to go to school. He was excited to be able to say he was in Pre-K and to see his old friends and to make new friends. Tony left on Sunday to go hunting for a week, so Vinny really wanted me to take pictures so that he could show his Dad how cool he looked on his first day.

Before we left...

I was shocked that he was actually in a picture taking mood, so I took advantage of the situation...

When we got to school he found his best buddy, Donovan, right away!

As we were waiting in line to go into the school, I see Vinny staring out in the parking lot. I look up and look who is there! Tony came and met us so he could be there for Vinny's 1st day. He was so excited to see his Dad! I don't think I have ever seen Vinny so happy to see him.

When we picked Vinny up he said that he had made some new friends. He didn't know any of thier names, but one had a green shirt ;) He said that school was the "funnest thing to ever do." He came home with a fruitloop necklace. The paper said that he had laced 23 fruit loops. Last year on day one of pre-school he had laced 4. So if nothing else, he has learned a little more patience over the last year.

I am looking forward to seeing what is to come over the next several months. We are very excited to see him so happy to go to school and hope that it continues.

Update on us...

2011-08-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy the last couple of months, and I haven't been able to blog. I really miss it. I have so many stories to share and so many pictures too! Hopefully I will have some time soon to do it all.
I was promoted to Retail Banking Manager at work. It has been great so far. It's a lot more work and responsibility, plus I haven't hired my replacement, so I have been short staffed since the of June. This has meant a lot of 10 hours days, and when I am home, I have been trying to spend as much time as possible with Tony and Vinny. By the looks of my schedule though, life won't be back to normal until the beginning of the year. It's a sacrafice, but will be worth it in the long run (At least that is what I keep telling myself.)
Between small trips here and there camping, going to the ocean and just hanging out at home, we have still managed to keep our happy little family happy and our sanity intact.
Vinny has a lot going on too. He has been doing ice skating and just found out that he gets to start hockey lessons in a couple of weeks. He also starts pre-K soon. He is going to the same school and has the same teacher. He is so excited for both.
Tony has taken up archery and hunting. He is actually gone now for 5 days in Eastern Washington deer hunting, and will be going with my dad soon for elk. He is really enjoying himself with it, and I am happy to see him have a hobby that he enjoys.
There has been a lot going on in the extended family too...
Linda gave us a scare a couple of months ago with a heart attack. Thank God she is ok. She's not at 100%, but she is a trooper and pulling her own. I have no idea what I would have done if things had turned out any differently.
Reidar graduated high school, and went off to college at WSU. I can't believe it. My baby brother is growing up. We are so proud of him though, and can't wait to see him at Thanksgiving.
Berit and Stuart tied the knot! What a beautiful wedding!
Sandie and Rob got married too! We are so happy for both of them.
I am sure that there is a ton more that I forgot to mention, but Vinny is bugging me to go out and play... and so off I go! Keep watch! I hopefully will start updating more often soon!

Comparison photo

2011-08-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

August 2010

August 2011

52 week project - Week 34

2011-08-31T17:50:00.001-07:00

52 week project - Week 33

2011-08-31T17:49:00.001-07:00

52 week project - Week 32

2011-08-31T17:48:00.001-07:00

A bit blurry... but still us!

52 week project - Week 31

2011-08-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

52 week project - Week 30

2011-08-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

What can I say... some weeks are better than others....

52 week project - Week 29

2011-07-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy hectic for us the last couple of weeks, so I missed week 29 of Tony and Vinny.

but here is one of Tony and me....

A new bike.

2011-07-11T07:30:00.001-07:00

Vinny got a bike from my dad for his 3rd birthday. He rode it a few times, but really wasn't that interested. We would take it out every month or so, and he would say he didn't like to ride and that would be the end of it. Well, since Tony and I have been walking, we decided it was time for him to try again. We hadn't taken it out this summer yet. When we got to the trail, we realized that he was way too big for his little 12 inch bike.

So off to Toys R Us we went. He picked out a bright one! He was able to ride it so much better, and he really enjoyed it!

We are looking forward to more walks now, so he is more willing to go with us!

52 week project - Week 28

2011-07-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Birch Bay Waterslides.

2011-07-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a day off work, so I decided to take Vinny to Birch Bay to go to the waterslide park. We had so much fun! Vinny went on all the slides that he was able too. He wasn't a big fan of the tube ride, because his face got splashed, but he was a trooper and went twice with his mom. ;)

The four big slides in the background of this picture where our favorites. My guess is that we went down them 25 times or more. I was exhausted!!!

4th

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

We usually do something big for the 4th, which I really thought I would miss... but this year we stayed at home, and it was great! We had debated on going to the big fireworks show in Everett, but Vinny didn't seem very interested, so we decided against it. We took a trip to Boom City to see my friends Mike & Cy, and they hooked us up with a ton of small, backyard friendly, fireworks that we knew Vinny would enjoy. We BBQ'd salmon and corn for dinner and just hung out.

Vinny with his popper gun.

Smoke bombs.

Safety First!!!

Once the sun went down, we were shocked at the awesome show that we had from our own backyard! Both on the side of us, and behind us had great fireworks!

Playing with sparklers

More sparklers...

The Grande Finale!

What a great day!

52 week project - week 27

2011-07-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Playing video games.

Taking a snack break between fireworks.

Happy 4th!

What a week!

2011-07-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, for me anyway...
For the last year and a half, I have worked as an assistant branch manager at Cascade Bank. A lot changed this week. First of all we merged with another bank, and now we are OpusBank. This is super exciting. It will be a great change for the employees, and a great change for our customers and our community. With all the negatives that have happened lately with banks, especially community banks, I am proud to be a part of a bank that is actually changing for the positive! I am excited to see what is to come!
Not only did our name change, but my job changed too. I was promoted this week to the Branch Manager of my branch. My new title is Retail Banking Manager. I have been working towards this goal since I started at Cascade. I have to admit, I am very proud of myself, and I am looking forward to doing more training, and keeping my branch running strong!
I want to thank everyone for all the support that you have given me to help me get here! I have the best support from my husband, my family, my friends, and the wonderful people I work with!

52 week project - Week 26

2011-07-02T21:30:00.001-07:00

52 week project - Week 25

2011-07-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Oops, not doing so well at getting a pic with each of us... I need to get back on this...

I love you because...

2011-06-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

I recently saw this idea on pinterest.com and fell in love with it, so I had to make one myself. Mine isn't nearly as neat or cool as the one I saw, but I still love it!

The picture says "I love you because __________________" and you use a dry erase marker to write in a message each day. So fun!

Ice Skating

2011-06-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Vinny has been taking ice skating lessons for a few months now. He is in his 3rd session of lessons and loving it. He is doing such a great job too! He goes on Monday evenings for a 1/2 hour. He started March 14th, and we are so impressed with the progress he has made so far and so proud of him.
We ask him after every session (every 6 weeks) if he wants to go through lessons again. He always says he does, because he wants to play hockey when he is 5. At this rate, we are sure he will be ready to start Hockey lessons in January. I love that he has a goal, and is taking skating seriously, so that he can get to that point. We have made the decision to never push him when it comes to sports, and to just let him try what he wants to, and stop when he wants to, or continue if he chooses. I am really suprised that at 4 he continues to want to go and has not gotten bored with it yet.

Video taken today.

Video taken 4.11.11 - Just for comparison.

52 week project - week 24

2011-06-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sharing a mini watermelon. Don't know why Vinny is wearing goggles.

Being goofy on Father's Day.

Awww

Play hard = Sleep Hard

2011-06-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

52 week project - Week 23

2011-06-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

These were taken at the ice caves.

And just for kicks...

So Awesome!

2011-06-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

When I came home from work the other night the house was empty. I waited for a few minutes when the from door opened, and this is what I found! Not my 1st choice in haircuts, but he loves it and thinks he is "so awesome!"

Go Canucks Go!

2011-06-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Tony and I took off work early to head up to Vancouver to watch game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Vancouver vs. Boston. It was an amazing event. We gathered in the streets with 40,000 plus other fans to watch the game on two jumbo screens that they had set up downtown. It was awesome! An night that we will never forget.

Here is an article about the event and the fans. The Province - Your Stanley Cup Resource

Easy Freezer Bag Ice Cream

2011-06-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in Family Fun magazine and we decided to try it last night. It was so yummy, so easy, and so fun to do as a family! With just a few ingredients, and less than 10 minutes, we homemade ice cream!

This is a bad cell phone picture, but Vinny was really enjoying it!

Directions: Combine 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 cup half and half and 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla in a small ziplock bag. Seal it really tightly. Put a 1/2 cup of rock salt (it says table salt works too, but we didn't try it) in a freezer ziploc bag and fill the bag 1/2 way with ice. Then put the little bag with the mixture inside seal it tightly and shake! You have to shake for like 5 minutes. You can feel the little bag and tell when the ice cream thickens. Then take the little bag back out and enjoy! I will tell you to have a towel ready because the condensation on the bag makes a mess when you are shaking, but other than that it was mess free and super easy.
If you try it, I would love to hear your comments and experience with it!

52 week project - Week 22

2011-06-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Marysville Health Fair

2011-06-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, we met Jennie and the boys at the Children's Health Fair in Marysville. It was great to hang out and catch up, and see Jennie and her boys. We all had a nice time.

They had a Silvertips booth there, where Vinny got the try on Kent Simpson's gear.

Blowing bubbles with Cameron.

Couldn't pass up a shot with Lincoln!

Putt Putt!

Camping with Dad

2011-06-06T21:24:00.001-07:00

On Friday night, Tony and Vinny decided to go camping... in our backyard. We don't have a firepit, so they made do with the camp stove for smore's. Vinny had such a great time, that he has been asking every night to go again!

Wow, do I feel old.

2011-06-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

My baby brother turned 18 today. I can't believe it!!

Happy Birthday Reidar!

Craft Time!

2011-06-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

First I want to thank the blog Sandy Toes and Popsicles for this fun idea. She had a bit more talent than us, but it was a lot of fun to do. Go to this website for the instructions to make this homemade puffy paint.
http://sandytoesandpopsicles.blogspot.com/2010/07/homemade-puffy-paint.html

My little artist.

Vin's creations.

Mom had to get in on the fun, too!

Picnic Point

2011-05-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

We decided to head down to Picnic Point to go for a walk and burn some energy.

Looking for crabs.

Tankfest

2011-05-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

We went to Tankfest at Paine Field today. Vinny has been begging to go and see a "real life" tank, so when I saw the event, we couldn't pass it up!

He actually got to hold a bazooka today! If you have been around Vinny lately, you will know that he is obsessed with Bazookas. This was quite exciting for him!

Watching the parade with the tanks.

52 week project - Week 21

2011-05-30T15:13:00.001-07:00

Go Mariners!

2011-05-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to our first Mariner's Game of the season. Jason and Kenda went with too. It was a very exciting game. Not only because it went into 12 innings, and we won against the Yankees but because of the crazy fans! They had 4 people run out onto the field, once of which was a streaker! There were Seattle Police, Alcohol enforcement and employees everywhere. It was fun to go and have a date night with the hubby, but the laughs as all of this happened made the night a bit more fun!

I think this is one of my favorite pics of Tony and me together!

Here is a pic of some of the police that were in front of our seats.

Vinny's cool moves..

2011-05-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Vinny was digging the Billboard awards.

Just hanging out...

2011-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

52 week project - week 20

2011-05-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Nap time!

Reading Llama Llama books

I don't know why he refuses to look at the camera.

Last day of school.

2011-05-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my little guy is old enough to be graduated from pre-school. It seems like it was such a quick year! Next fall he will go to the same school, but will go 4 days a week and will be in Pre-K.

Getting ready to leave for the last day of school!

I couldn't decide which picture I liked better, so you know me, I had to post them both.

Vinny and his teacher Mrs. Cunningham. That is the flower that he got her to say "Thank you"

Vinny and his teacher Mrs. T.

We received a book from his teacher with projects and random papers from throughout the year, including the end of year progress report.

In the book it shows that in September 2010 - Vinny was 37 lbs and 3 foot 4 inches tall and in April 2011 - Vinny was 41 lbs and 3 foot 5 1/2 inches tall.

On his progress report he got all great comments and was able to complete everything that he was supposed to be able to, (and more!)

For a special treat, when school was out, I picked him up and took him to Jennings park for a picnic lunch and to play for a few. I was on my lunch break, so I didn't get to spend a lot of time, but I wanted to be there for his last day. After that I dropped him off at his friend Donovan's house for his 1st official playdate. He couldn't believe that I was going to just leave him there without staying with him and was so excited! He says he had a great time and he can't wait to go back!

Just for comparison, this was Vinny on his 1st day of school.

Goin' Platinum!

2011-05-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

At my work we have this award called Platinum Club. There are several ways to qualify for it. They give away the award each quarter, and then again annually. If you win for the quarter, you are invited to a celebration breakfast with the Management team of the bank, as well as the other winners. For 2010, I won the quarterly Platinum Club 3 out of 4 quarters. To me, it was a major accomplishment considering I started the bank 4th quarter of 2009. So the 1st quarter that I was actually eligible to win, I did! Those of you who know me well, know that I love to be on top and love to win, so this was very exciting for me.

I soon found out that I was also the winner of the 2010 Annual Platinum Award. With this I was invited to a dinner out (it was at Terracotta Red in Everett) and a small bonus. Here are a few pictures for the night.

Caorl Neilsen and me. Carol is our bank president.

Vern, Myself, Michelle & Susan. These were a couple of the other annual winners.

I wanted to share this because to me, this is a major accomplishment. I won this annual award for my sales after only being with the bank for 14 months. After leaving my last job, I was feeling a bit deflated, and this has helped me to see that I still can thrive.
Last week I received and email saying that I had won, once again for 1st quarter 2011. The breakfast is this coming Thursday.

Photo Shoot

2011-05-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

I went up the lake today with Reidar to take some pics.... It was super sunny out, so it was hard to get many without a bunch of shadows, but here are my favs.

Had to sneak one of my boy in there too...

And one with Grandma

Back at the house jumping on the trampoline.

Outback Kangaroo Farm

2011-05-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Vinny's school had a field trip to the Outback Kangaroo Farm in Arlington on Friday. http://www.outbackkangaroofarm.com/

It was such a cool place. I can't believe we haven't been there before!

Vinny and his best buddy Donovan.

Group Hug!!! That is Donovan and his grandpa with Vinny.

The babies were so cute!

Braeden with the baby.

Donovan with the baby.

And of course, Vinny with the baby.

Can't forget your own kangaroo to bring home!

52 week project - Week 19

2011-05-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Watching a movie together.

Early morning shot. (I took 2 pics with Dad this week... need to make up for the ones I have missed)

Good Morning!

Reidar's Prom

2011-05-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Rei had his prom last night, so I took pics before hand of Rei, Jaynie and their friends.

My Mother's Day Suprise

2011-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

The one thing that I ask for for Mother's Day each year is a stepping stone that Vinny made. This is the one that I got this year. I love the face that he put on it. I also have to point out that the long blue one towards the bottom. It's a bazooka... You know, because every butterfly needs one of those. ;)

52 week project week 18

2011-05-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day! I remembered before bed that one: I hadn't gotten a picture with Vinny on Mother's Day, and two: that I hadn't done my project picture this week, so here is a quick shot before bed...

Oops, no Daddy pic this week!

March for Babies

2011-05-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

I did the March for Babies walk for the March of Dimes today. It is always a fun walk. Our team was able to raise $1255! It was a great day, and although it was wet, it didn't rain.

Nell, Deborah and Sam from my work.

My mom and Vinny

As always, he refused to take a nice picture!

After the walk, we took my mom out to lunch for Mother's Day. It was nice to spend some time with her. Love you, Mom!

My OOF SM!

2011-05-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

For the last view months, I have had a secret mom through my online mommy's group. On Friday, I got a package from her where she revealed who she was. It was my Tracey!!! She used to live near us in Washington, and we have met in real life. She recently moved to Cali. She was a great secret pal, and I loved all of her contact and loved my final gift. I had been planning on ordering on of these plaques from Veronica's Closet, but now I don't have to!

Thanks Traci!

A new family hobby.

2011-05-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Recently we started playing Frisbee golf as a family. It is a lot of fun (and good excercise) and the three of us have a blast doing it together. Vinny has gotten so good at throwing. I still have a lot of work to do, but still enjoy it. It's been great for us to get out and gives us something to do that we all enjoy.

Vinny's BFF's Birthday

2011-05-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Vinny has a new BFF at school, named Donovan. They are both obsessed with eachother, and talk about eachother all the time. It is funny too because when they see eachother they run up and give eachother a huge hug. It's so cute!
Anyway, Today was Donovan's birthday party. It was such a great time. They had a BBQ with tons of family and friends, with 2 pinatas for the kids, a bouncy house and tons of food!

Fishing!

2011-05-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

We went up to Lake Riley for opening day of fishing. This was Vinny's first time fishing, and his 1st time going out in the boat. He didn't catch any fish, and only lasted about an hour, but he said he had fun and wants to do it again. Tony did catch 2 trout, though.

52 week project - Week 17

2011-05-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Sis!!!

2011-04-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Not only was today Easter, but it was also my sister's 20th birthday!

Happy Birthday Kara!!!

We love you!

ALIEN!

2011-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't been the best lately about posting Vinny's art projects. (Maybe when I am off this week, I can do that... note to self...) Anyway, I can't pass up sharing this one.

I had to work late the other night, and when I finally got to see Vinny's stuff for the day, he was already in bed. What a suprise it was to find this....

I wondered why Vinny would put 3 eyes on his bunny. I know that he is weird, but he is usuallly so particular about this kind of thing. Well, after talking with Wendy, and then Vinny, I found out that this is an Alien bunny. Not only does it have 3 eyes, but it also has 4 front feet! Oh, of course!!! I see it now!

The Easter Bunny came!

2011-04-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't get pictures this morning of Vinny opening his basket or doing the Easter egg hunt at home... I decided to enjoy it through my real eyes, instead of through the eyes of the camera.

Vinny was so excited to search for eggs. He couldn't believe that the Easter bunny knew that he wanted a bubble gun, the Lightning McQueen that he wanted or that he LOVED Lego Batman!

The Hemrich Easter

2011-04-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

We went over to Dan & Linda's for lunch and an Easter egg hunt. The kids all had a ball, and I think the adults had just as much fun watching them.

Jules

Attempt # 1 at a group photo of the kiddos.

Time to find eggs!

Tony thought he was pretty tricky. We did have to tell the kids to look up high to find it. Vinny was the one who finally spotted it.

The cool shirt that the Easter bunny brought Vinny.

Baby in a bucket! We had Vinny and Jules in the buckets and we were lifting them and giving them "rides."

Attempt #2 at a good shot...

#3....

#4....

I give up! At least of the 4 shots I got cute individual shots of a couple of them ;)

Jennings Park Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to Jennings Park for their annual Easter Egg hunt. We all had a really good time. I have to admit though, it was kind of strange this year to just let Vinny run and go. They said no parents for his age group, so he was on his own.

The rule was onliy 8 eggs per child. It was funny to see Vinny out there counting his eggs, and then putting one back, then re counting and grabbing another, just to count again and put it back again.

Checking out the loot!

52 week project - Week 16

2011-04-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

At the Easter Egg hunt at Jennings Park.

Going for a walk after the hunt.

Decorating Easter Eggs

2011-04-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Vinny made these ones.

Vinny made me a flower one <3

I made him a rainbow one!

Jules's turns one!!!

2011-04-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we celebrated Jules' first birthday! I can't believe he is one already!

52 week project - Week 15

2011-04-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Linda took these... I think they are cute!

Tony and Vinny practicing Vinny's bow.

Sneak Peak

2011-04-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

I went and had Vinny's pics taken... here is a picture taken with my cell phone of a printed pic, so not the best quality, but I LOVE it, so I wanted to share!

52 week project - Week 14

2011-04-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Another week without a pic with Dad... OOPS!

This one was taken early in the morning at the beach in San Diego. We were waiting for Legoland to open and decided to go and take a stroll in the sand, while we waited.

52 week project - Week 13

2011-04-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Didn't get a pic with Dad this week. This one was taken 4/3 while cuddling on the couch in the morning.

Live Butterfly Garden & Ladybugs too!

2011-04-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, we got Vinny a Live Butterfly Garden and a Ladybug Garden, as well. He had been asking for them for a very long time, because he always sees the commercial. While we were in California, the butterflies came out of thier cocoons. The commercial says that you have to let them go, so he couldn't wait to let them be in the outside world.

Here is one of the ladybugs that we let out today, as well. They were not quite as exciting.

And in case anyone is wondering, yes, I am aware that it is very cold outside still and they might all die tonight. But, I would much rather then die outside, where they belong, than in a cage in my living room, and have to explain to Vinny why we didn't let them go in time.

FYI for my family that isn't super great on the computer...

2011-04-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

You know who you are....

Anyway, when I posted my blog, I did it in order that it happened, but when you look at the blog, it shows the most recent one first. If you want to see the trip in the order that it happened. Look in the right hand column. It will say Blog Archive and then list all the posts... You can click on the ones you want to read in the order that you choose to read them.

Good luck, and Enjoy!!!!

Top 5 favorite or more memorable things about my trip to San Diego.

2011-04-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

In no particular order...
# 1 Just spending some one on one time with Vinny. He is such a nice little boy, and it was great to feel like I got to know him just a little better. With the hours I work, I sometimes feel like he is growing up without me, and I am missing things. This was a great experience to get our "bond" back in sync. It really gave me confidence that we are doing a great job raising him.

# 2 How much Vinny missed his Dad & how much I missed my husband. Sometimes I take it for granted that Tony is always there with us. Although the trip was super easy with Vinny, I felt like there was so much that I wanted to share with Tony, and it was hard not having him there for that reason. Vinny wanted to call him every hour or so to tell him about something, and constantly kept asking me to take pictures to show his dad. I guess the whole thing put a little extra beat back in my heart for my hubby, that may have gotten forgotten over the years.

# 3 Vinny being so excited that everyone thought he was Batman when he had his face painted. We would be walking around and you would hear someone say "Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Batman!!!" or "There's Batman" or "Hi Batman!" It would totally brighten his day everytime, and he would get so excited.

# 4 Going on the bigger roller coasters with Vinny and hearing him laugh and scream. He LOVED them, and I loved how much he loved them.

# 5 Seeing Vinny interact with other kids. I see him with kids that we know, but he was just so open and friendly to all the kids that he met, and it just warmed my heart. He really is such a nice and fun boy.

And back to the airport.

2011-04-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

We got to the airport about 2.5 hours before the flight only to find after a bit that our flight was delayed... a couple of times. So, we ended up waiting nearly 4 hours at the airport, which isn't easy to do with a 4 year old, but you know Vinny, he'll find friends anywhere...

When we got on the plane, I asked Vinny what he thought of the trip. This was his reaction followed by "But I really really really miss my Daddy."

Our last day in Cali.

2011-04-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we decided to just explore the town a bit before heading home. We started out at Mission Beach, where we had breakfast in a little place that overlooked the beach.

Then we went hunting for a playground...

That one was boring, so we headed to another...

Then we went to go for a walk out on this pier. It was so long, and such a nice walk.

It has a little cafe at the end, where we stopped to get Vinny a treat.

Can you see the cafe way at the end? Me neither, but it is there.

After that we headed to Old Town San Diego, where we walked through the shops and the open air market.

Vinny had to have a churro! Yum!

Then off to one last playground before having to return our car.

IN N OUT Burger

2011-04-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Those of you from Seattle know have probably tried a Dick's Deluxe with fries at some point... Oh so good! Over the years I have heard about IN N OUT Burger and couldn't imagine that they were anything better than a Dick's burger... I don't know if I would say that they were better, but they sure give them a run for their money. Vinny really enjoyed his!

He even requested that we go back the next day. When we went back we bought Dad a Tshirt, and Vinny got dressed up to go to work. When they teased him about coming and helping out, he took off his hat because he didn't want to work today.

Our last night in San Diego.

2011-04-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

We decided after our nap that we would just spend our last evening hanging out at the hotel. The hotel had a pretty nice pool, where we swam for about an hour.

Then we headed back to the room for to call Daddy.

Vinny asked if I would make him a fort to play in. He took his duck in and was playing. At 9:00 I told him it was time to take it down and go to sleep, but when I peaked in, this is what I saw...

he was already sound asleep.

SeaWorld Day 2

2011-04-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Vinny thought this car was really cool, so he wanted pictures by it.

This little wood square was on the ground and Vinny thought that it was a dance floor just for him. So as we waited for everything to get open, he danced for everyone.

With the Otter

Vinny is really into flowers lately, and was picking the tiny ones in the grass.

This was a huge rope climbing thing... Yes, I climbed up it... yes it hurt.

This ride was boring... he has already done it twice...

That's more like it!

Meeting Shamu.

Vinny really wanted this whale shaped ice cream. Then he took a bite of it and didn't want it anymore. He said he didn't like chocolate... Well, what did you think it was?

After Seaworld, Vinny now has a 2nd favorite animal. Penguins. Elephants are still 1st, but penquins are a close second.

We went and saw the dolphin show. We were much more impressed with the dolphins then we were with the orcas. Plus, we got splashed some, so that made it pretty exciting for Vinny.

Here is the splash to the people in the next section. Those dolphins have some strong tails!

After the show we headed over to the seals.

Vinny decided to get brave and feed them... He wouldn't touch them when he could see the fishes eyes, so I would have to put them in the tube and then he would push it through.

We took the sky ride over they bay... twice. Vinny liked it so much that when we got to the end he told the lady that we were staying on again, and off we went!

We headed over to the Sesame Street 4 D show, and either Vinny is way too old for Sesame Street, or he was a tired little guy, because he was out cold about 2 minutes into it. It was one of those interactive shows though, so as soon as they squirted water at him, he was wide awake!

After seeing how tired he was I decided to call it a day and we went back to the hotel for a nap.

Legoland - part 2

2011-04-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Legoland also had a water park that we went to for a bit, it was a great place for Vinny to run around and burn some energy while getting to play in the water.

He loved the waterslides!

They had a tube river that he got to ride on.

Back to the water slides!

Here are a couple of pictures of pictures that we had taken while on roller coasters. I will scan them in when I can so they are better quality, but at least you can get the idea.

Vinny saying goodbye to his Lego family...

See, it was like Tony was there all along.

I have to admit, I was a little jealous of his lego mom. ;)

This is outside as we were leaving... That is Vinny standing on the hill in the middle.

So for all of you will little ones Vinny's age, I highly recommend Legoland. It is definetly geared towards younger kids (age 4-10) and there was only a few things that he couldn't do because he was too small. I can't wait to take him back there in the next couple of years. This was by far our favorite part of the trip.

Legoland - Part 1

2011-04-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

Legoland was AWESOME! We can't wait to go back!

Yes, that is a lego elephant.

Na Na Na Na....

....

BATMAN!!!!

We went to Duplo land...

Vinny really wanted to go on the little train.

Then he wanted to know why it was so boring. ;)

Then we headed over to the Volvo Driving School where Vinny got his Driver's License.

Followed by a helicopter ride.

He really thought this guy was funny.

In Lego Indiana Jone's Cave. We had to walk through and look for big keys in the cave. We didn't find them all, but he did find the "white" key at the end, which really excited him. He tells everyone he talks to about it.

Checking out the periscope to see where we are headed on our boat tour.

Panning for gold. He had to find 5 pieces, and when he did he got a gold metal.

The had one of those games where they have a bunch of rubber duckies, and you have to pick one, and whatever prize is listed on the bottom, that is what you got. He got a Bad Duck. He absolutely loves this duck. It went on rides with him, he slept and ate with it...

Lego Dragon (and Vinny with his duck)

Lego Donkey (don't forget the duck)

Mom had to hold the duck while Vinny went on the big slide.

This was one of the rides that shoots up in the air, and then bounces up and down. I went on it with him the first time, but then he went on it by himself.

There he goes up!

He was laughing so hard, (I am sure the duck was, too)

Big Robot thing that he thought was super cool!

Bob the Builder

And Wendy too.

My batman even found Batman! (After this, his Bad Duck became Batduck)

Random Lego design pics.

Lego Starwars

Vinny bought this Lego Easter Basket to build too.

More to come....

Legoland is so much fun... even before you get in the gates!!!

2011-04-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

They had this lego family outside that Vinny thought was so cool, because it looked just like our family. I don't know when we added a little baby in a stroller to our family, but he didn't care.

They gathered all the kids in line and had a big octopus parachute and played a bunch of games, while the parents waited. It was actually pretty cool of them to do.

Let's go!

Tuesday Morning at the beach

2011-04-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

After Vinny sleeping for nearly 12 hours on Monday night, we ate breakfast and were excited to head over to Legoland. It didn't open until 10, so we decided to make a stop at one of the local beaches.

Monday at SeaWorld

2011-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

After our flight, and lunch, we checked into our hotel, and then decided to head over to Seaworld.

Getting ready to get "soaked" by Shamu!

I think Vinny was getting bored with the show by this point.

Off to the splish splash park.

Then we headed over to the little zoo like area. Vinny loved this big lizard.

We called it an early night, and headed back to our hotel.

Good Night!!!

Our OOF GTG with Teresa, Emily & Sophia

2011-04-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

When we first got down to San Diego, we met up with one of the mom's from my online mommy's group. Teresa and her girls me us at a place called the Corvette Diner. It was pretty cool. You were taken back in time to the 50's with poodle skirts and singing and dancing.

Vinny loved Emily!

It was pretty much impossible to get a nice picture of the 3 of them...

Isn't Sophia the cutest?

They had an arcade there too.. Emily gave Vinny a run for his money at air hockey.

Once again trying to get a group photo.. and failing...

Funny story about the balloons... Sophia sat on hers, and it popped. Vinny let go of his and it flew away... so Teresa and I tooked the tear eyed kiddos back inside to get new balloons...

I just wanted to say Thank You again to Teresa and the girls for such a great welcome to San Diego. It was great to meet you guys, and I look forward to keeping in touch on OOF! Vinny just loved Emily and told me that he is excited to have another penpal like Logan.

Vinny's 1st Airplane Ride

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Vinny's 1st airplane ride was an early one. Our flight left at 6:00 am so we left our house around 3:30. He was such a trooper in the airport. Tony wanted to get him a Southwest Airlines plane like the one he was flying in. This is the one he picked.

The kid can make friends anywhere.

San Diego, Here we come!!!