The Happiest Place on Earth

No...not Disney World. For Dominic, it's the mall play area. He LOVES this place and can keep up with the big kids! If you saw him in action at the mall play area, you would never believe he is only 15 months old. I know, everyone says this about their child but he really is beyond his years when he's playing and climbing on the zoo animals and slides. I love taking him here and seeing the joy on his face. Thank you, God, for giving us this little guy.

Here I go...

No fear...down on his belly.

Right back up for more!

He loves the tunnels!

Halloween Weekend 2011

We kicked off the weekend on Friday night at a fall church festival with my sister and her family. The kids had fun! There was so much to do...horse back riding, cookie making, donut eating contest, fishing, bonfire, bounce houses and more! It was so busy and I had the baby with me so I only have a couple pictures from the evening.


On Saturday, we went to our first ever Boo at the Zoo with our friends Cindy and Sarah. Dominic stayed home with the baby so Giana and I could have some girl time. What a fun day with more horse back riding, a T-Rex tattoo, candy and animals!




On Monday morning, G had her school party and parade.


And Monday night was trick or treat! Giana's BFF, Sarah, came to our neighborhood for the first hour of trick or treat while Dominic handed out candy. Then I came back and took over the candy duty and Daddy and Giana went out to get more goodies. Our cute little lion (and the cutest lion EVER!) didn't make it out to get any candy. He wasn't feeling well so he spent the evening in bed. Next year, little man!

Giana turned 5 (Again!)

I can't believe how behind I am in making this post but better late than never. Dominic's parents and sister threw Giana a birthday party in Cleveland at the end of September. Helping us celebrate was lots of family, close friends, good food and even a clown! Fun day! Super blessed with Dominic's great family!

Our golfer on her invitation.

Yummy deserts and a rainbow cake!

Mommy, Daddy and Giana

Face painting for all the kids. Giana doesn't like having her face painted so she had her hand painted instead. She chose the planet Saturn. (That's my girl!)

Grandma's doll bed that she had refinished and new bedding made for Giana.

Giana, Dee Dee and Dominic

Quite possibly my favorite picture ever. I laugh HARD every time I look at this. She wasn't real sure about being the clowns helper but she was a good sport.

Enjoying the clown show.

Grandma, PaPa and Giana

Hush Little Baby

I love watching my babies while they rest. I bought "Bun" for Giana when she was just a few months old. Until recently, Bun went everywhere with us. Now, she just sleeps with him.
Dominic's parents found the blue version of "Bun" and it was a gift from Giana to Dominic when he was born. He prefers and looks for him when we lay him down for bed.

Lots of Craziness

Here it is in 100 (or so) words. My mom had a hip replacement and has been staying with us while she recovers. While her hip is doing well, her stomach and mind are not (from the meds.) Every day is a struggle. Dominic's mom has been in the hospital (ICU tonight) with many problems and no end in sight. We've all been sick. My stress level is way high and I'm trying to keep it together since being a mom never ends. We remain hopeful that our mom's will turn a corner soon. With all of that being said, time and energy are non existent these days so here's a quick recap of our life over the past six weeks.

Apple picking and hayride with our friends, Cindy and Sarah. Super fun day!


Making our first apple pie. It was yummy!

Lost in a nine acre corn maze with our five year old daughters and my 14 month old son. We didn't call 911 but we did cut through the corn when the baby started with a meltdown. I handed the baby to Cindy and snapped this cute pic. We found the entrance after about an hour and exited there.

Dominic hooked us up with a room at the Hilton Easton. The baby was enjoying some room service.

Night swimming with Sophia and Luke

Settling in for bed with Mom Mom.

Dominic and I took the kids to a pumpkin farm. They had fun with all the activities.

We've had a couple warm days so we just had to play baseball in the back yard. Yes, that's a pink bat. (He's a second child. :)

Pee Wee story time at the library.

Baby playgroup. We meet every couple of weeks. Dominic likes his new friends!

Go Browns!

This pumpkin was at the stadium. Guess it's weight and complete the form to win a prize. Giana completed her form and guessed 10 pounds. They never called us.

Outside the stadium. It was a beautiful day.

Just Dominic

The many sweet faces of our baby boy over the past couple of months. He turned 14 months old today and we now have a walker! Mommy and Daddy are in love.

First Day of Pre-K

Our baby turned five on September 6th and then started a new Pre-K on September 9th. She's growing up so fast and turning into a smart, caring, loving, mature little girl. She was so brave and there were no tears this year. She's carrying my heart in that back pack. Please Giana, handle with care. Mama loves you, baby girl.

Giana, 9/9/11

Giana and Daddy

Mom Mom stopped by to watch Dominic while I took Giana to her first day of school.