Swimming in November

Swimming lessons in November. Giana enjoyed her first lesson and will be going two times a week for one month. She has two instructors and both missed the little boy who was in over his head and in need of some help. The life guard intervened but I thought for a split second I may be getting wet! (fully clothed) Needless to say, I won't be going out for a Starbuck's while Giana is at swimming lessons. It should be an interesting four weeks!

There's my little princess on the far right who refused to sit on the second step. That's my girl!

The only one not on her belly kicking. She's way more interested in those slides! Do you blame her, though? They look like fun!

A whole lot of catching up to do...

I can’t believe that I haven’t updated my blog for over two months! I do know where the time has gone and we have been busy! Giana turned three on 9/6. It’s hard for me to believe that my baby girl is three years old. I’ll just admit it right now…we had two parties for her. Why did she need two parties? Because I wanted to give her two parties. Yes, I’m one of THOSE mom’s…so let the gossiping begin. Party #1 was for the kids and party #2 was for the family. All that matters is that Giana had a “curiously” fun birthday this year.

In early October, we headed south to visit my sister in South Carolina. My niece turned 9 and my nephew turned 3 so more birthday celebrations were in order. While we were there, we visited a local pumpkin patch and the kids had so much fun. The weather was perfect and it was nice to enjoy the warmer weather even though it was October!

We were only home for a few days before leaving for Maryland to visit more family. This time the weather wasn't so nice and it felt like April...rain, rain and more rain. We still had a lot of fun with all the activities...visiting Katie's (my niece) horse farm, first time bowling, watching Katie's volleyball team and shopping. Giana was convinced that she was part of the volley ball team and even helped to make posters one evening during practice. While Giana has flown many times in her short life, this was the first time she remembers flying and had her own seat. She was thrilled to be on an airplane and thought the entire experience was so much fun...except when she didn't want to give up her shoes going through security. I finally convinced her that she would get them back.

Back home again for a few more days and yet another trip to pack for. This one was a girls weekend in Chicago. My friend Erin and I went to the rainy...I mean windy city for a few days and we had a great time. Did I mention that it rained? I think I took the rain from Maryland right to Chicago with me. We walked every inch of the city and saw the Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, Riverwalk, John Hancock Building and much more. Maybe after my children are grown, I will convince Dominic to move to Chicago. I think I could be happy there!

Up next was Halloween! It was a fun week with pumpkin carving, visiting a local pumpkin patch/farm and trick or treating. Giana was the cutest black cat I've ever seen!

September and October were full of fun. Along with all of the traveling, we were able to squeeze in a visit with Dominic's brother when he came to visit from Atlanta. Giana loves Uncle David and it was nice to see him. We also celebrated Dominic's Dad's 70th birthday and our wedding anniversary. So many parties...so many things to celebrate. Happy anniversary, Dominic. I love you.

For now, our suitcases have been put away and we have no plans to travel over the next few months. While we had the best time traveling cross country, it's time to settle in, enjoy a few quiet weekends with Dominic and Giana and get ready for the upcoming holidays. Christmas really is my favorite time of year. I look forward to decorating our tree, making cookies, shopping, visiting with Santa and celebrating the season through the eyes of our child. There's nothing quite like the joy and innocence of a young child at Christmas.