Christmas 2011

Christmas and the holidays were so crazy. I loved it but I'm sure glad it's over and life can get back to normal. While it would have been nice to spend Christmas in our new house, we decided to pack up and head to Cleveland and spend it with Dominic's family. Giana made sure to let Santa know that she and Dominic would be in Cleveland. And Santa didn't disappoint. Between Giana's imagination and excitement and Dominic learning to explore his toys, Christmas morning was FUN! Leading up to the holidays, we had lots of Christmas activities including Giana's school Christmas program where she actually participated this year. And thankfully so, because all of her aunts and mom mom came from near and far to see her performance! And we had lots of fun visiting with Santa at Dominic's hotel. He brought the kids little gifts and we ate lots of cookies! Giana loves Santa...no fear. Dominic did pretty well as long as I was in his sight. We'll see how he does next year. Happy birthday, Jesus!

First Trip to COSI

I can't believe I've never taken the kids to COSI (or at least Giana)...until today! We went with Cindy and Sarah (you've probably heard me mention them before...our sidekicks!) and we had a blast! Including baby Dominic! There is so much to do, so much to learn about and it's very hands on. We can't wait to go back!

Dora and Diego Exhibit. The girls loved it!

In a submarine!

Big hair!

This picture makes me laugh!

I love watching Dominic learn new things.

Super fun water table!

He was drenched from head to toe! Next time I'll put a rain coat on him. :)

Thanksgiving Pics...Finally!

I thought I better post some Thanksgiving pictures before Christmas rolls around. So here it is in a nutshell. Spent the holiday in Cleveland with Dominic's family, ate lots of good food (Giana still refuses to eat turkey), G decorated her tree, made a gingerbread house with Aunt Dee Dee, did some shopping (Deanna and I tried to wake Giana to go to Walmart at 10pm on Thanksgiving night but she wouldn't get up. She was very disappointed the next day because she "wanted to shop in the middle of the night") and we went to see the lighting of the Christmas tree in Chagrin Falls. The picture of the colorful turkey was one of many, made with love by Giana (aka our craft girl!) for the place settings at the table. Thankful for good health (my mom and Dominic's mom are both doing great!), family, friends and most of all my two sweet, precious kids. Now...bring on Christmas!

Buckeye Football, Baby!

We moved back to Ohio three years ago and for three years Dominic and I have been talking about going to see an Ohio State football game. We finally went last month and had a great time! Ohio State played Penn State (we lost) but it was still fun! Such an awesome tradition! Both Ohio State and Penn State's football programs have had their share of scandals lately so it was nice to see the teams join together at the coin toss. Super excited that Urban Meyer will now be coaching the Buckeyes! Looking forward to some exciting Buckeye football (and basketball...getting Dominic some tickets for his birthday in January...shhhh!!:) Go Bucks!


(Please excuse the awful, horrible, self portrait of us smack dab in the middle of the collage....but you get the point.)

Dear Santa

Up until last week, all I wanted for Christmas was a new camera. Then, I found out that I could possibly have some health problems and that camera didn't seem so important. Good news, I'm fine and thankful for my health, my healthy family and that I will be here with my children. So, this Christmas, Santa, all I want is time. Precious time to enjoy my kids and husband. God is good.

Mommy and Me Holiday Tea

Making memories at the Mommy and Me Tea with my sweet Giana this morning. Yes, that is Giana with the straight hair. She loves it when I flat iron her hair but I miss her curls. We had a great morning that included tea, pictures, fashion show, skit and crafts. We had to write a description of the girls dresses and they used them while they walked down the runway. Super cute!

"Giana is wearing an off white, knee length sweater dress with a beautiful knit design. Her cream tights compliment her purple , bling, sparkly shoes. She is carrying a pink and silver purse made of gum wrappers. And let's not forget her purple bow that compliments the entire outfit." :)

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.