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.