Fun in the Sun

It's difficult to believe July is almost over!  We've had so much fun this past month, we've rarely had a day to relax at home.

July 4th weekend was spent at Grandpa & Grandma's house in Buena Vista.  It started with a parade, with lots and lots of candy!!!  After snagging more sweets than at Halloween, we visited with Uncle Carl, Aunt Jane and cousin Matt before heading back over to G&P's for some quiet time.  Dinner was spent at Quincy's with Prime Rib and Mac 'n Cheese enjoyed by all!  Baby Frankie ended up  falling asleep before dusk, and TJ was too tired for fireworks, so Mommy, Daddy and Grandma walked to the trail in the neighborhood to see the show from the fairgrounds. 

The next morning, the TJ, Daddy, Grandma and Pa got up dark and early to hit the lake for some fishing.  TJ was a big helper, and they all had a great time.  TJ had fun casting his line and reeling it in, before his fishing pole took a dunk in the lake.  Mommy & Frankie II joined everyone on the boat a few hours later, and the fun continued.

We wrapped up the weekend with a little Reno family tradition - feeding the chipmunks at St. Elmo.  It was both Frankies' first time, but TJ was a pro.  Baby Frankie had more fun throwing the seeds at the chipmunks, and Daddy was a little weirded out by the whole thing!!!

Since we've been back, Saturdays in July have been busy with gymnastics, basketball and birthday parties.  TJ continues to excel at gymnastics, and he really likes his coach.  He's also returned to the b-ball court, although the setup is a lot different than Hoopster Tots in San Francisco.  Because of that, TJ was a little overwhelmed his first practice & game, and it was rough, to say the least.  But this week, he really came out of his shell.  He did great during the dribbling and passing drills, and when he got the ball in the game -- he went into turbo mode!  He was dribbling and running all around, at top speed, and with a smile on his face!  It was great to see.  TJ also got some good passes in, and was awarded one of two medals after the game.  The look on his face was priceless.

The boys enjoyed celebrating Clara's third birthday last week, and TJ's best buddy Jack's fifth birthday this weekend.  It was a beach party, with lots of water fights, a bounce house and a great time.  They also had a fun visit from Aunt G this week, and it's safe to say, both boys wore her out!

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday, at lunch, TJ looked up from his plate of mac n' cheese and said, "Ahhhhh, Home sweet home."  It's true.  After three months of craziness, Parker is once again feeling like home.  The boys have settled into school, and we're all staying very active -- TJ's in gymnastics, a theater group called RatCo (Random Acts of Theater Company), and he's getting ready to start basketball in a few weeks.  Both boys were able to take part in the Parker Days Parade and represent their school.  Grandma and Grandpa were there to wave as the float went by.  And TJ took the stage with RatCo and performed at Parker Days on a Saturday afternoon. Cousins Ross & Carole were in town from NYC, and we had a great time catching up with them! TJ did an amazing job in front of the crowd -- his favorite routine, of course, was "What Does a Fox Say?" 

Since we live just a block from the main town park as well as main street, where all the action was, the boys spent all four days at the festival.  TJ couldn't get enough of the carnival -- he rode rides every night.  He even got Aunt G and Grandpa on the giant slide -- although he had no problem going down it the first time by himself!  Saturday night, we didn't leave until almost 11.  That night, TJ had a great time hanging with his best buddy Jack, and Frankie even got to sneak on a ride.  We spent Father's Day back at the festival... finishing up unused tickets and finding the pony rides and bounce houses!  It was a fun-packed family weekend, and we loved every minute of it!

Frankie has started working as a Special Projects Producer at Dish Network.  The company puts on a summer concert every year, with free beer, food, prizes and games for kids.  This year, it was capped off with a 90 minute performance by the Eli Young Band.  The boys had a great time raiding the ice cream truck, but apparently, the concert wasn't too loud to put TJ to sleep!  Frankie, on the other hand, would rather mingle with the crowd instead of sit and enjoy the music!

We capped off this weekend with some gymnastics, a fun games and movie night with our RatCo friends, playing outside and just enjoying quality time as a family. 

Celebrate Good Times!

Since moving back home, we've been busy celebrating a lot with friends and family.  It's been such a busy few months, we're just now getting around to writing about it.

Two weeks after the big move, we left the kids at home with Grandma and Aunt G and flew back to California - Southern California - to celebrate Joey's 40th birthday.  Joey and Tara planned a great get-away weekend full of gorgeous views, great food and wine tasting.  It was a nice weekend away, and it was great to forget about all those unpacked boxes waiting for us at home!

We took another break from unpacking and organizing to celebrate Easter weekend.  Our townhome is right next to Parker's big O'Brien Park, so we were able to walk there for the Easter egg hunt.  The boys had their game faces on, and they had a great time.  TJ even won a prize in one of eggs, which made his day.  After the park, we drove over to get the boys' picture with the Easter bunny.  TJ, who has always loved E.B., was super excited.  Frankie, on the other hand, not so much!

Frankie's crying didn't seem to bother the Easter Bunny, he still spoiled the kids the next morning, filling up their baskets and leaving each a much-wanted Stuffie!  Frankie was so excited, he started walking that morning!  Now, we can't keep up with the crazy guy.

Later that morning, we drove to Colorado Springs to have Easter lunch with Grandma, Pa, Aunt G and Pat.  Good thing it was a buffet, because little Frankie was heaven!  That boy can eat, and he loved every bite!

After Easter, things started to slow down a bit, but just a bit.  We've spent a lot of time being together as a family, as well as spending time with Grandma, Pa and Aunt G.  The boys are adjusting to their "new" school, and we're loving this slower pace of life.

It was so nice to be able to hop in the car and drive down to Buena Vista to celebrate Mother's Day.  Grandpa put together a nice turkey dinner and we were able to visit with Uncle Carl and Aunt Jane, too.  The only problem with being in Colorado, is it snows, even in May.  That weekend, we had a big snowstorm, so since Mommy's in charge of weather, we had to head back home early in case she had to work.  TJ decided to stay a few more nights with Ga & Pa, so they gave Mommy her gift early.

TJ and Baby Frankie ended up giving the sweetest gift.  Months ago, Mommy told TJ a story about how she lost her favorite lovey, a pink and white stuffed puppy named Pinky.  TJ's response was, "Mommy, I'm going to find you another Pinky."  And he did!  It was most wonderful gesture from the littlest little man!

The snow melted later that week, and it's been warm weather ever since.  We're enjoying walks to the park, the Farmer's Market and the H2O'Brien water park!  It's going to be a great summer!