Little Leprechauns...

Andrew...

Austin...

Aaron...

Alexis...

My Lucky Charms :)

Isn't it Great! Andrew is 8...

Eight years ago today my life forever changed when I became a mommy for the first time. And what a proud momma I have been ever since. Andrew never ceases to amaze me as the years go by. His charismatic personality, helpful spirit, kind heart and contagious smile are just a few of the wonderful qualities I love about him. His teachers in school have all said he is an absolute joy. He works very hard and is exceeding all his goals in every subject. He's also becoming quite popular, too. Within a month span he was invited to 4 birthday parties for his classmates. At home he loves playing video games on the Wii or DSi, building his little Lego sets or playing with his army men. He's starting to venture out a little more and has been spending a lot of time at his buddy's house down the road. It's been a little difficult to let him go, just because as a mom I want to keep all my kids close and safe. However, I know he is getting older and needs that independance. And he does so much to help out around the house and does a wonderful job being a big brother, so he definitely needs some breaks away from us. It's just unbelievable how fast he has grown up!
For his actual birthday, we kept things pretty low key. During the day, I brought him Star Wars cupcakes at school to share with his classmates and teacher. That night at home, I made him birthday brownies (he prefers those over cake any day), ordered pizza and we spent the evening celebrating.

The birthday boy posing with his card...

Unwrapping his gift...

Showing off this new game...

Happy 8th Birthday, Roo-bear!!!

Party Animals...



It should come as no surprise that I decided to have the boys' birthday party this year again at Jungle Joes. The kids love being able to run and bounce around, and I don't have to worry about the set-up or the clean-up. And the price is pretty reasonable for a party for all 3 boys! Andrew and Austin each got to invite 8 of their school friends, and I invited our family and other friends. We had a great turn out with 28 kids!!!

Andrew with a couple of his school buddies...

Austin hanging with some of his classmates...

Austin and his pal, Brenden...

Aaron chilling in a bouncer...

Alexis even got in on some of the bouncing fun this year...

The birthday boys with their cousins, aunts and grandparents...

After bouncing around for an hour, it was time for all of us to head into the party room for the rest of the festivities.

Andrew and his confetti stick...

Austin trying to get his confetti to come out...

Party friends...

Singing (please ignore my voice ;)...

After everyone enjoyed some cake and ice cream, it was on to opening up the presents!

Aaron got some help from Papa Krim...

Andrew read all his cards by himself...

Austin chose not to open cards, and hid under a bag instead...

My birthday boys...

The boys each opening up a gift from Aunt Megan and Mark...

Joint gifts from Aunt Patty and Uncle Eric...

Austin opening another gift from a friend...

Andrew opening up his last few presents...

After opening up all the gifts, it was time to pack it up and call it a day! It was another wonderful birthday party that did not disappoint. Thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Turning 30... again!

For my second 30th birthday ;), I decided to keep it low key. That afternoon I treated myself to a pedicure and manicure. Afterwards, I thought it would be nice to get a long overdue hair cut. Well, the simple hair cut turned out to be more like a total hair makeover... that I am still trying to get used to (along with the kids)! As for that evening, I opted to keep it intimate and just go out with some of my favorite girls! My parents volunteered to take the kids over night, so I put on my brand new birthday outfit and hit the town! We started off by going to dinner at my most favorite Italian restaurant, Bella Sorelle. And like always, it was delicious!

Megan and I waiting for dinner...

Deidre, Deanna and myself...

Megan, Mark and Mandi...

After dinner, the girls and I headed downtown to go dancing. And dance the night away we did!

Group shot at the Bull at the beginning of the night...

And another towards the end of the night (notice the date change on the picture!)...

On the dance floor...

Virgilia and I...

Me and Deanna...

Me and Deidre...

Abby and I...

Cheese...

Someone's getting sleepy...

Some sisterly love to end the night...

Fantastic Four...

Four years ago today I got the shock of a lifetime. I walked into a hospital fully expecting to deliver a beautiful baby girl, but instead walked out days later with a bouncing baby boy! Life has never been the same since!

Aaron has taken me on a wild ride with him these last 4 years! It's amazing how much he has progressed in the last year and how much more independant he has become! His vocabulary is very impressive and he's starting to use his imagination more and more. He's really into Legos and Little People toys, but often prefers organizing them over playing with them. He's definitely my little right-hand man for everything and may have a little of my OCD in him... but that's a good thing, right!?! I'm in the process of getting him all ready to start preschool next year, and he's very excited about it so far. He's gotten to meet his teacher and even see inside his classroom. I am very nervous as to how it's all going to be for him since he's such a "momma's boy". I know it's going to be a major adjustment for him... and maybe me, too. I am going to miss our special cuddle time in the afternoon, but I know he's going to be having a blast making new friends!

Since he shares a birthday with me and I had plans to go out, I decided to celebrate his the day before. When Andrew and Austin got home from school, I took the kids out to dinner. Tammy and her kids were able to join us too, which made Aaron even happier!

The birthday boy...

Opening his card...

Aaron getting ready to open his present...

Tearing into it...

He was excited to see Stinky the Garbage Truck...

Happy 4th birthday, little pudge munchkin!!!