Kids With Santa

Merry Christmas!

Florida Bound with My Little Lady!

Francesca and I headed to Fort Lauderdale for the weekend to visit our good friends the Tadrissi's. We decided to make a little girl's trip so we could go down and help Bianca celebrate her 3rd birthday! Francesca had so much fun visiting with her friend Bianca, they really missed each other so much. The girls played at the park, made a "lovely" gingerbread house together, partied at the Miami Zoo, made cupcakes together, and  had some good ole fashion girl fun! It was really great for Mommy and Francesca to have some bonding time together, as well as visit my dear friend Heather. However, it is torture on a mommy to be away from her 14 month old baby boy for a whole weekend! I sure did miss my little guy, (and big guy too) but I was really happy for my little girl to get to see her BFF and spend some time together. We sure hope it won't take another 6 months before we can see the gang again!

At the park together.

Making a Gingerbread house.

Pretty ain't it?!

Bianca's birthday party at the Miami zoo.

Happy Birthday Bianca!

Playing with the water misters. Apparently, that's a good time?

Feeding a giraffe! This was really so cool! You got right up and personal with the giraffe.

Carousel rides!

Making cupcakes.

Such love!

Four...4

As I say these words out loud, it chokes me up. Francesca is FOUR! What? How? Why? When did this happen? I blinked, and she is now 4! Our life literally changed the moment the Doctor announced "It's a Girl!" It is so hard to believe that that moment was four years ago. I wish I could bottle that feeling up and keep it with me forever. I still remember the instantaneous and overwhelming feeling of love that I had for this girl of ours, the very first moment I held her. It was so powerful, that I knew my life was changing for the better. Our life was no longer about just the two of us. We had a little life to care for and  another person we were responsible for. I knew that my heart was not my own, and was in real jeopardy of breaking. When you love someone so much, you literally wear your heart on your sleeve. I think that's what Motherhood does to us. Every time they cry, or they get a boo boo, or they are disappointed, or get their feelings hurt, your heart splits in half. You fear everything.. Fevers, bruises, what to feed them, what not to feed them, vaccinations, too much sun, not enough sun.... You just want what's best for your babies, from the moment they take their first breath, that it paralyzes you with fear to think of all the wrong that could happen. Then, sometimes like magic, you stop worrying, and there are the days when you are so filled with joy that it takes your breath away. Days like when you are celebrating your daughter's fourth birthday, and watching her light up as she has a magical day. I love watching her enjoy herself, but more than anything I have so loved watching her grow into such a beautiful little girl. She is precocious, and silly, and thoughtful and loving, and willful and strong and imaginative and creative... My gosh- she's amazing! I am so proud and blessed that this little girl calls ME Mommy.

Tinkerbell herself!

Painting fairy houses.

My other favorite thing... My boy!

A Buggy Halloween!

Our house had an infestation of bugs on Halloween! Cute little buglets that is! Francesca, after very careful consideration (and driving Mommy to the looney bin) decided on a Lady Bug. After passing on numerous costumes like the Cupcake, Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, and I think a policeman was in the mix somewhere, she came to the conclusion that the Lady Bug, was the way to go! Our little guy, after Mommy made a few costume changes, decided on a Bumble Bee. I thought to myself, "what could be cuter than a little Lady Bug and her baby Bumble Bee brother?" The answer to that... NOTHING!!! I know, I know, I'm that totally annoying Mom that gushes about how adorable her kids are, but in this instance, I think I have some bragging rights! :-)

 Bzzzz!!!

The little lady as a Lady Bug!

We went trick or treating with their cousin Chloe, she was an adorable little Witch!

A little sugar before we collect all the goodies!

Mister Man didn't get to walk up to too many doors, primarily because, he still isn't walking! He had fun riding in the wagon though.

Mommy and her buglets.

Daddy has gone buggy!

Happy Halloween!!

The Farm!

Today we ventured north, with some friends and went to The Farm. I was thrilled to learn that we have a little piece of agriculture here in Las Vegas that offered some fall, family time fun. They had goats, pigs, chickens, horses, bunnies all of which the kids could feed and pet. They even had a mini pumpkin patch, a straw maze and lots and lots of home made goodies! We had a really nice morning, and the kids enjoyed themselves... Especially Francesca, with the pony rides and feeding the animals, she was in her glory! We will definitly be making a stop back here, maybe next time, for lunch!!!

Seriously... I could eat this boy up!

Claire, Francesca and Dante.

Feeding a horse.



Loving on the little brother!



I love this picture, the babies look like they are so in love! :)

She was so excited to ride the pony.