Daddy's Field of Dreams -

This Sunday we also had the fun opportunity to watch Daddy play in a recreational football game with the guys. Six of his local buddies played on a team against some guys from the next town over and a good time was had by all. The boys and Mama went over and watched the last "quarter" of the game and were really enthused by the realistic game that we were treated to. There were kick offs, downs, blitzes, called plays and scoring. All the guys seemed to have a great time and the boys just loved watching Daddy, waving from the stands and sitting in the bleachers. When all the game was over we stormed the field, told Daddy how proud we were and took the opportunity to let the boys run a few plays. They are very into watching football on TV with Daddy and have perfected their "touchdown" fall down for the end zone and celebration dance. Perhaps one day when I am the mother of future Eli and Patty-Pie we can look at the photos and laugh remembering the day.

Oh and David (and the other guys) did all walk away in one piece - although Daddy limping ever so slightly from a really long punt. He seems to have nothing worse then a little soreness to complain about after the excitement of re-living all the Glory Days. Thanks guys we really enjoyed the show. XOXOXO

Turkey Day Fun -

We had a blast at Thanksgiving with the four of us, Aunt Deb and Uncle Sean, Uncle Sean's Parents and Ev, Dinesh and Kanan from the city. We all dined on David superb turkey and enjoyed sides and pies supplied by each of us. The meal was delicious and so was the elegant company. The boys loved having a full house for the holiday and really got excited about an opportunity to eat at the "kiddie" table (the one from when Deb and I were little) to eat on. In addition to a great meal there was time sitting by the fire, a couple rounds of pool in the basement and of course football.

The day after turkey day Mama had lunch with Auntie Alex from DC - this is our annual tradition since she is two towns away visiting her husband's family in NJ. We had a nice ladies luncheon, got our nails done and even did a little early shopping with the masses. This is also the un-official start of gift opening as Alex was kind enough to bring the boys a little gift that was greatly appreciated. We like to spread out the excitement around here of course.

Saturday was another treat as we all traveled into the city for a brunch/reunion of our NYC urban family. There were four families in all and five children (Alex being the oldest at 3 1/2 so you can imagine the little ones). We feasted on a delicious brunch made by Ev and enjoyed the merriment of seeing everyone. After brunch we all walked down to the park behind their building to let the babes run around. The park was great and made even better by the fact that the elevated train went right by every five minutes allowing the boys to yell train and wave to all the people riding by. There were also planes, helicopters and a view of the GW bridge so they were overdosing on all of their favorite things in real life. They are already begging to go back to Evs and honestly with all the fun and other kids, who can blame them.

So much to be truly thankful for ~ XOXOXO

A Real Birthday Circus -

ADL went this week to a birthday party at a new gymnasium with a circus like theme. It was so fun and ADL really got into the swing of things literally. There were about 15 kids there all running around and at first was worried that the excitement would be too much for the little guy. However he rebounded in a BIG way playing with the most adventurous of the group. There was large trampolines, a trapeze that fell into a large pitt of foam, zip line, an obstacle course and of course the group activities like the parachute (not Alessandro's favorite still). It was so fun to watch them all hopping around and having such a ball. Looks like we might have a new idea of what to do on the upcoming spring birthdays??? Thanks Collin - Happy Day! XOXOXO

The BIGGEST Party Day -

In one day our little guys had three fun parties to go to and we are completely warn out by all the excitement. On Friday last we had a party at school for Thanksgiving in the morning, lunch with our friend at the indoor playground (mostly a mess due to AHL being tired and worked up from the treats) and a night time "Dance Party" pizza event at school that night. WOW! Yes it was really quite exciting.

At the class party AHL and Mommy arrived to find everyone in their handmade Indian head pieces dancing around - cute but perhaps not very PC. Afterwards there was a snack of healthy fruit, a parade of musical instruments and special Thanksgiving books and games.

At the Dance Party that night - we dined on pizza and then got ready to party with a DJ and everything. The kids all danced around in circles on the dance floor as the DJ spun a mix of Lady Gaga and Barney (I kid you not with the selections). The kids all got inflatable instruments, sunglasses and light necklaces - so it really was like a "toddler rave" of excitement. Daddy made it for the last part of the party and got to see all the fun..... Great times! XOXO

Late November Updates -

As we prepare for Thanksgiving we remember just how much we have to be thankful for. Each day the boys are exploring their world in new and exciting ways. They love to color and be creative - at school, home and Sunday School and of course just running around being the very active boys that they are. They have three local parks that they love to go to and slide, swing, climb and play take out where we all order food from ADL and he fills the orders and makes change (think they go to drive through too much?).

We have come to the end of the cycle at the Y for swim class and gymnastics but both will start up again next week. ADL will be bumping up in his swim class to Pike II after he has shown great progress with his swimming -so exciting. Nino just loves to go to gym class and just run around in circles until he passes out from all the excitement. So much fun to have a special time with just him -

Auntie Chrissy visited us from the city and we treated her to an outing at "Chuck E Cheese." Yes Mama caved after hearing about this magical place form the commercials on the television that got ADL so excited. The place itself was fine and nicely divided between games for big kids and little ones so even though it was crowded it did not seem like they were getting stepped on. Inside there was a play area and of course games galore that they could participate in. They seemed to get it as a whole and collected tickets for prizes before we left (a rocket blaster that they absolutely loved). Chrissy was a real trooper and helped Mama follow the boys running around and smiled while we were eating literally the world's worst pizza ever. HA!

As we roar into Advent - we are trying to keep remembrance of what the holiday season is about - even though it is hard when they are so cute working on their Santa list and perusing the catalogs to make sure they have not misses anything - so much to look forward to. XOXO

November Fun -

Can anyone else believe it is November yet???? We are having some Fall Fun out and about with the boyz. We have had some fun play dates at the "Awesome Park" with Colin and Chase (two of Alessandro's friends from school) and a play date at the house with Joshua who is a favorite of both boys because he is ever so slightly older and sophisticated (as in he eats his chicken nuggets whole and does not require then to be cut up anymore).

Alessandro continues to love school, reading class and swimming. At swim they have promoted him for the next session to Pike II which is the next level up. In layman's terns this means that he can swim half the length of the pool alone (remember folks he is wearing his bubble floatie belt we are not preparing for the Olympics) and put his face in as he paddles. Ms. Christine has really been working hard with him which is great since he is sometimes an awkward giraffe with those big long limbs of his. There are only three kids in his class which has been amazing since he gets lots of one on one time with the teacher. As school ADL has been working on special art projects for Thanksgiving and has added Music to his very busy schedule. During music "Mrs. Lisa plays the keyboard and sings with me" which sounds great. He loves to sing, dance (thank goodness he has moves from Daddy) and practice all his new information like the weather, shapes and days of the week. Also I have caught him doing a little "reading to Nino." We both agree that this is strictly memorization and the product of being read to a little too much (if that is possible) but still it is exciting that he loves it.

Antonio is a little burst of energy and continues to be a lot to keep up with. Nino actually refuses to go into the stroller any more and wants to trout along next to brother which causes problems because he will not always hold hands and is likely to break out into a full on sprint at any moment. Urgh! On the bright side he still loves gymnastics although has recently started being shy with Ms. Dana the teacher which is hilarious because he has never been shy ever before. Nino also has so many new words that it is mind blowing - some notables include tunnel (as in running back and forth between Daddy's legs - or driving in the car), Christmas (as in I want that for Christmas) and carry me. All very complex thoughts but great for communicating exactly what he needs. The photo of him with the blond is at a book signing for one of his favorite books "the light in the night" - he got to hang out with the author and she signed a special book just for him - see Meggo soon you will be taking him to the "book festival" with you.

Yes the photos are from a recent trip to Burger King (he it was a favorite hang out for me and Aunt Deb). The boys ate lunch, played on the indoor play ground (followed by lots of purell of course) and even had time to crown each other as princes of the "order of the King." Very impressive and they now prefer the Duke of Nuggets and Duke of Fries with Ketchup as their official titles. HA!

On a great last note - PopPop and Grammie are back from their Grand Adventure to cruise Europe and back. The boys were so excited for their post cards and to plot along with Daddy where they were. They are eager to go back - perhaps next time they will let us all stow away in their bags???? Happy Friday! XOXO