Halloween

Halloween came with much anticipation from all of us, and it was a blast. Though Sarah has a lot of costumes to choose from, the cheerleader is what she picked. (She was too scared to go with anything else). I hope that Ron and Donna (who bought it for her) are happy to know that this was chosen over the Steeler one! Marco went with the Lion.

It is pretty close to impossible to get a photo of both looking at the camera and smiling together...


Marco's first Trick-or-Treat


Rah-rah-rah!


Checking out the loot... Sarah had fun playing with her candy. Yes, just playing with it. Poor thing has parents that didn't let her have even a taste of candy. Luckily, she didn't even ask nor think anything of it. I doubt we can get away with it again next year, and fully expect all goodies to be gobbled up immediately.

Ohiopyle

Today we dropped everything, and went to gorgous Ohiopyle. We had a wonderful day, with perfect weather. The beauty of the Laurel Mountains this time of year is so impressive with the changing leaves on the trees.





(side note: this bridge over the Youghiogheny is where Chris first told me he loved me when we were dating)

Summer's End

Sarah loves going to the store Garden Ridge to look at Halloween decorations... She calls it "The Big Store". I can't believe they have Christmas out in September! If you are oddly in need of a black Christmas tree, they have it here...


Marco started crusing this past week, and is fearless with his newfound mobility.


Battle wounds on the forehead: the lovely bruising that comes with crawling...


Sarah checking out the end of summer deals...


I'll take this photo as a hint that he is ready to eat...


Resting on the princess chair...

Dress Up

We went to get professional photos of the kids the other day. The photographer suggested prior to the shoot for the kids to wear matching solid colors. (Did you know that prints on clothes takes away from their faces? Neither did I?) I actually went out and bought something for Marco for the occassion. (I know, I know... frugal-penny piching-all money must be saved for the kids- cheap mom broke down and didn't use a hand me down for this one!) On the shopping trip, I was bummed that I couldn't get a cute sweater vest because they all had prints on them. But, I ended up loving Marco's button down shirt so much that Chris is surprised I ever took it off him. Who says buying for boys is not as fun as it is for girls?



9/11/09

Happy Second Birthday, Sarah!

The second birthday is fantastic! It was awesome to Sarah so happy about it, and see the light in her eyes on her special day. Thank you to all who came to her party to celebrate!

For the second year in a row, Sarah declines a birthday hat, putting it on Nonna instead.


Nonno's love sure is special to her.


Sarah adores her friend Abby, who shared in her fun.


Opening gifts and cards, this girl was in heaven!


Sarah was so excited when Chris brought over her princess cake as everyone sang Happy Birthday. (And I admit, I surpised myself by tearing up a bit here!)


Yep, it's true... We let her eat cake and ice cream! Grandma was in her glory!

Sarah loves her aunts!

The other Birthday Boy, C.J., and Marco. Cousin C.J. and Sarah share the same birthday, 24 years apart.


Mr. Smiley

Playing Together

Crawling Around

Marco has been officially crawling. He is also pulling himself up from sit to stand. I now need eyes on the back of my head...

Idewild Park

Sarah's missed nap and rainy day took some of the fun out of our trip to Idewild, but it was a good time. We are excited to take the kids to the Waterpark part of it next year. This park is awesome for little kids!

Surprise visit

My brother Marco had a plane to catch in Pittsburgh today, so he took the kids and I out to dinner.

It was wonderful to see him... I miss my brother! He is an orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and is so busy that it was great to have some time together. I admire him, just like my other brother, for his big heart and brilliant mind.

It was a great day!

Our neighbors

These guys like to hang out in our yard a lot.

Mystery Diagnosis

Please tune into the Discovery Channel's Mystery Diagnosis on August 31 to see one of my two surgeon brothers, Tony.

I completly idolized Tony growing up. He has it all... brains, brawn, and personality. What is most striking though, after you look past his kind heart, is his determination and strong work ethic. He really made a great example as an older brother...

Congratulations, Tony!

The Zoo

Marco's Christening

This day is up there on the top list of favorite days in my life. Not just because Marco is baptised, but also to be in a moment where you are at the church and thanking God for the gifts of your children. The same priest that baptised Sarah at St. Paul's also performed Marco's christening. I bought the very traditional long christening gown and bonnet for him (not shown in photo). The outfit above is what came under the gown. It was so fun to buy something for such a special day. Marco was trying to be a ham during the actual ceremony - grabbing for the priest's book. When we headed toward the altar for the ceremony, I could hear Sarah from the pew shouting, "Marco, Birthday, February." 殺

Look out, Tiger!

Chris's secret wish is that our kids will share his love of golf with him. He recently bought Sarah her own club, and has been teaching her to hit balls on our lawn.

It's never too early to start training for the LPGA.



This is what a future golfer looks like, before he can walk.

Fun at the Country Club

Thanks to Jeani and Mike, we had a fabulous time in N. Canton, Ohio at their beautiful country club. I can not tell you how happy Chris was to golf...The poor guy is in withdrawl. The kids and I had a great time at the pool with Jeani.

Marco had a good time playing poolside and getting his toes, feet, and legs wet in the water.

Sarah had a blast in the pool. She couldn't get enough of the water. Even when she was shivering, with goosebumps from head to toe, this fish did not want to get out of the water. She had so much fun with her Aunt Jeani! Thanks Jeani and Mike for having us!