It's Finally Fall.... Y'all!

Thank goodness - we've dug into the pant-drawer and brought out our jackets and couldn't be happier with cooler weather around here. With one Fantastic cousin and some fine-feathered friends, we had a blast at today's playdate with the young ones.

Since our last attempt to feed the ducks failed (State Fish and Game's orders!), we were successful at this one! Luckily, the geese were well fed and they didn't "hiss" at us like the last ones did. Sure, I'd be pissed and hiss too if my food supply was cut short! We were hit up by quite a few ducks and geese, but all in all, it was a harmless feeding and everyone played fair.

Down by the Station...

In these times, you gotta love FREE offers! So we took advantage of the Smithsonian's Free Museum Day (on Saturday) and visited our own California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. This is a must-see for little and BIG boys! And I'm sure there's some excitement for girls there too!

Since we were in Old Sacramento, we couldn't pass up the Candy Store. Well, if we did, we'd be $17 richer! The boys each got a basket of their own to choose from the many barrels of Salt Water Taffy. With instructions of grabbing only 2-3 of each flavor, Donovan grabbed HANDFULS of the stuff, not able to read the flavors he was selecting! The ride home was quiet while they had their mouths full of the sticky, chewy goodness. Surprisingly, an early bedtime was had too!

Tuscany Whine and Cousin Time!

Another playdate with Luke; another HOT day for the beginning of FALL! Here we are at the end of September, yet it feels like the middle of July! Seems sort of silly for our church to have their "Harvest Festival" tomorrow with weather like this.

So we met with the partial Fantastic 4 crew at a new (well new to us) park. It was Tuscany Park, hence my title. And we had a little "whine" with it. Get it? Tuscany is a wine, right? The highlight of the play time was watching the double-sided lawnmower cut the grass. The lowlights were the snacks scattered below our feet; a non-reachable drinking fountain; and just some hot attitudes... Nah, not mine!.... just the kids being "turds", as I say.

Devin's Harley

Luke

A firetruck built for two!

My monkey

Again, the monkey!

Friday, Donovan and Devin got asked to go with his cousins to the park for a playdate. It seemed only fitting, since the girls and my boys have gone a week without seeing each other and were going stir crazy - under separate roofs! It was another hot day, so we went to a spraypark. It's not much water, but enough of a mist to cool you down. The highlight of the park is the Pirate Ship and the tire swing.

From turkeys to geese and ducks...

Just some WILDlife we've encountered on the past two playdates with the Fantastic Four....

Just 'Plane' Crazy

This past weekend was the California Capital Airshow here locally. If you weren't at Mather Field at the show itself, then you most likely were aware of the air traffic while around town. We like to camp out at the inlaws for fine viewing of the attractions. Although, I really don't know who/what is flying overhead at any given time. Donovan became an instant fan of the aircraft, noting especially the "fire engine helicopper" and the "fum-der-birds". Just like the 4th of July and his birthday, he thinks we can do this again next weekend.

Soccer Saturday

Well, we "kicked" off our season with a loss, but at least I'm seeing a bit of improvement from last season in Dominic. Perhaps it was the shoes? Dominic's cleats were left at home, so he just wore his regular tennis shoes. Thankfully no one complained (except Coach/Dad). It was a crazy day for a game - a sprinkle here and there, after yesterday's high of 103, you can say it was a bit unexpected. The Six Pack came out to watch our game and kept Donovan and Devin company with tea parties and bunny crackers. Papa and Gertie came out too! I went back to the car to retrieve my camera and got a couple shots of Dominic in action in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

If this isn't "holding", then it's a great Karate Kid stance!

Tea and crackers for two!

I think the tall grass kept him from falling!

After the game, we headed to the Abuelos' driveway to watch the Thunderbirds in the California Capitol Airshow (post to come, hopefully!) We're all exhausted after having cheese and chocolate!...

A Nacho Muchacho.

Why are chocolate "pock-sickles" so messy?

Dominic would rather siesta than watch the airshow.

"R" Weekend - Reno, Ribs, Rides...

... and a WRongway Roadtrip to Mt. Rose!

We had an awesome time on our annual end of summer trip to Nevada for the Nugget Rib Cook-Off. Along with the Six Pack and both of our parents, we kept busy eating ribs, drinking lemonade, swimming in the pool and just sightseeing. We had a great time.

See more pics here.

To cram it all up...

Soccer Seeding games, a birthday, an anniversary and cute kids sum up our weekend and then some.

Surprise! Just 3 practices into the season and Dominic's team played in a seeding tournament last Saturday. Donovan dressed the part, but doesn't have a team to play on this year. He still enjoys practicing with his brother (or, the team, I should say). Papa came along with Gertie on this 100+ day and found a nice, shady spot to see the games.

All geared up to play goalie.

Running towards Papa's jellybeans.

"Gertie"

Donovan took Gertie under control.

The next SUPERSTAR?

Later that afternoon, we went over to celebrate my baby brother's 30th Birthday. After purchasing an end-of-season kiddie pool, the kids had a blast in the frigid, cold, hose-water.

TA-DA!!!


Mom's Starbucks VS. Dad's Smirnoff. Hmmm?

Dominic prepares for the COLD.

Alex is a pro at this!

The Golden Girl... and Boy.

And today marks the 42nd Anniversary of my Mom and Dad. Happy Anniversary to the greatest and grandest parents! We love you!

And... we're off! To Reno or Bust!!! ....