Just a Ducky Day!

I had an orientation meeting for the new season with my Moms in Motion Group at Elk Grove Park today. I was asked to speak to the group about why I joined MIM and why I keep coming back. Boy, I really had to think about it! So I came up with a Top Ten list and I think it was a hit. Everyone enjoyed it, as I did creating it. Perhaps I'll turn that into a blog post some day.

Since Dominic spent the night with his cousin, I brought the other two boys along and they had fun target shooting with bread pieces at the ducks and geese. Thankfully no one was goosed this time.

A River Runs Through It...

Last week the boys and I met up with some awesome friends and cousins to play in the water. This is the first time my kids did NOT want to leave! They were having so much fun and getting so wet. Devin has now become a friend with water and is enjoying water parks a lot more now, thanks to this little trickle of water....

Blogging Hiatus

... yep, I'm on one! So for now, you get some random photos...

Blowing bubbles!

Devin, in the doghouse again!

Brothers and buddies.

Brother-in-law Ben and his girls, on Father's Day.

This is how we do it. Go to GOAL!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dominic!

I have an 8-year-old!!! Can you believe it?

Last Day of School

Today was Dominic's last day of Second Grade. The school year flew by fast. I can't believe I will have a 3rd grader on my hands beginning in August. It's going to be quite the change around here as Donovan heads off to school too. The boys are growing up way too fast!

I really enjoyed Dominic's teacher this year. Mrs. Davis is such a dedicated, patient, faithful, giving and kind person. She always seemed so calm while educating 31 students. Quite a feat, I'd say!

Oh Joy, Another Boy!

It's been over a week now, and we're finally getting used to our newest addition... and HE is getting used to us. We acquired Caesar last Sunday and are slowly learning to live with a puppy in the house, as it's been nearly 5 years since we brought home Roxy. Sadly, her life was too short. This little almighty Caesar is an American Bulldog with equal parts Johnson and Scott bloodlines. We are anxious to watch him grow and be a wonderful family companion. So far however, he's got some social skills to work on.

The boys are loving our little comedian most of the time. Dominic seems to need a little training himself, as he isn't much of a dog person, just tolerates it... or not. Caesar is very fond of socks, slippers and pants on children. He's quite the nipper at times, but expect him outgrow the habit. He does well (for the most part) in the house and is becoming familiar with our routine. We do have to get up a couple times at night for potty breaks but what's any lack of sleep around here?

Caesar's safe haven - between the couches
and under the end table.

Gone Fishin'...

Okay, not really. However, we did enjoy a fish-themed playdate last week and had a ton of fun. Donovan, Devin and I met up with two other moms for a visit to the Capitol Aquarium here in Sacramento. It's a not-so-huge fish store for all types of fish enthusiasts. They have both freshwater and saltwater fish, rare fish, tropical fish, bubbly-eyed fish, catfish and scary fish. The boys were very observant and even got to feed the koi fish that welcomed us into the store.

With one mom leaving due to an appointment, Susan (with Scarlett) and I (with the boys) headed to Old Sacramento for some fishy treats at Joe's Crab Shack. I had never been there, always wanted to go and took this opportunity and went! What a fun place this was! We were seated next to a window overlooking the Sacramento River, and much to our surprise, a sea lion was perched out on the dock. We were told this was "Ernie" by our server, only later to find out it's actually "Ernestine". After our meal we took the kids down for a closer view of Ernestine and her happy little dock.

What? We got there on the wrong day?

Scarlett was a bit braver than the rest of us.
She was willing to try this tentacled calamari!

On our way to see "Ernie".

We strolled Old Sacramento and raided the candy store for some old time favorite Salt Water Taffy. With our loot in hand, we walked to the Westfield Mall to let the kids play in their kids area for a bit. Soon it was time to head back to our cars as we both had older children to pick up from school. Devin fell asleep in the car. Mission accomplished.

May Daze

So it's only Week 2 of the month of May, but I've got a folder full of photos already! Are you ready? Here we go!

We celebrated Dominic's First Communion on May 1st. It was a beautiful day and we had a great celebration after Mass with family. Thanks to Grandma and Papa for the wonderful tamales. It was a feast!

Dominic with Fr. Moroney

Our Family

Dominic with his Godparents, Philip and Patty.

My nieces: Sydney, Bianca and Peyton.

Summer hasn't started yet, but the sprayparks have!

First of the season! We now have about 6 green tomatoes hoping to become ripe and edible before the birds find them. Here's hoping!

The wind does crazy things to a head full of hair!

Guess who???

Pizza my heart!

I love feet... sometimes! Can you name them all?
(Clockwise: Always spotting Bianca's toes (at 12), Peyton, Sydney,
Donovan, Matthew, Dominic and Kalyn.)

Hot Diggity Dog!

Like Father, Like Son. Just look at these men manning the grill for Mother's Day. Work it! Or, shall I say, "Grill It!"

Donovan, as is.

Some high flyin'!

Dominic, hanging out.

Sydney has a chat with her Dad... probably about scary movies.

Wait! There's more!..
Stay tuned....

My Birthday Bash (Smash?) Weekend!

It was nearing the end of Dominic's Spring Break from school and with my birthday falling on a Saturday, our family went on a short getaway and had the best time, despite the expense and the bruised tailbone injury I faced. It was a full weekend. The boys experienced snowboarding, snowtubing, miniature golf, swimming and bowling - all within hours of each other. Where else can you get that?

We got out of Sacramento at a great time on Friday, the 9th, and headed toward Reno, where we'd stay for the weekend. We stopped at Soda Springs for some fun in the snow. It was our family's first EVER snow trip. The boys haven't ever been to, or played in, the snow. BRRRRRR... what an experience. After a few months of preparing for this day, we had more than enough "gear" to layer onto the kids. Funny how a ski resort's parking lot becomes a huge tailgating party while everyone attempts to bundle themselves and their kids up. We were there well before the crowds came in and it was absolutely gorgeous out. Although a bit chilly at first, once that "nip" burned off, we were very satisfied with the temperature and even started taking layers off because of the warmth of the sun. We enrolled all 3 boys to play at Planet Kids. Donovan wanted to try snowboarding and here was the perfect opportunity. Dominic was surprised to find out that he was going to be doing it too. Smile! Devin, too little to do much, was giddy with just having a snowball built into his hands to throw at his dad. Papa and Grandma Avila were with us to help catch the kids as they came down the hill, whether on snowboard or tube. After a few hours of fun, it was time to refuel our bodies (tailgate party!) and take all of our layers of clothing off (potty time!) and begin the rest of our drive toward Reno.

Stopping at Boomtown, the kids were able to play games in the arcade and try a round of miniature golf. Finally arriving at our destination, we learn that our hotel room is on the 23rd floor and we have conjoining rooms with the inlaws! The kids thought that was fantastic! I'm not sure the grandparents did! Rudy set off to purchase some milk for our stay, while I finished unpacking and getting the boys ready for bed. I was ready for bed soon after, just exhausted and a bit sore from my tumble down the snowpacked hill that the kids insisted on climbing.

We hit up McDonald's for breakfast the next day. What a treat! The boys thought "hot cakes" were an awesome treat to have at McDonald's. They are good breakfast eaters, most of the time. We then took a small road trip to see the Animal Ark Sanctuary. After a mile of a dirt and gravel path, we were pleasantly surprised at what a neat place this was. Obviously not a world famous zoo, but a chance to see wildlife up close and learn about the different species common to our area.

Back again to the heart of Reno, where we visited the Grand Sierra Resort. Here we were able to enjoy a round of bowling as a family, while the grandparents tried their luck at the slot machines. Dominic and Donovan were tickled to be playing their parents in this sport. The grins on their faces were priceless. To see their mom lack any bowling skills was exciting for them. I think I will request that the bumpers be placed in the gutters next time we play, not just for the kids, but for me! I tried to blame my poor score on my tailbone mishap, but they weren't have it. Dominic won the round and Dad fell to a close 2nd Place.

Donovan (L) and Dominic (R)
Devin views out of his stroller window. What a clown!

As if the day wasn't exhausting enough, the kids begged to go swimming. What was I to do? Take pictures I suppose! These water lovers had a splashing good time with dad while I held a camera and raised my blood pressure at the sides of the pool.

Mr. Independent

Loving the personal jacuzzi.

Deep in thought.

I finally got a few hours kid-free to spend with my hubby for my birthday. Grandma was able to put all of the kids to bed (yippee!) while we went out for a buffet dinner and played a few slot machines. No big jackpots here, but no significant losses either.

The threat of yet another winter storm (this 2nd week of April!) forced us to leave pretty early on Sunday morning. It was a smart move as we beat the blizzard-like conditions on the road. It was still a pretty drive home. I'd say it was a successful getaway!

Leaving Reno, heading toward home.

Definitely cold!

Zippity Zoo Days

We're loving our zoo membership and are becoming very familiar with the residents there. Some of our favorites are in the slideshow below. As you can see, the male lion and the snow leopard were very photogenic one day. As the giraffes get accustomed to their new exhibit, I hope they'll come closer to the public for some good picture taking. They are amazing creatures to watch. The boys' favorite are the gibbons. They are fun to watch and mimic their unique call. Yes, I've got a few monkeys on my hands!

Special treats for my sweets.

March Madness - Round 2!

And more of our March Madness (before it becomes May) ....

Wheee ..... times 3!

Such a good poser!

The climbing cousins.

We went with Gertie to the dog park. I'm not sure who had more fun?

This new yoga position is called "Dog Tired".

Just cruisin'

And sliding...

3 boys on 1 beanbag and no dog :(
(looks like Donovan let loose with his pants) HA!