February 2014

We took a trip to Virginia this month. Didn't do much of anything interesting, but Joe was a big fan of Uncle Steve. Fondness for the men in his life is definitely a theme for our little guy. 

My poor baby had a bad cold and was very pathetic for a couple of days. 

The kids have to find something to do to stay busy while stuck inside from the bitter cold!

These next two pictures were taken on the same day, hard to believe. And cute, I think, regardless of mood!

Gianna and I both got our hair cut at my salon. How cute is she here?!

My sweet baby boy. 

In house hunting news, we have a buyer for our home and have found a new one. We're set to close in early April. It's all happening so fast, I can't believe it. Fingers crossed and lots of prayers to be said that all will work out well in the sale and purchase!

January 2014

As I think the whole world knows, the northeast has had lots of snow and some frigid temperatures. Here we are all bundled up to prove it. I can't tell you how glad I am that Gianna's bus stop is just yards from our front door and I can leave the boys at home for 3 minutes while I take her there. (Don't worry, Joe is always safely strapped in his high chair while I'm gone and Mark kindly entertains him there!)

I almost didn't buy Joe any major winter gear since last winter was so mild, but I'm sure glad I did, for both practical and cuteness reasons. 

He's always happy when Gianna gets home. 

Joe is always sneaking into silly places. Here he is under the kids table with cheerios on his chin. 

I said this on Facebook, but I'll say it again. I think he's too happy for the dark side. 

 Here's the proof of all our snow. 

He says, "Look people! I can stand!"

 Gianna started fencing lessons. How cool is that? She's the little one. The coach is so good! Firm but kind and has high expectations.  It's amazing how much and how fast she is learning. 

In other news, we've decided to put our house on the market and look for a home closer to Doug's work. The commute is getting to be too much for all of us. Rather than wait till summer and potentially miss out on a great buyer for our home and finding the perfect new home, we decided to go for it now. If we have to move during the school year, we will. I definitely have mixed feelings about this. I love our little town and especially love our neighbors. I can't even bring myself to think about how much I will miss it all when/if we move. 

December 2013

I'm too lazy to put these in order and blogger makes it too difficult anyway, so here's our Christmas cheer in no particular order. 

Our three munchkins by our decorated tree. 

Joe in his Santa hat. He kept it on forever, much to our surprise. 

Mark decorated a gingerbread house at his school's annual event. It's so fun sampling putting on the decorations!

Gianna had pajama day at school. Looks comfy!

Mark's class had a little concert. Gianna did the same thing when she was in preschool. It's so adorable.

Their happy place! Joe just loves being with Mark and Gianna...especially in Gianna's bed!

Christmas morning!

 We left right after Christmas to go to Binghamton. Visiting cousin Tino and Great Grandpa (among others) is always a fun time!

 And now, back to decorating the tree. 

Joe gives Christmas a round of applause.

Decorating the gingerbread man. He's so delicious!

This little guy is pretty mobile for just being an army-crawler!

He sure loved these shakers. 

Nonna and Pop-pop came on Christmas Eve for the big feast (along with some dear friends of ours, and I, of course, took no pictures) and so were here for the big reveal Christmas morning. Grandma and Grandpa met us at Mass Christmas day so we could have more presents after they arrived! All followed by another delicious meal. 

It was a lovely Christmas. Our first one in our own home since before we had kids. I have to say, I missed the chaos of all driving and visiting we do in Virginia to see lots of family and friends, but it was definitely nice to have a very relaxing couple of days at home. 

November 2013

We're getting a little ahead of ourselves here, but weren't they so cute dressed up to see Santa?! They did that in early November, so it only seems like I'm ahead of myself.

Joe LOVES his bath!

Gianna and Mark love playing in the leaves. Can't say I blame them!

Joe fell in a basket...I guess he liked it there. 

 Thanksgiving was at Aunt Jenny's this year. 

We almost lost Joe under Nonna's couch.

Gianna lost her first tooth! Very exciting time! She was so desperate to lose one and join all her friends who've had tooth fairy visits. The tooth fairy wrote her a letter, Gianna couldn't have been more pleased.

So sweet after his bath!

Finally, our big boy turned 4! He helped make his cookies to share at school. He loves to help bake ("Tasting time is my favorite," he says). And I made a pretty awesome (if I do say so myself) wolverine cake to share with his cousins over the weekend. We love you Mark! You're the best 4 year old I know!