The Zoo ...

I've gone to the zoo plenty of times before, but I've come to find out that the zoo is the most fun with my kids! We took the kids for the first time on my 30th birthday back in December. And it was great fun.


Well, this past week I felt like we were get back into the swing of things after my sister's wedding. Now that Gabriel is 9 months old I feel like I'm finally at a point where I can do stuff with the kids by myself. We are in a groove, we know how to work with each other. So, now that life is beginning to feel "normal," I decided to try the zoo with the 2 kids by MYSELF! We have a pass and it's up in June, so I might as well get some good use out of it while I can! Well, we had a great time and the kids were so good. I packed us a lunch, I got in a very good walk uphill and downhill, and for being so good, Aitana got some ice cream in a cone! I loved every minute of that special time I got to spend with my kids and I just hope I have the stamina to do it again!

Saying hi to the "zebas"



Enjoying the ride

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's day for our family is not a typical celebration for us. We have an unusual, but very special, tradition that I hope we always keep. For the past 3 years we've gone "up the hill" with my aunt Madeline to visit my cousin, Melissa. Melissa is my aunt's only child and she died 4 years ago on St. Patrick's day. It was a hit and run and the guy who did it had been recklessly celebrating the holiday. Our lives were forever changed that day, but every year we visit and celebrate her life. It makes me sad that my children never got to meet Melissa and I know she would just love them to pieces. But we have such a special time with Tia Madeline every year.

Tia Madeline giving Aitana big hugs

Gabriel's 1st St. Patrick's Day

The kids favorite place to sit and dance.

Tia Madeline just loves it.

The Wedding

So, my sister's wedding was just a beautiful event! Everyone had a blast. We were so busy leading up to this day and we were truly blessed. The weather called for rain and seeing that the ceremony was outside, everyone prayed that the rain would hold until we were inside eating. And it did! As soon as everyone got their food, it poured rain! What good luck. Here are a couple of pictures from that day ... enjoy!


The happy couple


The family


Aitana doing her thing ...