First Day of School, Aug. 24, 2009

Today my baby girl started Kindergarten. I knew this day was coming but it got here fast! I was nervous, but she did so great. She was a little nervous at first, but then she got so excited to see the classroom and meet her teacher. We toured her classroom together, took some pictures and then she was off on her own. They had the kids go outside and play while we had a parent meeting, then as I was leaving I saw her lining up with the other kids. I started to get a little teary-eyed, but no crying for Mommy! She saw me, waved good-bye and that was it! So proud of my girl.
Ty was off to 5th grade...it was the first year I didn't walk him to his classroom since I had to be with Zoey. But it was no big deal to him...and after school he said he felt like he'd been in school a month already! Mario started his junior year in HS...11th grade. I still can't believe that...he's growing up in a fine young man. He didn't come home until after football practice, about 6:30. So he had a full first day.
My kids are growing up....it's bittersweet.

Happy Bday Zoey!

Today is Zoey's 5th birthday! Can't believe it's here. She starts kindergarten in less than two weeks, and it's a little sad for me. My last baby is off to school!
She had a great day today, Hello Kitty waffles for breakfast with her best cousin/friend Taryn and her brother Tyler. They played all day and then went to their first soccer practice!
She opened a few presents and is enjoying some one-on-one time with Mommy and Daddy since her brothers are both at birthday parties tonight for their friends. We will celebrate more on Saturday! Happy Birthday Zoey! love you!

Santa Cruz Pics and Video

We had a great time in Santa Cruz! Tyler absolutely loved the boogie boarding...he really got into it! Mario did it, too...but he wasn't as into it as Ty was. Too cold for him, but Ty didn't seem to mind that! The girls, Zoey and Taryn, had a great time in the sand and surf....it was very relaxing and fun to see everyone enjoying themselves. It was great just hanging out with my family!

Santa Cruz....

Well we had a great time last week in Capitola for our anniversary....quality time together, which was very much needed. We walked a lot, slept on the beach and had cocktails on the wharf....watched the seals and the pelicans do dive bombs for their food! It was a great way for us to celebrate our 10 years together! When you think of what's important in life...it's that we have each other, the kids and our families and friends. We're grateful for that, and vow to spend as much quality time as possible with everyone. The kids are growing so fast, and I want to enjoy every moment with them. Sometimes it's hard when life gets so busy, but we're going to focus on that! And our time alone was a necessity, too...we vow to try and do that more often also!
So we're going back, or close by....to Santa Cruz with the kids, my mom and my sister and my niece Taryn! We'll hit the beach and let them play and build sand castles, go on some rides, walk the boardwalk...should be fun for one last quick getaway before school starts!
These are memories I want to build for the kids to have of their childhood, trips to the beach, quality time with the family.