Enzo turns 3

It's hard to believe our little Enzo is three years old. He has made our hearts smile with his laughter, joy, silliness and tenderness. He has opened our eyes to the greatness of our lives and to the blessings we've been given. So for his birthday, we decided we'd open some gifts, head to Disneyland for his first time (just Enzo and Mama and Dadda) and then have dinner with family.


A new and improved balance bike. (And helmet.) He's graduated from wooden to aluminum. I have a feeling he's gonna go pro on this one.

After several enthusiastic laps around the house, we departed for Disneyland.

The tramride in to see Mickey Mouse.

We really had a great time at Disneyland. Enzo was apprehensive of many of the rides. I never quite realized how dark and ominous many of the rides are. "Is this pretend, Mama?" he kept saying with his hands over his eyes or ears. This one was fun -- at least for a few moments.

Rewarded for bravery with a big candy! Look at that smile. His "first time visit" and "happy birthday" buttons are his third birthday keepsakes.

The tramride back to the car, in preparation for the afternoon ahead.

And, before we head home, a back of the car pitstop. Still loving his candy!!

Mimi came after work with an awesome bubble maker! Kayden looks on as we prepare to leave for an early dinner.

Enzo loves all the attention! Singing "Happy Birthday" with his self-made ice cream sundae at Souplantation. (His choice: "Where I can eat salad with ranch AND pull the handle on the ice cream?")

Claire being naughty.

Me and my seist.

Papa and Kayden, having a stare-down.

Kissing cousins. Gianna and Kayden.

What, this bowl is EMPTY?!

Little Gia LOVES all you can eat, and all you can mess restaurants!!

And, because I always yell at Claire for ruining pictures with terrible last-minute faces, I am posted it for the world (or my three blog followers) to see:

Happy birthday, my sweet boy, Enzo!

Gianna walks!

Although Gianna really took her first independent steps during the week of her first birthday (in March), and proceded to take a few steps transferring from one piece of furniture to another, today she walked. To her brother. For reals.

And shortly after excitement ensued and cheers erupted from her adoring fans, Enzo says "Hey, look what I can do!"

Walking to Dada:

Moms' Day

What a wonderful morning with my lil nuclear family! They showered me with giggles and great presents. Then, I headed to the IE for some annual musical theater with Mom and Seists.

I finally feel like this mom thing is all mine!

Feels like summer

The weather's heating up, so the kids got to enjoy our whale slide pool. Much better than the bathtub!!

I think she's ready for swim lessons...

S C R E A M I N G with delight.


And, enjoying some post-swimming lunch.

The chameleon: chillin...

curious...

angry...

HAPPY!!

Today, we decided to head to Claremont to visit Josie (and her pool). After begging for two ponytails just like Sissy, I gave him what he wanted. Shrek-like ponytails. Haha.

Claire, Kayden and Gianna.

Auntie Godmother's excited to have company. :-)

Having some snacks.

Thumb's up for a fun, swimming day!

Cousins at the park

We spent a beautiful day together with Claire, Kayden and my mom at Bonelli Park for a long walk and a picnic by the lake. Here, we take a potty break for some silly-face photos. They all took turns for the silly face, but at least this shot had two out of three.

Mom and Max getting all tangled up!

Enzo taking a break from feeding the ducks.

Give her a cell phone and everyone can eat in peace.

Round, sunburned, happy faces.

Happy Easter!

What a wonderful Easter Sunday! After Church, we headed to the Patterson Ranch in Norco for some good 'ol family fun. We changed out of our Sunday best and into dirt-proof, grass-proof clothes and really let loose.


Here, Uncle Godfather, aka Unk, aka my Homie from Monrovie, was shocked and excited by what the Easter Bunny left for him during the HUNT.

Kayden taking a bumblebee break to taste the candy in his eggie.

Enzo the Frog amid the Easter basket carnage.

Gianna took to the bouncehouse for most of the day.

Talking it out with Mimi.

The boy cousins... Enzo, Avery, Kayden and Declan.

Jeff on 4-wheel wagon duty.

What a baller!

And, over the past two weekends, we have paid a few visits to a few Easter Bunnies. One in La Habra and one in San Dimas. Both involved egg hunts and candy, too!