The box

Get an old box, cut a door and window and have hours of fun with cousins!

9/11 memorial

I have been wanting to head to the 9/11 since it opened in September. We decided for spring break we would stop by before heading upstate New York. We got our tickets and headed to NYC. We arrived and saw the two massive Freedom Towers they are in the process of building. Even though we had tickets for 12:30, it took over 30 minutes to get through the line and through security.

We made it through the line and to my amazement the memorial was beautiful! There are two reflecting pools where the towers once stood and the names of over 3,000 people that died on September 11th. It was very difficult to see all the names of people that lost their life.

On September 11, 2011 I lost a friend, Thomas J. Ashton. I swam with Tommy for about 8 years, and his older sister was my big sister in high school. I wanted to see Tommy's name on the wall of the reflecting pool. We searched for his name and when we l found it, I was flooded with emotions. As I rubbed my hands over his name, all these memories of Tommy came to me. I was happy that the memorial was so well done, and honored all those that lost their life that day. Rest in peace Tommy, and all those that lost their life that day.

Danilo and I in front of Tommy's name 

One of the freedom towers being built

Reflecting pool in front of museum. 

Cherry Blossom

I headed out the door this morning at 5:30am while all the boys were sleeping, for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. My friend Bree signed up for the race and 7 weeks before found out she could not run it. I decided after 3 months of not running to train for this race. With 20,000 runners signed up and only 7 weeks to train I was unsure how I would do. It was a nice chilly morning and my friend Leslie and her husband were running this race as well. It turned out to be a fantastic race, and my best time for a ten miler. I was so proud of myself! Now to get ready for the half marathon in Otter Banks, N.C!
P.S- Dario refused to take a picture with me.

Dario in the kitchen

The kitchen Dario's Aunts got him two years ago still is a favorite. Dario enjoys cooking for us, especially cookies.

Nice visit

When we headed to Athens last weekend we had a great visit from Dario and Danilo's Aunt Annie, Aunt Cea, Aunt JoAnn, and Grandpa. Thanks for coming to see us!

Our Dario

Swing time

Danilo went on the swing for the first time and LOVED it! He loved the motion and the fact that his brother was swinging right next to him.

Happy Saint Patricks Day!

Ice Cream Time

With the temperature of 78 degrees today, we had our first ice cream of the year. Danilo was thrilled with ice cream as I think it helped his teeth and gums. Of course Dario was happy to get ice cream.

Danilo has his moms genes!

Danilo loves beer bottles and always tries to grab them from us. When you take the beer bottle away or move it out of his site, he cries. Well, look where we found Danilo, in the cabinet with the case of Sam Adams variety pack from Costco. Danilo might have a love for beer like his mom does!

Helping mommy

We were making turtle cookies and I asked Dario to put the sugar in the bowl. Dario said, " I am not helping you making I am helping you tasting!" I laughed so hard, and he was my taster while we baked.

Happy 9 months

My very happy, sweet Danilo is 9 months old today. He has brought us so much joy and laughter the past 9 months.

Tunnel Fun!

Dario's Grandpa got him this tunnel about 2 years ago and he has had fun playing with it. You ask, how could the tunnel be better? Ummmm........playing with your brother. Dario and Danilo love playing in this tunnel and you can hear the happy screams of excitement when they play!

Danilo trying to see Dario through the window

King cake time

Ain't Mary sent us a King Cake and we were all thrilled, especially Dario!

First tooth

Danilo got his first tooth. It is in the bottom row, front tooth. He didn't fuss, drool like crazy, or even complain. I noticed it because I was hurting while he was nursing, I have to change that habit quick! Let's hope the rest of the teeth come in like this one.

Gigi turns 4

Dario's good friend and classmate, Gigi, had her 4th birthday party yesterday. We headed to curiosity zone for some science experiments, volcanoes, and fun.

Ice Skating

Last week we went to watch the Capitals practice. When we were there they had ice skating lessons for 4 year olds, and Dario was in love. He has been asking to go ice skating for a week. Grandma Gina came to visit this weekend so we all headed to the ice skating rink. Grandma Gina and Danilo watched as Vince, Dario, and myself went skating. We headed out all scared and Dario had a tough time but was trying. We took a break as the zambomi came out, and after that Dario was ready to go. We got back on the ice and he did great and kept yelling, "I AM DOING IT!" We are so proud of him!!

Green Stuff

Danilo has been trying lots of new foods lately. He has been really enjoying the green things like string beans, zucchini, and broccoli. So far anything you give him he inhales it and wants to know why there is not more of it.