The Elmira Christmas parade

For the last lots of years (maybe even before Michael was born??) we have headed to Elmira for Thanksgiving. We always head to the Christmas parade on Friday morning. Its really hokey. Really REALLY hokey. (sorry mom. It is.) But the kids like it!

(we knew some of the dalmations!) 

Liz and her guy

I would say Lizzy's favorite person is her Bap-Ba.... She didn't attach to him right away (much to his dismay from what I hear) but now they are best buddies... 

Watching Elmo on the iPad

Watching the parade go by

Watching movies on the computer

Liz picked a pretty swell guy. I don't tell him often enough but I love him a lot and am thankful I got such a great dad! (and that he's really good at building stuff!!!!)

She really is one of my favorite little ones.. Can you tell why??

Lunch time

Movie star

Checking out the Christmas decor

Look at me. I don't have to sit in a highchair anymore!

Huggin' her feet

playing with Uncle Steve and cousin Brayden... They didn't make it into the photo though!!!

Popcorn, PJ's and books

Mike's school hosted a popcorn, PJ and book party. The kids went to school one evening in PJ's with their favorite books and got to eat popcorn... 

Mikey loves his popcorn!!

Lizzy loves her books!

An older sibling got roped into reading for the kids. As did I... and then the principal did as well. It was lots of fun!!!

Halloween 2012

Super Mike

Curly haired Candy Corn (they are rarely seen out of the wild)

Would you give these clowns candy? 

Columbus 2012

We traveled to Columbus OH for Columbus Day this year... The kids did great in the car on the way to Aunt Donna's even though we ended up stuck in Cleveland traffic. On a rainy Friday. At 5 pm. On the day Barack Obama was in town campaigning and most of the high ways had been shut down to facilitate his exit from town.... 

Out at breakfast and Michael picked oatmeal. You could customize it... He was thrilled to have coconut as a choice. He shares that love with his Grandpy Dino. It obviously skips generations. 

We spent the better part of a day at COSI (the science museum). They had a huge travelling display of LEGO castles. 

Testing out the rocket

Hula hooping in town square in Progressive Land

I may have gone shopping. By myself. And I may have purchased myself a little gift. :) I love shopping in Columbus. 

counting....

Liz is learning new words in leaps and bounds... I know the old joke is that the girls talk more than boys. I know its true. Lizzy usually has a pretend phone in her hands whenever possible... She's one smart girly and a cute one too (just like her big brother)

Vroom! Vroom!!!

I know this is usually about the kids, but this time they didn't tag along. Liz and Mike got to stay home with Grammy Jean and Grandpy Dino and I hear they had a ball.... 

Last Christmas the kids and I gave Donald a gift certificate for Race With Rusty, a company that brings race cars to local tracks and lets people drive them around! We were scheduled about 6 weeks ago, but it rained. We rescheduled for this past Saturday, but they cancelled due to rain... but moved reservations to Sunday.... We got up bright and early with fingers crossed... 

Oswego Speedway

The cars waiting for the drivers. After an hour in class Donald was able to get suited up and out on the track!

A 15 lap shootout with 4 other drivers! Donald says he loved it... I'm not sure the kids and I will ever be able to top it with another Christmas gift!!

The Great New York State Fair

We are ON OUR WAY!!!!

Mmmmm.... Dinosaur BBQ

Sampling milk from the Rainbow Milk Bar. Don't let the name fool you. They have white or chocolate. $.25 for a cup. Mikey brought 4 quarters from his bank to treat all of us!

Crazy Driver!

Someone had way too much fun

Look at those cute grapes!

First day of Kindergarten

Waiting for the bus

The bus is here!!!

Johnny and Mikey on the bus

COMING HOME!! 

What a difference a year makes....

Michael, age 3 years, 11 months

Starting St. Jude's pre-school

Michael, age 4 years, 11 months

Starting Walt Disney Elementary

Summer is flying on by!

Riding the Merry-Go-Round at the Strong Museum of Play

My beautiful curly haired silly girl

Cruising at Casa Popovich

Mmmmmm.... Ice Cream..... 

Quiet time... painting and coloring...

Lizzy's favorite thing about summer? CORN!

Michael really loved the Olympic coverage... He even put on a Rhythmic Gymnastics show for me. 

Mikey passed Level 2 in swim lessons!!!! *He's the blur at the end of the diving board about to hit the water!

Learning the ins and outs of riding the school bus. In less than 2 weeks my sweet boy starts Kindergarten. He's ready and I guess I'll have to be as well!!