Too Sweet!

So today was the official day to leave Isabella on her own at Kindergarten. She could care less! She actually told me this morning that she wanted me to leave her at school. But as we walked away, Vincent was whimpering. We got to the car and he started bawling. We drove away and he kept asking me, "Where's Sissy??" I said, "Bubs, Sissy is at school."....he replies very sadly, "Oh." They fight, but oh how they are attached and love each other. I hope it remains that way for the rest of their lives!

First Day!

Today was the first day of Kindergarten. Isabella is in Mrs. Bain's PM class. She starts every day at 11:35, except today where we took her at 10:30 for Orientation. Daddy took the morning off and joined us as school. Alice and Joe watched Vincent so we could give our attention to Isabella and make it special for her.

We had an assembly with the Principal (Mr. C) and then he shook the hand of every Kindergartener at school before they went to meet their teacher. Adorable! We then went into the classroom, did some centers with Isabella and got to get situated with her classroom.

Our Kindergartener meeting Mr. C and Mrs. Bain. Mrs. Bain is super sweet and I know Isabella is going to have a wonderful year. Here is to the start of her school career as a Wickman Wildcat!

Final Day of Summer!

After the family reunion on Saturday, Isabella went home with Grammy Alice and Papa Joe to spend some fun time with them before school starts. This morning, Chris and I cleaned out the garage. I then moved on to clean my car, clean my kitchen floor with a scrub brush, shampoo the carpet, organize and put things away and do laundry. Sounds like fun for the last day of summer, huh?! But I can honestly say that I feel so organized and good about starting our new schedule.

Daddy went to the grocery store for us today and at Isabella's request we had Spaghetti for her Back to School Feast! I decided to set the table fancy for her and she felt so special.

And here is her first day of school outfit, hanging on her door and ready to go! Can't wait for tomorrow!!

Calagna Family Reunion

Saturday we had the Calagna Family Reunion. It was fun and interesting to see so many people, although I still have no clue who everyone is :) Cousin Katie was there with her family - Brynn and Bella were so excited to play together (they are both starting Kindergarten!). Looking forward to next year!

We're Getting Ready!

This week we have been getting ready for Isabella to head to Kindergarten on MONDAY (tear, tear)! She asked if we could clean out her closet and give away her old clothes/shoes to other kids who need them. She kept calling it 'dominate', but I gently kept reminding her the word is 'donate'. Such a sweet girl. We cleaned out her closet, and below are ALL her new school clothes. We also went through and organized all her bows. We made a trip to Claire's for a few new ones (like she needed them), Target for a couple new pairs of shoes and Gymboree to exchange a few things from Grammy (Thanks Mom!). Her lunch pail is on its way from Toys R Us (Target didn't have the one that matched her thermos cup).

Yesterday, we decided to surprise Popi at work! We picked up Grammy in the morning and headed over to A-W! There are a couple new employees that I wanted to meet (to put a face to a name!). Popi was surprised and we had a yummy lunch together. Isabella then had a sleepover! They took her to get her bangs trimmed at Uncle Soner and Aunt Amy's house and to have pie for dessert!

And today we decided to go to Daddy's work and have lunch together! We had another yummy lunch! The reason we decided to do both of these lunches is because Isabella is in PM Kindergarten and gets out at 2:55 every day except Thursday when she gets out at 12:35. So we wanted to fit the lunches in before we couldn't do that for the school year.

We are all ready!! Time to pick out a first day outfit :)

SWEET Baby Taylor's Shower!

Holly's SWEET shower turned out adorable :) I absolutely loved the colors and how everything came together. I didn't get a picture of the tables, but those had a diaper cake with turquoise ribbon and two vases of red flowers on either side. Holly got some awesome gifts and I can't wait to meet SWEET baby Taylor in a couple of months!!!

When you have nothing to do...

Go to Vegas!!!

On Saturday morning, Chris concocted a plan. We dropped the kids off with Joe and Alice and headed to Vegas. We stayed at the Venetian and had a lovely night alone with a dinner at Domenico stakehouse and a bottle of Honig! The next morning we headed out where I got to shop the Miracle Mile - ALONE! It was nice to just browse through stores without wondering when my kids were going to get tired and cranky. That afternoon, Joe, Alice, Nick and the kids joined us...we ate lunch at our favorite Grand Luxe cafe and then the guys went off gambling and the girls + Vincent went to the Fashion Show Mall. Yesterday morning, we took Bouchon bakery and ate it by the pool while Chris took the kids swimming for a bit. We packed up and then went to "the castle" where Isabella won Brother a fish and Zebra bear and Daddy won Isabella a pink bear ... so all in all, very happy kids. We ate lunch at Pinks and then headed home. I read a fab book over the weekend, got a few things shopping wise, and spent some great family time. Our last horrah before Isabella starts Kindergarten in 2 weeks! **That Statue of Liberty is made out of Jelly Bellys! You know those are my fav, so I had to take a picture!**

Must Read!

I know this book (and the movie) have been out a while. But, I picked it up on Friday and finished it this weekend...I thought it was brilliant! I can't wait to read more by Jodi Picoult and of course, watch the movie ( I did have tip that the ending is different!). Holly and Meagan...which ones should I read next?

Camryn's 11th Birthday!

Wow, I can not believe Camryn is ELEVEN! Time has truly flown by...we had a fun afternoon at her Pool Party! Taylor and her friend Jaylene helped with Vincent and Isabella, who have now become little 'beach bums'. We had lunch and also went to check out the Parrino family's new home! Thanks Aunt Jen!!! xoxo

Jaxson's 4th Birthday!

Thank you Jaxson for having us at your SUPER FUN 4th Birthday party! The kids (and us adults too) had a great time! xo

Maui, Hawaii

Booked on Friday; you all know my hubby!
Left on Monday, early!
I threw up in the car all the way to the airport.
It was a lack of sleep + anxiety regarding Vincent's behavior on the flight.
Eventually, I calmed down.
Vincent was super good, so my anxiety of taking him on a long flight has now been diminished.

We all slept a total of 12 hours on Monday night and woke up calm, rested and ready to go!

Here are some pictures of our adventure...

This was Isabella's 6th trip and Vincent's 2nd to Hawaii.
We stayed at the Fairmont in Wailea and the Ritz in Kapalua.
My dear Amanda sent us wine and fruit our first night at the Fairmont. Love her!
We ate shaved ice, plenty!
We swam and went to the beach, every day!
Vincent was in his forte, getting dirty and lovin' it!
Isabella got her ears pierced, And didn't cry AT ALL!
I read, lots!
Chris snorkled, his favorite!
Every morning at the Ritz when we went to the club level, the server would say, "Good Morning Mr. Vincent, Aloha Isabella....2 POG juices?!".
Isabella got what she called Kids Service (instead of Room Service) one night and thought it was the coolest ever.
We relaxed, enjoyed ourselves and were able to make many family memories!

Discouraged!!

Well, the TICKER is back.
The weight loss ticker.
I was so excited to only have 13lbs to loose...to have some things fit in my closet that haven't in a long time.
I haven't been eating horrible, but I haven't been TRYING to be on a strict diet either. Plus, walking has been on the waist side since I do not want to take 2 kids out in the heat trying to walk a double stroller.

Excuses, Excuses.
Somehow 12lbs found me.
I have 25lbs to loose.
AGAIN.
How can that be?!

No more excuses. Time for action.

Starting with small goals...

1. Exercise 4 times a week (Dvd).
2. No more I'm tired excuses.
3. Loose 6 lbs by the end of the month.

Ultimate goal...

1. Loose 20lbs (if not the whole 25) by November 6th (our 6th anniversary!). That gives me 3 months (almost to the day) at a normal weight loss of 2lbs a week, I can do it!

I can usually accomplish things I put my mind to. It is in my nature. But, I have to have my mind to it and my eye on the prize.

Wish me luck. Thanks friends :)

Birthday BBQ

Last Sunday was Chris' birthday and we had a BBQ with family and a couple work friends/wives. Chris wanted to make sure we all knew it was a BBQ, NOT a party! Isabella and I baked cupcakes and attempted a baseball cake! We made hamburgers and pulled pork and it turned out to be a great afternoon! Isabella even picked her first Carrot!