Lessons Learned

My 2011 was a year of "learning lessons" for me.  Through the year I encountered many obstacles that taught me perseverance, loss, faith and love.  I know my "problems" are minor compared to some and that is how I cope.  Certainly the past year I learned to count my blessing and not be bogged down with the small stuff.  When the world hands you lemons . . . . . . make lemonade!  My driving force is always the three lovely beauties shown above.  I see a whole new world because of them and can't wait to "learn" more lessons with them by my side.

Carmella and Isabella

Gabriella

Midnight Mass 

Operation: Bunk Beds

As many of you know (including the three pictured above), my husband and I 

do not create children that sleep.  They do not like going to sleep and do not stay 

asleep at night.  I created a monster with #1 and decided to get her out of my bed

 she would have to bunk with a sister for transition.  I am in hopes that one day she 

will sleep in her own room but that may be several years (like 10 or more) 

down the road.  After our hike, a stop for dinner and still no sleeping kids,

I decided tonight was the night.  We drove over to see the bunk beds I picked

out online.  The girls loved them and we headed home four tired ladies!

Getting them ordered and delivered took some work but thanks to my wonderful 

family and a very kind friend it all happened.  The beds arrived and the girls

were thrilled.  The evidence is suggesting my plan will work but progress 

has been slow.  I think after a few weeks we should have the kinks worked out!

The layout is Gabi and Is on bottom and Mella on top.  I had no idea my

mother would text me five million times questioning my choice to let 

a three year old sleep on a top bunk by herself . . . . . well she did! 

After her fears were put to rest the girls had a great first night on their 

new beds.  My monkey children seem to think they double as a jungle

gym but I am sure the new will wear off????

I guess only time will tell if the new beds bring us all more sleep or not?  

If the bags under my eyes start shrinking and I begin to be a more 

interesting and alert person you will know it worked. 

A New Place to Roam

Looking over the edge of a rock where it splits.

We were recently given the opportunity to take a hike at a little piece of Green Country I never knew existed.  We can not wait to return with our Daddy-O when he gets back.  The trail takes your through rock areas, thick trees and even a grassland.  Absolutely amazing!  

Our little mushroom friend we brought along with us.

Gabi climbing on the rocks! (with a little help)

I wish I had taken more photos but the camera was tucked away in the back pack most of the time.  The girls loved seeing all of the beauty and challenging themselves on the trails.  Isabella got a little pooped and they all had to stop for snacks but we had fun.  I know we will return many times for more adventures and picnics!

Chocolate!

This is a box of delicious chocolate bits of heaven, shipped straight from Belgium with love.  The girls (and fortunately myself) get packages from Uncle Eric frequently.  We have been working our way through many types, flavors and forms.  This one above has to be our favorite!

Isabella with her bar of chocolate!

Carmella showing off the good stuff!

"My precious!"

We are currently working on some delectable hot cocoa mix that was sent.  I am not sure I could ever get tired of chocolate.  Now I have the girls to help me eat it all.

Who needs gifts . . . . .

Isabella and Carmella playing in the boxes!

 . . . . when you have the boxes they came in.  The girls have such a great imagination and love creating their own "world" to live in.  They were in here hiding from the Big Bad Wolf. . . yikes!

On Top of Spaghetti . . . . . .

The girls favorite book lately has been, "On Top of Spaghetti" by Paul Brett Johnson.  We have seriously read it a dozen times over the past couple of days.  We started out reading it once a night but it has grown into a down right obsession.  Of course, after reading we must sing the song written by Tom Glazer and make sneezing noises throughout!

Gabi reading to her sisters and posing for Momma!

 We decided to add meatballs to the grocery list so we could have our very own spaghetti and meatball dinner.  The girls were so excited and we all had to take turns sneezing and protecting our meatballs!

So much for the fork????

"So if you eat spaghetti

 all covered with cheese,

hold on to your meatball

and don't ever sneeze!"

Catching Up!!!!

We spent Thanksgiving with Meme and Papa.  Of course, the brothers and their families joined us.  The girls "helped" my mom in the kitchen to learn how to make her famous dressing.  I am the taste tester not the cook.  I did have to wash the dishes that night which was not fun . . . . I hate doing dishes!  The girls had a great time playing with their cousins and eating lots of turkey and sweets. 

Isabella and her art.

 We were able to make it to the Philbrook Family Day despite the Tahoe breaking down on us.  The girls and I walked to Mc D's, grabbed some lunch and ate in the back of the car while waiting on the tow truck. . . . great memories!  Meme drove up to save the day and we still had a great fun filled day of art.

Gabi with her masterpiece!

 I love watching the girls during art time.  It is amazing to see their little hands and minds working.  Each of them have their own take on projects.  Gabi is my perfectionist, Isabella is very thorough and Carmella is my statement maker.

Carmella was not interested in showing her art.

FALL FUN!

Pumpkins, costumes and more!

Hanging out with Little Llama!

We took our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch a little early this year but had a wonderful time.  The girls always enjoy climbing on the pumpkins and feeding the animals.  This year the little girls found "Llama Llama Red Pajama" and what excitement it was!  Gabriella had to go through the hay maze a dozen times and of course we rode the ponies.  Everyone was able to ride their favorite pony and pose for a picture.

Big Sister with her beautiful smile!

Gabi, the black cat!

Mella, the busy bumble bee!

Is, our  cute little butterfly!

This year we dressed up several times for Halloween parties, birthday parties and Trick or Treating.  The girls switched costumes around some seeing as how we have a "dress up shop" at our house.  On Halloween night we shared dinner with our favorite fellow Italians and visited several houses for candy.

Now, we have our sights set on Thanksgiving and counting all the blessings we have in our lives!

Day 9 & 10

Day 9: Saying goodbye to Disneyland!!!

Our last day at Disneyland started off with Critter Breakfast at The Grand Californian Hotel.  Michael made super early reservations which I could have killed him for.  I would later thank him as our "up front" spot in line to the park would score us the opportunity to "OPEN" the park for everyone.  Our family was asked  to enter the park before everyone else, count down and scream, "let the magic begin!"  What a fun memory for us and a "walk to the front of the line" pass to use that day . . . . bonus!!!

Gabi, Is and Mella getting attacked by a bear!

The Duck himself!  Took us 9 days to track him down.

When we entered the park we headed back to Toontown so we could enjoy "Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness."  It was a great little show and a wonderful way to get some one on one time with the characters.  This area is great for our age of children so we played, rode rides and headed out to find Jessie (which we never did, by the way).

Uncle Eric and Isabella riding the Mark Twain.

We finished off our list of things we had not seen yet and rode our favorites one more time.  We were all feeling better by now (almost all) and really enjoyed our last day.  There was a little Splash Mountain being enjoyed by big sister and the little ones saw Princess Tiana . . . . . again.  We rode Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters so Michael could redeem himself and ate our Mickey shaped pretzel.

Gabi checking out the treasure on the island.

Tia, Is and Mella!

This was probably Gabi's favorite day of the entire vacation because she was able to meet Aladdin in person!!!!!  I thought her face was going to be stuck in a permanent grin!  So glad she met him because with age the experience will lessen.  

The street rat a.k.a. Gabi's future husband!

After a full day at Disneyland, we met up with Uncle Eric to enjoy a wonderful meal.  The girls sat nicely through their first "white table cloth" meal and then off to pack.  I always take photos of the girls feet when we go places.  They will appreciate it one day!

Day 10:  Home, sweet home!

We checked out of the Disneyland Hotel and traveled to LAX for our first of many delays that day.  The girls were amazing travelers considering we circled the airport for some time waiting to land, had a "bumpy" landing and arrived home at nearly midnight!  The vacation was absolutely AMAZING and I would do it all again in a heart beat.  It was so nice to have the time and opportunity to build such wonderful, lasting memories.  Thanks to Mommarazzi we can enjoy it for years to come!

Isabella and Gabriella getting towed back to the car
after a long day of traveling!  Carmella was dragging a suit case
and I was documenting everything.  I love making memories!

Day 8: A Whale of a Tale

Day 8:  Sea World

The best "action" shot I got!

We drove back down to San Diego for a day at Sea World.  First on the agenda, feed the kids and watch Shamu!  The Shamu show was absolutely amazing.  The girls and I were in awe of a giant creature so loving.  They followed their trainers better than most children I have seen.  Huge splashes and lots of giggles were had that day.  Gabi wanted to get "wet" so we walked down closer to get a little water on us.  Michael and Isabella opted for the "dry" section.

An Amazing Creature!

Another amazing creature, Gabriella, also loves the water!

Daddy and Is waiting for the show to start.

Isabella loved Shamu.  In part of the show they have you make an Orca tail with your hands and shout, "Shamu, Shamu, Shamu."  Isabella kept flapping her arms and chanting, "Shampu, Shampu, Shampu."  It was so cute it melted my heart. 

Feeding the Manta Rays!

Carmella, our animal lover, enjoyed feeding the Manta Rays little shrimp.  Seriously, every animal she meets is "hungry" and "wants to be loved on."  The rest of the day was full of dolphin and shark watching, as well as, riding more rides.  The girls had a wonderful time and made great memories.  Now that we are a month returned from California the girls talk about going back.  Not sure I have the heart to tell them it will be a few years before they make it back.

Day 6 & Day 7

Day 6:  Legoland  Beach!!!!!!!

On the vacation plan, this was to be Legoland day but the girls had other ideas.  After a major meltdown in the car on the way to San Diego we opted for the beach.  It was such a great decision for many reasons.  First, we all were really tired of crowds and appreciated the "down" time.  Second, the girls had never touched the ocean waters.  Third, I wanted some cute photos.  We ended up at Carlsbad Beach and found a nice spot away from the seaweed!

The girls walking to their first "toes in the ocean" experience.

Isabella feeling the cool water.

Gabi running from the waves!

Carmella enjoying the sun and surf!

Taking the girls to the ocean reminded me of two things I had forgotten about.  One, there is lots of seaweed and it will chase you!  Two, the first taste of salt water catches you by surprise!  The girls enjoyed the water but not the sinking in the sand or seaweed.  A two year old has a hard time convincing themselves that the seaweed is not going to attack them.  We were able to have a great time despite a few rough moments.  The girls loved covering Daddy in sand (momma's idea).

Daddy being a good sport.

The little girls enjoyed building sand castles, digging giant holes and finding shells.

We ended up bringing back a bag of sand, a hand full of shells and a rock.  Thankfully we did not exceed the weight limit for baggage on the flight back.  After having a box shipped home and taking advantage of our 5 carry ons, we made it.  This was Gabi's favorite part of the beach . . . playing in the waves.  She wore Michael out jumping and crashing in the water.

Mouth full of salt water!

We know now that more beach time is a must when we go back to Disneyland.  I think the girls all enjoyed themselves.  I know Michael and I had a great time.  We finished the day of with dinner at House of Blues and wonderful conversation with the grandparents.  Not to mention, beignets from Ralph's were dessert for the night.  

Day 7:  Birthday Party 

While in California we were able to celebrate Romano's (Michael's dad) 70th birthday.  The girls enjoyed playing with their Uncle John and Michael did laundry.  It was nice to not travel home with 10 days worth of dirty clothes.  We had a great time visiting with family, eating yummy food and ended with birthday cake.