Sweet nap time

When Gabriel was an infant, I was able to take many cute nap photos. Nothing warms my heart more than my husband and child cuddled up napping together.
Gabriel was our first baby and we were exhausted. We napped with him whenever possible. Things changed when Alex and Lane joined our family. A couple weeks ago I found this sight on our couch.



Daddy - daughter nap time. It's so sweet. Andrew is wearing beads Lane wanted him to wear. He's definitely smitten with his little girl.

Coffee

I'll admit it. I'm a coffee addict. I'm at the point where my morning is not pleasant if I don't have a cup o' joe. Andrew spoils me by making coffee and bringing it to me in the morning. Ahhh - it's the little things!
When I saw this coffee tanker I was delighted. I imagined swimming in it while drinking my hearts content. Yum.

School supplied

Prior to school starting in the fall, I picked up a school supply list. I was shocked by what I had to purchase for the boys especially since they are only in first grade and kindergarden.
Kindergarden boys list -
Small school box
Blunt scissors
Paint shirt
12 pencils
4 boxes of 24 ct crayons
Markers
25 glue sticks
Hand sanitizer
Pack of printer paper
Pack of 12 x 18 paper
Pack of 9 x 12 paper
2 glue bottles
4 prong pocket folders
4 pocket folders
Dry erase markers
5 packs of baby wipes
Tissues
Quart size bags
Gallon size bags
Water color paints

First grade boys -
2 boxes of pencils
2 large pink erasers
2 boxes 24 ct crayons
Scissors
12 glue sticks
1 comp notebook
Pencil box
Clipboard
Dry erase markers
Dry eraser
Copy paper
Box of wipes
2 tissues
5 folders
Bandaids
Hand sanitizer
Post it notes
Quart size bags
Bottle of glue.

Not included was uniforms, back packs, or lunch boxes

Homemade modge podge

I made modge podge with glue, water, and a little clear varnish. I've wanted Lane's name in her room since she was born so we made a trip to the craft store. We bought four letters and some scrapbook paper.



I cut pieces of paper and used the modge podge to adhere it to the letters. It was a cute look but didn't look finished. I added pink paint to the edges. I liked the end result and I love seeing her name in her room. Almost 2.5 years later and I have her name up! Better late than never?

Mario's 7th birthday

Our Gabriel turns 7 on Monday. I can't believe he has been here for seven years. What an adventurous life we have had since his arrival.
I remember living in Orlando in 2003 and Andrew told me that he was bored. We needed to find new hobbies and do new things. We had been told that we were medically infertile a couple years prior and decided to explore the adoption route
In March 2004, we traveled to Costa Rica for our 8th anniversary. I felt rotten through most of the trip and feared the worst since I had a doctor appointment after our return from our vacation. I had no idea I would get the anniversary gift of a positive pregnancy test!
We haven't been bored since Gabriel arrived! So.. We celebrate seven years of adventure and challenge tomorrow
Gabriel wanted to go to ChuckECheeses with his friend Michael. I gave him many options but all he wanted was a small party with his friend. Our plan tomorrow is meet Michael's family in the afternoon. Gabriel is very excited.
I couldn't find many Mario items foe the favor bags so I bought what I could and put things in colorful bags.



I added a paper Mario glued to paper That made all the difference. I had to stop myself from adding ribbon and other things.

Halloween 2011

We went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. The kids weren't feeling well so they asked to go home early. This allowed us to go home and hand out candy.
Halloween in Celebration is quite different than any other Halloween we have experienced. Homes have amazing decorations here. One home is turned into a pirate ship and another one is a skeleton jail complete with human prisoners and a chainlink fence. Our neighborhood turns into a tourist trap with freebies.
We saw some other neat things - one family dressed up as chimps and lowered a basket with candy from their balcony. Another family dropped a fake spider from their porch roof on children as they approached their doorway
We ran out of candy to hand out in 15 minutes. One thing annoyed me through it all - adults and older teenagers trick-or-treated. One couple brought their sleeping four month old through the neighborhood and said that the baby wanted candy. Huh?!! Sorry, we don't have formula for your cutie pie. I wanted to suggest they go to Walgreens the day after Halloween for the discounted bags. Oh well, they got a free candy bar from us.
Our kids were Mario Luigi and Princess this year.







The boys loved their big bellies and mustaches. Lane adored her tiara and white gloves. She told everyone that she was a Princess. Yes, Lane, you truly are our Princess

Autism Halloween party

ASGO had a Halloween party on October 30. Alex wasn't feeling well so Andrew took Lane and Gabriel.
They had dinner from Panda Express, treats, crafts, and bounce houses Andrew said that the kids had a good time but it was very busy and that overwhelmed Gabriel. At one point he threw a fit on the floor. However, the best thing about being in an autism group is that your child can have a tough time and no one cares. The nasty looks from strangers are out of the equation.
Gabriel dressed up as Mario and Lane was a princess (Alice).