Catch Up

Wow! I can't believe it has been a month since I last blogged. The summer always seems to go by so quickly and there are never as many hours in the day (even with the extra day light hours.) I guess it's all of the fun that summer time activities bring. So just to catch you up a bit....

The Lake
We went to Elephant Butte lake with our friends the Loughridge's and had more fun than I thought we would have with 5 kids in tow. Maybe it was their 4 bedroom "lake house" that made it easy (it seemed that everyone got their own room!) or the "boat" that we went out on that resembled a yacht that I have seen Beyonce and Jay-Z frolicking on a time or two in St. Tropez. It's not really work boating with kids when they stay down in the hull with 2 flat screen TV's and air conditioning. Not that I am complaining! The best part of the weekend was when I discovered (I was actually taught and then looked at in a judging manner when I didn't already know!) that if you put on a life jacket like a baby's diaper it will keep you from having to tread water and you don't spill your drink! Good times with good friends! Here's hoping they invite us back!


Ladies of Leisure


(Some) of the Kiddos Chillaxing


Did I Mention That They Have A Jet-Ski Too?

Big Boy Bed
AJ transitioned to a big boy bed a few weeks shy of his 2nd birthday. We knew it was time when he was not only flipping out of the crib after naps but also insisting that he flip into the crib before naps and bedtime. Funny thing though...now that he just has netting holding him in he is afraid to move!





Just a few more days and we are off on our road trip. Stay tuned for more updates!

Brothers-In-Law

Tony and I had back-to-back visits from our older brothers the last two weeks and I already miss them! First, "Uncle Chris" came to see Gary & Marilou's new house and was able to sneak some time in with the kids. They absolutely love Uncle Chris. I think Cienna loves him because he is very silly and indulges her and her roll playing. I think AJ loves him because they look alike. It was a quick trip but we had a great time...


Chris And His Little Brother Tony


See What I Mean About Being Silly!

Within days of Chris flying back to the Bay my older brother got here. His week-long trip did not disappoint. He rambled off many unknown lines from movies, "Cody'd it" and made fun of just about every one I know. Classic Jay. He kept the kids rolling with laughter and did a pretty good job with me as well. He absolutely made AJ's week though...he bought him a Buzz and Woody doll. After months of only having pictures of Buzz and Woody on his flip flops, carrying them around, showing them to people, acting like they were toys he finally got actual toys. He doesn't look so pathetic anymore.


The Elusive Picture of "Mom" Being All Mom-Like


My Brother w/ The Kids

Thanks brother and brother-in-law for your visits! We had so much fun....

Bueno...No Bueno!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was eventful to say the least. The plane rides were interesting, as AJ rode as a lap child and he was anything but a lap child. But we made it safely and were excited to start our vacation!
We went to an all-inclusive resort which was really the way to go. Every day we went down and had a wonderful buffet with freshly made smoothies and my new favorite dish, chilaquiles. My mouth is watering just thinking about them! Most of our days were spent at the pool or taking walks along the beach looking for seashells. Cienna came home with a large bag of them, and I bet you she could describe half of them to you in detail and tell you which ones are her favorites. Just when you think that all seashells look alike, just ask a 4 year old.


Searching for Seashells

Tony and I also spent our 7th anniversary in Cabo. We got a babysitter and went out for dinner and drinks. It was a lovely way to celebrate.



The following day we witnessed our business partner and good friend Joe marry Melissa on the beach. It was a beautiful ceremony for a beautiful couple. Tony spent the majority of the time throwing balls to AJ and Cienna so that they would not disrupt the event. And at some point AJ recieved his 1st bee sting AND learned how to say "Adios!" Never a dull moment!


Mr. & Mrs. Lane

Then came the "no bueno" part. Wednesday we checked in with Tony's parents who told us that our Escalade had been stolen from our driveway. Apparently, they broke into the car and drove it across the neighbor's lawn in order to steal everything from the wheels to the headlights. It was found abandoned on a busy street in ABQ, with tires on it that did not fit the car and the driver's side door wide open. I have not seen it and I don't want to. I am just happy that while I went through a few hours of crying, frustration, sadness and fear it didn't ruin the rest of our trip.

Our last day in Cabo was probably our best. We hung out on the beach, buried the kids in the sand, played in the surf and enjoyed being a family. Tony and I are so blessed to have two beautiful children and each other. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.








Adios!

Father's Day

We headed up to the Chateau de la Mazotti on Saturday with the whole Mazotti clan. After a riviting game of spades we hit the hay and got prepared for our rafting expedition the following day. One 3 hour float later, we decided that we hadn't had enough fun and we piled in the car and headed over to Pagosa and our favorite hot springs. It was a fun and relaxing way to spend Father's day.
The highlight of the trip was Tony and his dad hanging a tire swing for the kids to enjoy for many summers to come. And then seeing the varying reactions of their maiden voyage. Good times!


The Fathers Being Fatherly


Loving Her New Toy


AJ Not So Much

Hero

Today Tony and the rest of the guys from Station 3 Squad 2 were recognized by the mayor of Albuquerque for rescuing a woman from her burning home a couple of months ago. We headed down to the mayor's office where he gave a short speach, played the 911 call from the woman who was trapped and then named them "Friday's heroes" for the role that each of them played in getting her (and her cat) rescued. They were also awarded with a large coin embossed with the Albuquerque Fire Dept logo from the Chief. We are all so proud of Tony and his heroic efforts!


Tony With His Proud Parents


Look At AJ


The Mayor's Speach

Summertime

I love the summer. I am starting to enjoy the heat. What I love most about summertime is all the fun activities / trips / events that occur during this time of year.
We are only in week one and already we have done so much. We went to the spray park, summer reading has started at the library and Gymboree is in full swing. Next week Cienna begins acting camp followed by a trip to Mexico at the end of June.

July we will see visits from Tony's brother Chris and his lady love Wendy, my brother Jay and my girl Lindsay. With a few trips to the cabin snuck in there I am sure the month will be packed. August we will travel the east coast for over 2 weeks, seeing my bestie Jen and her new husband Justin as well as Tony's brother Dominick and his girlfriend Phyllis. We have so much fun to look forward to!
Summertime is the best!


AJ is Lovin' It!


Cienna is Lovin' It Too!


Mazotti Boy Physique


Summertime = Big Smiles


This Was Cienna's Idea....

We hope that all of you have a great summer too!

Changes

Tony and I had a wonderful "date weekend" thanks to my fabulous in-laws. Friday night they came to the house and we jumped in the truck and headed up to the cabin to get as much accomplished as we possibly could without kids. Last month we finally had the cabin split into 2 bedrooms (instead of just 1 humongous bedroom) and we had the slab poured for our garage with living quarters that will be above. I am so happy with the changes and am so glad that we are making progress. The cabin has always been fun, but it is nice for everyone to have their own space and be able for not only us to use it, but also our friends and family. I look forward to many, many fun times in Colorado.



Our 2 Bedroom Cabin


The "Master Suite"


The Room We Can Lock The Kids In


On Our Way To A Garage / More Living Space

Even with all of the work, we managed to get in a day in Pagosa at the Hot Springs with our friend TJ. I can't say enough about the Hot Springs. The atmosphere is laid back, the scenery is beautiful and the cocktails are phenomenal. We had the best time!


T and I


T and TJ

And speaking of fun times ahead at the cabin...tonight we bought a 1971 Jeep Commander for all of the 4-wheel drive roads, mining tours in Creede and a rafting vehicle. The top comes off so we can experience Colorado with the wind in our hair. We are very excited to expand our cabin "toys."


Truckin'

So...when are you coming to visit?