Thank you to all of you who are serving our Country or have served in the past for our Freedom.

For those who have lost their lives, you are definitely not forgotten and the sacrifices you have given "thank you" will never be enough.

In Honor of Veteran's Day:

Because of You, Unknown Soldier
By Courtney Tanabe


Because of you, I am here
Because of you, I am able to live freely

Yet I do not know you
And I have not done anything for you

But there you stand, ready to fight
And there you are prepared to die
For me

You've fought before
And you'll fight again
For someone you don't know

So thank you Unknown Soldier
Fighting for me

I'm here because of you
And I owe my future to you

If you know someone in the Military, or has been in the Military in the past please remember to say "Thank You" for their service in honor of them today.

Eating Out with a 3 year Old

So this goes along with the jokes from Jeff Foxworthy, of "You know you are a Redneck when...."

You know you eat out to much when.......

Your 3 year old understands the difference between eating inside and going through the drive-thru. "Mommy I want to sit down and eat inside, not the drive-thru tonight!"

Are we going to the Red McDonald's or the Green one? (the green one's were in North Carolina)

When your 3 year old knows the difference between Taco Bell, McDonald's and Wendy's by their logo...and if you ask he'll probably answer that Burger King has Mac-n-Cheese.

When your 3 year old can order his own happy meal and knows that it comes with fries and a toy.

If you child knows that Subway offers 5 dollar footlongs and can sing the song......we'll maybe that's to much tv......and knows Subway's logo too.

The saddest part is that mostly we eat out at a restaurant so can you imagine how often we really do eat out..........Sad but true, if only we were wealthy enough to have a chef....LOL!!!

Until our next adventure......

Remembrance

For those who were lives were lost, wounded and their families

at Ft. Hood.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Haley & Lauren, you are our wordless Wednesday picture winners! We miss you guys and wanted to remind you that we are thinking of you and love you!

Until our next adventure.....
Aunt Kelli

Fall is here, Fall is here!!

Finally fall is here, and we all know what that means cooler weather, time changes, leaves changing and falling.....and fun times in October for Nico!!!!!! Our fall started out kind of crappy with really cool weather, but definitely took a change for the better the last couple of weeks where we could play outside and get the outside stuff ready for winter.

Our first event of October, was the Ringling Brothers Circus up at The Quicken Arena almost two Thursday's ago. We made it there just in time to stand in line and go through the metal detectors....a little scary we live in these times, but anyway we got there in time to meet and greet some of the performers and stand on the stage. Nico was a little shy, but of course amazed by all the sights and sounds. Then it was time to go to our seats, which was in the nose bleed section because Mommy waited until the last minute to buy the tickets, but there definitely was not really a bad seat in the house! It was a two hour show of lions, tigers, elephants, trapeze acts, human cannon balls and so much more!!! A great night was had by all and we were sad to go, but definitely exhausted from the long night....Nico even fell asleep on the way home!

Next, we went to our annual Pumpkin Patch outing in Hartville to buy our pumpkins. Nico got to play in the corn box, ride a train (that he insisted on riding the caboose), petted the animals, ran through a maze and finally ran through the pumpkins until Mommy made him pick the pumpkin he had to have. Although I was a little disappointed that he wasn't more interested, but all in all it was a great night for all!!!

Then on Tuesday it was time to Carve the pumpkins we bought, so Daddy got the tools and stencils ready after cleaning off the dirty pumpkin and we were off. Mommy and Nico cleaned out his pumpkin, and then Daddy drew the stencil marks on it so Mommy and Nico could cut out all the "silly face". It was a great time to watch him, and to see how uninterested he was in getting his hands dirty with the grime inside :) Daddy then was off onto his pumpkin and he did a ghost, which also turned out really good. It was a fun time for all of us and everyone so far has been pretty impressed with how they turned out! Now if they would only stay nice, but I am sure it's about time to pitch them!

Halloween weekend was upon us. Friday night we went to Boo at the Zoo with our friends Vicky, Jeff and Dash (who dressed up as an adorable monkey). It was a beautiful night and the animals were all out, playful and showing off to all the trick or treaters! Towards the end Nico had enough and was hungry, so Mommy got to hold Thomas the Train and Nico continued to take in all the sights and sounds. We ended the night with dinner at Parasson's and Nico was again tired and ready for bed once we got home! Saturday started out crappy with rain and cold, but ended up by trick or treat time beautiful, just like a fall day...a little chilly for me, but a hot cup of tea helped that! We had quite a few trick or treater's and Nico and his friend Rylyn went to a few houses, but we all know that two 3 year olds have their own agenda and there's was to play! Nico and Daddy got the golf clubs out and they pretended they knew what they were doing!!! :)

This has definitely been a fun month, and now with the holidays coming up only more fun to come!!!! A photoshow is in the works with all the pictures, I figured you didn't need to see them twice as well as the few I put up on Facebook if you are on there too!

Until our next adventure........

Grandma

I thought this picture of my nieces, and Mom were too sweet that I had to share it with all of you! Autumn and Maddy are 16 & 14 years old and live in N. Carolina with their Mom, we don't get to see them much but they are always in our hearts. We miss you guys!!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Until our next big adventures........

Sad Day...

It's been a hard week for my family, as my previous post my step-dad's brother, Uncle Paul, was found unresponsive a couple of days ago and now has unfortunately passed away late last night. He was 69 years old and a really nice, caring man who loved his family. Although it's hard for them and all of us, we know he is in a better place, but please say prayers for Aunt Carolyn and the kids as they will have a rough time ahead of them.

Prayer Request

Please today say a prayer for my Step-Dad's brother, Uncle Paul who possibly had a heart attack yesterday and is in a coma. We are hoping that the doctors can figure out what happened and he will wake up, but for right now it's my understanding it's wait and see.

We are all praying for him.

Take A Moment to Remember

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day please say a prayer for those who have lost a child. My friend, Jennifer put a sweet poem on her blog to remind all of us to take a moment to forget about the hussle and bussle of the day, and spend that extra moment to hug and kiss your child, and say a prayer for those who have lost.

Until next time....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

Until next time.....

It's that time again to show all the imperfect things I could of never possibly done.........no not me, being the perfect Mommy and all!!!

I certainly didn't smell the milk even though it was 3 days past the day and think it smells OK why not? No not me I am perfect in watching for expiration dates.

I certainly couldn't have sat on the couch while Nico was gone this weekend and watched 4 hours of DVR'd TV and then sat on the couch and finished up a book I have been dying to finish...no not me I always use my time wisely and certainly made sure the house was perfectly cleaned!

I surely didn't move Nico's new trains into his playroom and watched them all break apart, and then when Nico found them I didn't say Daddy will fix them when he wakes up just because I am lazy and didn't want to read the directions, no not me I always make sure I fix stuff.

Finally, I certainly didn't let Nico watch Ratatouille just one more time waiting for Gma to come pick him up because my child doesn't watch TV that is longer than a half hour...what kind of mother would do that??

So there it is all my "imperfections" that I possibly couldn't have done!!!!

Until next time.....

Vacation 2009

Now quite some time ago, almost a month ago I promised to blog about our vacation and with Nico's birthday and so many other things going on I never really go the chance too, until now.........so without any further adu........

Our vacation started out on Saturday morning when we got up to leave for Washington, D.C. We were all packed and ready to go, Athena had been dropped off at Uncle Eric's the night before and it only took three times of trying to leave before we were OFF! Nico was such a gem the entire trip and didn't wet his pants even one time! We got to Virginia and checked into our beautiful hotel, since it was only 3:30PM we decided to wonder to D.C. and start sightseeing. Now I have been to D.C. twice in my life and Daddy use to live there for a period of time, but seeing it again as an adult really moved me, between the monuments new and old and all the people that were there respecting those who served our country, along with the great people who have made our country what it is today. Nico was a great sport even when we got stuck on the Metro.

The next day we were off to meet my friend April, and her two cuties as we went to the National Zoo which if you get the chance definitely a great place to take the kids but one piece of advice is that the way down into the zoo is downhill, but coming back tired is all UPHILL!!! But well worth it! After a whole day of playing, April returned home and we were off to visit all those places we missed the night before. Nico once again was a great sport and never had one accident! Although I did get peed on in the National Zoo bathroom but I am getting off track......we had another great evening in D.C. and saw so many things that were awesome and moving, especially the Law Enforcement Monument that brought tears to my eyes.

Finally, our last day we saw the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and Iwo Jima. It was a great time and definitely something Daddy and I want to do again very soon! We could of spent all week there and still not saw everything we wanted too.

Next, we were off to our good friends for the rest of the week in Jacksonville, NC where we use to live. We had so much fun seeing Pete, Michele and Tigger!!! We went to the Pine Knolls Aquarium, Emerald Isle Beach, USS North Carolina and even went by our old apartment and places we use to go when we lived there. It definitely was a walk down memory lane, and Nico had so much fun playing in the sand at the beach collecting seashells. Although Daddy tried to take him in the ocean two different times, he wanted nothing to do with it!!!! Maybe next year, right???

So there you have it our vacation, Cliff Notes style. It was one to remember and we can't wait to start planning next years adventures......Disneyland, Condo on the Beach or maybe a trip out west...who knows the possibilities are endless...........

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

Nico's 3rd Birthday Party

Nico had so much fun over the weekend with his friends and family at his Thomas the Train birthday party!! It was great to see everyone and celebrate my little baby's 3rd birthday....which makes me want to cry thinking he is 3 already!!!! Food was eaten, cake was devoured and fun was had by all....what could be better than that?!?! Well maybe Nico's face with all the presents he opened and how bad he wanted to open each toy then and there. Here are a few shots from the party...the rest can be found in your inbox in the latest photoshows.

Until next time......

Who Remembers When......

Nico was this small?

Or our First Family Photo?

Or Nico being Nico?

I know I sure can, through all the 3 years I remember the smiles, laughs, tears, snotty noses, time-outs, playtime, overnight with Gma times, hurt feelings, fun times, and most of all I remember the Wonderful Memories you have given us and what a special little boy you are to all of those who love you!!!!

How could you not with a face like that?

Happy 3rd Birthday Nico!!!!

October 1st, 2009

Dearest Nico,

It's hard to believe that today you are 3 years old, the time has gone by so fast and sometimes I look back and think where did my baby go? Where did the little guy who needed everything from me disappear too? And now today you are turning 3, and have changed so much in last year that it is hard to put into words, but I am going to try.

This past year you have learned so much, last year at this time you could hardly talk now you are just like Daddy and love to talk and talk, until you can't talk anymore! It's something that I treasure because the words that you come up and things you say make my heart smile and my mouth laugh. You are a special kid who not knowingly has been through a lot this past year with our family, and yet you haven't seemed to catch on or made us think you know, and have made all of us laugh and smile when we needed it most. We have had so much fun playing, and being a little kid again that you have brought out in us. Sitting on floor and playing trains or cars, getting dirty in the dirt or turning the sprinkler on and watching you run through it like there was no tomorrow. Who would of thought such a cheap thing such as dirt would be your best friend....something you go to and could spend hours upon hours just digging and moving, and having Mommy and Daddy get dirty too! The summers of playing at the park or getting ice cream at your favorite ice cream place are something we can never forget! Your first time away from Mommy and Daddy for more than a night, or our first vacation a few weeks ago. All those things are so special in our mind to remind us how special you are in our lives, and how you touch everyone who you have and will come into contact with.

So many details that we can take for granted remind us why we love you so much (not that we needed it), but you are a special child that we love so much and know Nicolas Aaron we love you more than words can say.

So today, we celebrate you on your 3rd Birthday and can't wait until Saturday to celebrate with all of our friends and family who love you too!

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby Boy!

Mommy & Daddy

Vacation!!

I know you are all waiting patiently to hear about our vacation and I intend to blog about it, but we downloaded all the photos on Daddy's Laptop and I have to get them off before I can even begin!!!

Don't you all worry the rest of the photos will be in the photoshows that are coming your way soon!!!!

Until next time.....

New and Old Friend......

Today, I met a new friend, but also an old friend.....which I know makes absolutely no sense but April is a friend who I have been talking to for almost 2 years and today we met for the first time! It was a great experience and she was everything I thought she would be and more! How Corny that sounds, but we had a lot of fun with her and the kids at the National Zoo today...of course more on that later! So this is to new and old friends, and I am so thankful to have her as my Sisterpants!!!!

Until next time....

Speechless......

A Day of Rememberance

Today is a day of rememberance for those whose lost there lives on that infamous day in 2001, one I know I will never forget and I am sure that even though Nico was not alive, he will never forget either.

Not only remember those who lost their lives tragically, but those left behind who have to remember this day that has affected them for the rest of their lives. The brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, children and anyone who suffered those days beyond 9/11/01 and continue to do so. Say a prayer for those families and not only those who lost their lives in those four plane crashes or in the Towers and/or Pentagon, but for those responders who didn't think twice about going to try to save the lives of those whom they had never met or ever would. Or a prayer for those families who lost their love one's fighting for our freedom and for those soliders who continue to do it everyday without even a thank you.

Today is not only about remembering the tragedy, it's about remembering that we need to remember why we fight for our freedom something that we so often take for granted.

So today, I am saying Thank You to my husband who responds without a thought when someone dials 911 and needs help, and to all the other Officers out there that do the same. To the Firemen who risk their lives to try to save yours and your property. And especially to those Soliders who fight for our freedoms, without thinking they want anything in return.

Thank You Bryan, Thank You Kenny for serving our country and Thank You Josh for Fighting our fires. And to everyone else, I don't know and/or our friends who do the same THANK YOU!!

Until next time....

Wordless Wednesday.......on Thursday!

Until our next adventure.........

Happy 6th Birthday Kourt!!!

Dear Kourt,

I can't believe today is your 6th birthday and that you started Kindergarten last week!! Where has the time gone, it seems like just yesterday you were coming home from the hospital, learning to crawl, walk, talk and all those milestones we have seen you complete over the years! Watching you grow up has been one of the best times of my life and watching you grow from a toddler to a young lady has been a joy. You are a smart, funny, and always can make us laugh, and so accomplished with anything you do. It brings me great joy to watch you dance every year and makes me excited to see what you can accomplish this year.

So today, Kourtney Elizabeth we celebrate you because you have a special place in our hearts that no matter how old you get, will always be there.

Happy 6th Birthday!

We love you,

Kelli, Bryan & Nico

Nico's 1st Bike!

Nico & Gpa Tim putting together Nico's Bike

Nico the tool holder!

Adding a wheel!

1st Ride...Hold on!

Here I go Mommy!

Thomas the Train and Bikes?

Last night Gma Beth and Gpa Tim brought over Nico's early birthday present, a Thomas the Train Bike. Now I think I have finally seen it all....Thomas stickers, toys, shirts, pants, coats and now bikes.....whoever invented Thomas sure had my child in mind! So I regress.....

Oh yea the bike, Gpa Tim brought it over in the box for Nico and him to put together. Nico was to hold the tools and hand them to Gpa when he asked, but of course the Thomas the train markings on the bike was all that he could concentrate on! After getting the pieces out starting with the back tire, moving to the handle bars, then onto the seat and finally the training wheels.....we'll maybe not finally because of course we had to put on the Thomas the Train emblems too!

We had to take it for a test drive of course, how could we not??? So Nico climbed up on the seat like a big boy he has become and Mommy close by taking pictures the whole time because Nico doesn't do anything in his life without a camera in his face. He started to roll down the driveway as everyone must of forgot has an incline, and I grabbed his arm as he started to fall to avoid a big mess and into the street! He was OK, thankfully but my heart stopped for just a few minutes thinking the worst and although I know that is not the first of the falls off the bike hopefully they won't be to bad.

Now the biggest challenge for me is teaching him to peddle, any advice out there for teaching an almost 3 year how to ride a bike?

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day Weekend and until next time....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Until next time....