Happy Birthday Catherine!

It was Catherine's 2nd birthday on Friday! Hard to believe that two years have already gone by. We had a party on Friday night, complete with cake,

presents,

(I love the reaction from her big sister)

and a great time.

The next morning, Isabella and I were awoken by this:

She had it as loud as it would go and Isabella and I, half sleeping, looked at each other as if to say, "Really Catherine? It's only 7:15 on Saturday morning!" She was carrying it around like it was a boombox, having a great time. Thank you Grandma Becky. We owe you one.

She was also making laps around the island with her new stroller and baby, with her new purse around the handle. Each time she passed, we'd have to make a lane so we wouldn't get run over.

Happy Birthday Catherine Marie! We love you very much!!

The Rest of the Trip

Okay, just a few more stories and photos from our Iowa trip.


While Isabella was fishing with the fishing pole, I tried fishing with a net. NOT SO EASY, my friends. I kicked off my shoes and waded into the pond, stood as still as I could, net lowered in the water. But I'll tell you what! Those fish are tricky! I was determined to get one of those buggers, and was about to throw one of the pole caught fish in my net for the picture when I actually got one! Now, I have never claimed to be a great fisherman, but I thought for sure if I could catch a fish in the net, then I would have no problem with the pole. I mean, people had been catching fish all night long - even my 3 year old daughter. However, the fish eluded me yet again. Perhaps it's time I realize that I fishing is not my calling...

Summer in Iowa would be incomplete without a trip to the cornfields for a picture in the corn. My dad had scoped out the perfect spot for our picture, so off we went, ready to pose. Of course, once we got there, Isabella was less than excited about posing for her picture, and Catherine was completely enthralled with the corn and flowers all around her. But, we did get a few pictures! I'm sure the farmer loved us playing in his crops!

Thanks again, Gramma and Grampa! We had a wonderful, restful, and relaxing time. I'm sure you would describe it otherwise, and might still be recovering, but thank you for having us. We love you!

And Now Seattle...

The very next weekend after our trip to Philadelphia, Anthony and I packed up again, this time with my parents and Isabella, and hit the skies, heading out to Seattle. This time we were traveling to my cousin's wedding.

Although this trip was not as relaxing, fun was still had by all. We got in late on Thursday evening, and went to bed as soon as Isabella's crib was delivered. After joining forces on Friday with my Aunt Betty, Cousin Janie, Brother in-law John, Sister Sara, and my parents, we were off. First Sara and John played tour guides and took us to a quaint little bistro for breakfast, and then we headed into Seattle's wine country to take a tour of one of the wineries.

Even though Isabella prevented Anthony and I from completing the tour, we had fun running around outside and chasing peacocks. We all enjoyed a little picnic after the tour was over.

Friday night we boarded the ferry and headed over to Bainbridge Island for the rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately, on the way, our crazy taxi driver slammed on his breaks and caused Isabella to fly out of our arms and straight into the console, causing the beginnings of a black eye.

Saturday morning we joined forces again for some breakfast, and Isabella became an honorary Seattle police officer, thanks to the kind officers who gave her a badge! Our little family headed back to the hotel so that Isabella could get in a good nap before we ate lunch at the Pike Street Market. After another nap and some gelato for me and Anthony, we got ready for the wedding.

Tom and Andrea got married at the Horticulture Center at the University of Washington. The ceremony was outside, with the reception inside.

It was a busy weekend, but we are so glad that we were able to make it out there for such a fun time!

Remembering Grandma Alvino

This morning Anthony's sweet Grandma Alvino passed away. At 94 years old, she had lived a good and long life. We went to see her last night to say our goodbyes, and we're so thankful that we did.

We love you, Grandma, and will miss you.

Four Christmases - or was it Five???

Because we are now a family divided, we have gone to an "every-other-year" format for holidays. Last year we were home for Christmas, which meant that this year we traveled to Iowa to celebrate with my family.

This in turn caused slight chaos with our holiday traditions.

After a quick phone call to the North Pole, we were able to convince Santa to drop off a few gifts early. He obliged, and just in the "nick" of time! He brought Isabella some Legos, Anthony some t-shirts, and Lisa McDonald's gift cards!


We hopped on a plane and flew into Omaha - only a 3 hour drive away from my parent's house...

Christmas away from home was different. We were able to spend Christmas morning lounging and opening gifts at my parent's house. Santa found us in Iowa, and we were relieved! Isabella received her very own Elmo Laptop! She, of course, loves the sounds!


By Christmas afternoon, we were back on the road, heading up to see my grandparents. So, Christmas Number 3 we celebrated that evening. Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Morgan gave Isabella a Jack-in-the-Box that she loves! The POP does not phase her one bit, unless her mama puts a Lego on the lid and it hits her square on the forehead. Of course, this is probably more shock that her mama would actually fling a piece of plastic right at her face. Hmmm.


On the 26th, we packed up camp and headed north to spend more Christmas with my mom's family. We all piled in my aunt and uncle's house and had a great time! My sister drove down on Saturday, and many of my cousins and their kids were all there to celebrate! We celebrated Christmas Number 4 in a hotel room with Auntie Sara, my parents, and us. Isabella got a book that came straight from the Louvre in Paris from Aunt Sara.


Christmas 4.1 was to happen later Saturday evening, but our little one is an "early-to-bedder", so we missed out. The "whole" family celebrated together and had a wonderful time!


This concludes that good part of our trip. Sunday morning both my mom and I woke up with some kind of terrible stomach flu. I am still recovering from it...


But, we made it home, by the grace of God! We were able to celebrate the Alvino Christmas on New Year's Day. It was definitely worth the wait, and tons of fun! Isabella got a new vacuum (what's that???) and a Cabbage Patch Doll. She also got a Sock Monkey from Auntie Abby and some Play-Do (that went right in the mouth!) from Uncle Jared, Auntie Ann, and Madalyn.


Christmas lasted for a long time, but, we both realized it was time to "de-Christmas" the house, so this past Saturday the lights came down out of the trees, the ornaments and decorations were put back in their boxes, and the tree was smashed and put back on the shelf. I haven't put my nativity or my houses away yet, but they're next.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who made this past holiday season so wonderful! From the Cookie Exchange to the tasty lasagna dinner, we had an excellent Christmas.

We've Been Elfed!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Break In Tradition

If you know Anthony, you know that once he has his mind set on something, it's pretty much a law - in his mind anyway.

One of the "laws" in our family is that we do not, and I mean DO NOT begin any Christmas celebrating until AFTER Thanksgiving.

However, breaking everything that he has ever known or believed, we set up our Christmas Tree BEFORE Thanksgiving. We just weren't sure when we'd get to it if we didn't do it this weekend, so up it went!

The good news is that we get to enjoy the tree a little longer.

The tricky part will be keeping a little girl from pulling the lights off (we still wrap lights around our tree...) and playing with the pretties (ornaments).

I do love having the tree in the house, though! Something magical about it!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Can you even believe my parents did this to me?

Here's me with my dad.

I'm not very happy about this!

She MADE me do it!

For Halloween Isabella dressed up like a little flower! I found a nice warm costume for her, since there is usually inclement weather on Halloween. However, for the first time that either Anthony or I can remember, Halloween was a beautiful day somewhere in the mid-seventies!

We got good use from her costume. Last weekend we went to two Harvest Parties, and then she wore her costume all day on Halloween while we visited Grandma Becky, Great Aunt Betty, and Dad. Then we were off to our friend's house for a quick snack, and then we hit the cul-de-sac. After watching our friends gallivant from door to door, we piled in the car to head over to Grandma Becky and Grandpa Vinny's house. Andrea, Jared, and Madalyn were there.

Isabella was completely exhausted by the time we got home, and after a quick snuggle, she was ready for bed!

The Pumpkin Patch

We took Isabella to a little pumpkin patch today.
She wasn't a huge fan of sitting in the grass,
but she humored us long enough to get a few pictures.
At home, Isabella and Anthony carved the pumpkin
while I cooked up the seeds. We all had a great day!

Race for the Cure

Sunday was my second favorite day of the year!

Our family walks in the Race for the Cure every year (except last year because of a brand new baby). Anthony's mother, Becky, is a 6 YEAR SURVIVOR, and we all love supporting her. My Grandma Fran is also a survivor, as well as many close friends of ours. I think the best part of the day is walking away feeling like I was a part of something so much bigger than myself! The signs that people carry are so inspiring. We walked with people who were supporting survivors like we were, and then we walked by people who were walking in memory of their loved ones. For me the day is filled with mixed emotions. One minute I'm laughing at the "Stop the War in MY-RACK" t-shirt, and then feeling my eyes fill with tears seeing that the big, tough man in front of me is walking for his mother who passed away. There are people from all walks of life, but we are all united for one reason. As we passed the START line, I heard the announcer say that we were walking with more than 62,000 people, and that the race was projected to earn more than $2.4 million. The amazing thing is that 75% of the proceeds stay in Colorado! We walked in the Co-Ed 5K. The very best part of the race is near the end when we round the on-ramp to I-25, and see thousands in front of and behind us. The on-ramp actually looks like the Breast Cancer Ribbon from the air when it's full of walkers!

It was an early morning, and Isabella was less than thrilled that we woke her up. Believe me, it was paybacks come Monday morning...
Anthony, Isabella, and I picked up Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Abby, and made our way to the Light Rail to meet the rest of the crew! You can see that Isabella was not impressed by the train, and was not too chipper for most of the pre-race excitement. Once we got going though, she remembered that it was right around naptime, and fell fast asleep. She slept til about mile marker 2, where she woke up and wanted to be carried. Luckily Auntie Abby has strong arms (which are now sore arms...I told Abby that she starts off weighing about 20 pounds, but gains a pound every minute!).


Anthony and I feel so blessed that we are able to walk for so many survivors! I walked "In Celebration Of" 10 ladies this year! I love that Isabella will be a part of Race for the Cure every year, and I hope that she learns to love the day as much as we do! Of course, our tradition now is to meet up at Mama Alvino's for a calzone and pizza after the race. Could we ask for a better end to a wonderful day?

One Small Scoop

Our church has been trying to move locations for about 9 years. The new property was purchased, and we were just waiting to sell the current location. Finally, everything has fallen into place, and our dream is finally becoming reality!

Last night, our church convened out at our new property for the official groundbreaking ceremony. We worshiped and prayed, thanking the Lord for his faithfulness in providing a new location for our church. We were able to walk around the property and sign an official Declaration of Faith that will be stored in the church archives.

After our pastor explained a few things to the congregation, he held up the famous "Golden Shovel". However, Pastor and our church deacons decided that a shovel was completely unworthy of 9 long years of waiting and praying.

So, although Pastor wanted to take the reigns and move the dirt himself, he allowed one of the construction workers to "break ground" for our new church building! It was so exciting to know that we are only a year or so (or less...) away from being in our new church! I can hardly wait!

Bronco Babes

There's no secret where our family's football allegiance lies. As young parents, we are striving to raise our daughter with not only good morals and values, but also a sense of what is important. In our house it's God, Family, and the Broncos!


So far we feel as though we've done all we can do. I guess sooner or later they grow up, and you just have to realize that you've done the best you can, and from there, it's all up to them!


We'd like to thank our parents for bringing us up right! We love you!

GO BRONCOS!!!

Isabella had a wonderful first birthday! She was surrounded by friends and family, and enjoyed every moment! She didn't quite understand the concept of her gifts, but has since loved each and every one! Isabella was also unsure of what to do with her cake, but once mama and daddy showed her, she figured it out! The bath water turned pink, and she had a late night, but all in all, it was a great way to end a great year!

Happy Birthday, Isabella.
We love you.
Love,
Mama & Daddy

Just About a Year Ago!

I like this picture because although I'm pregnant in the picture, I haven't morphed into the Michelin Man yet.


This picture isn't quite as flattering, however, it's only about 4 weeks before I delivered. The best thing about this picture is that you cannot see my ankles - however - even if this picture showed our feet, you wouldn't be able to see my ankles anyway! I was struggling with a little bit of a water retention problem in August!



It was 52 weeks ago today when Anthony and I went to our 36 week appointment with my O.B. When she checked me, I was one centimeter dilated, which we all know, means absolutely nothing. Anthony innocently asked me what that meant, and I said, "It means nothing. We could either wait another 4 -5 weeks before Isabella is born, or, we could have the baby tomorrow."

Anthony, in a panic: "We're having the baby tomorrow!"

Me, a little annoyed: "No, we're not having the baby tomorrow, I'm just saying, you can't really tell anything from one centimeter."

Anthony, completely relieved, but not convinced: "Fine."

It was a mere 52 weeks ago tonight when my mom and dad unknowingly, picked me up for a milkshake at Sonic. Some people eat spicy food to trigger labor, others walk countless miles, some drink caster oil, and there are those few that will attempt any means to get that baby outta there. I just wanted a banana milkshake, and thought absolutely nothing of it, since our little baby girl wasn't due to arrive for another 4 weeks.

Imagine all of our surprise when I woke up Thursday morning to a water that had broken and the news that a little someone was soon(ish) to arrive. Anthony called into work on our way to the hospital and told the guys that we were on our way to the hospital because my water broke, but that he'd be in to the office in a few hours. Yeah right!

I've been extremely nostalgic these past few weeks, trying to remember everything that happened right before Isabella came, and then those few weeks after she was born. We've been looking at pictures and just can't believe how tiny our little girl was. The weeks truly do fly by, and we've enjoyed every single one!