Luigi's 1st Birthday!

I can't believe that Luigi is already 1! I think of the many memories that we already have and what a blessing he has been to our family. Tweetsy and Mario loved to hold him when he was really little but aside from that they didn't notice much that he was around. He's been such an easy baby not requiring much of anything (possibly wise in his young age that Tweetsy and Mario are handfuls!) He does everything that Tweetsy and Mario never did like put everything in his mouth and creeped for a very long time before crawling and is constantly on the move. He also loves to cuddle and it's so sweet when he just lays his head against your chest. When I recall Tweetsy and Mario at 1 I think they were much more 'grown up' and more toddler like. Luigi is still just a baby. He's so sweet and doesn't have the fearlessness, or confidence or independance that Tweetsy and Mario had/have. It's amazing already to see the differences. But there are the similarities too...Luigi has the same infectious laugh that they do.
The birthday party for Luigi was a fun one and close family and friends came but Luigi didn't really realize that the party was for him. I decided to make cupcakes and made a cupcake cake in the shape of a one...a bit of a creative touch but definetely not professional. I also made Manicotti for the first time (which turned out ok). Katie came early and helped me immensely with the appetizers and showed me a few tricks that I didn't know...thanks a bunch Katie! Luigi wasn't even sure about the cake...he tried it but we had to help him get messy! Mario & Tweetsy opened his presents for him but again, Luigi didn't notice that the presents were for him. I remember Tweetsy and Mario's 1st birthday...they were very into the presents and Tweetsy looked at each card as if she knew what they said. What a difference! Luigi got lots of new summer clothes and a few toys. The party was a lot of fun and it was nice to relax and enjoy some good conversation too. Thanks to everyone who came and even to those who couldn't make it but still made it a very memorable birthday for Luigi!

Lots of fun things going on!

Well, it has certainly been a while since I updated you all on the what's been going on in our life. Peter has been working so much and the kids and I have been trying to find things to do to keep busy while it's still cold outside. It'll sure be great when spring arrives and we can shed our coats and snowpants! First off...the kids went to see a play on a field trip with their school. Fearless Jacob was able to go up on stage and test out some of the props. Fearful Aniella missed her opportunity and when she was finally comfortable enough there weren't any more chances. Just a glimps at their personality traits!

After being cooped up in the house for many many days and having a day off from school I decided to find a place to take the kids swimming. I took them to the Shoreview Community Center. Jackpot! But of course it was a day that a lot of other families had the same idea. This place is family friendly for kids of all ages and safe for little ones including a ship water slide that they loved. JT wasn't as thrilled to be there and I had to hold him the entire time but I didn't have to worry about Aniella and Jacob. This is definetly something we'll do again and it's affordable.

We've done a few other fun things like meeting Grandpa and Grandma N. at Wooddale Fun Zone where they have a large climbing area and slides for kids plus lots of games. This is one of our favorite places! The kids have also taken turns going to Grandpa and Grandma M's in St. Cloud. This gives them each a special time to spend with their grandparents. Each time they would go Peter and I would take the other to Chuck E. Cheese for a special outing! Good times :)