Pool parties and cousins

Last week was Sebastian's friend Emilio's 3rd birthday party. We headed to Orlando for the day to celebrate and to see most of my girlfriends that I hadn't seen yet from when we lived in Central Florida. Thank goodness I happened to invite my mom to come too, because upon arriving Matteo decided he was grouchy, tired and wanted nothing to do with the pool or being outside. He protested so much that I just let Mama take our van and drive herself and Matteo back to her house during the birthday party. He had fun with Lita playing and napping and I got some fun pool time with Sebastian. He really is starting to love the water!

He took a break just long enough to eat two entire slices of pizza, a few grapes and a TON of cheese balls. He loves those things and I never buy them, so he knew to stock up. =)

Pool time! As hard as I tried I never managed a picture of all my friends and the boys. It's just impossible these days it seems...

Sebastian and Owen blowing bubbles.

Sebastian wanted to be right there, front and center when they sang happy birthday. It was hysterical too because Emilio kept poking his cake with the cake server and licking off the icing while everyone was singing and taking pictures. These boys are too funny!

On another note....I enrolled Matteo is his first "class" ever this summer. It was a toddler enrichment class at the library for 5 weeks. Next week is "graduation" so I'm sure I'll have some pictures to share then. He's the youngest in the class, but he has enjoyed the songs and activities! In the fall once Sebastian starts pre-school (yes, he is going to go to schools 2 days a week, I can't believe it - he is so excited - more on that later!) I hope to do Gymboree with Matteo.

At the library playing in the firetruck. Matteo just threw down his hat...

The boys love it when Logan comes over to play! Although I don't like my brother having to be on the road so much and away from his family, it sure is nice that we get to share time with Emily and Logan a few times a month! And he's crawling now!!! Go, Logan, go!

Fun times and Some Videos

Two laughing boys playing under the sheets.

Playing peek-a-boo!

Surprising Mami!

Happy boy!

Matteo is doing so much these days - he's a busy little 16 month old guy. He loves to antagonize his brother, climb things, test your limits, play chase, go outside and eat Jello (sorry, Auntie Tiff). He is saying some words: Hola, Mami, Daddy, Tat-tat, Papa, Nene, agua, hot, dog, duck, cheese (when you take a picture), all done, night night, up, leche (milk), bye bye. He recently went to the dentist bc of his chipped front tooth, which turned out to be a cavity, which led to another dentist visit that was not much fun for anyone, but he now has a nice filling and his tooth looks great! Poor kid, got his Daddy's teeth - Mami has never had a cavity, but this one we are going to have to watch out for!

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Sebastian Reads "There's an Alligator Under my Bed"
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Matteo Sleeping
Well, he was supposed to be sleeping...
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Matteo Watches Barney
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Happy 4th of July (and more!)

For the 4th we FINALLY caught up with my best friend Sarah and her family. It was about time! We went over to their house, played outside with the kids, grilled burgers and hot dogs, played board games (a little different than our board game nights of the past!), waited out the rain and even caught a great fireworks show. It was a fun evening.

Jackson and Sebastian sang Happy Birthday to America.

Matteo had his "all American" meal - hot dogs, pasta salad, corn, watermelon and cupcakes.

The kids loved playing Hungry, Hungry Hippos. I didn't remember that game being so loud when I was a kid....geesh!

We went to Avalon Park for the awesome fireworks display with Sarah, Nathan, the kiddos and all my family too.

Sebastian thought it was nice for about 2 minutes and then he was done and wanted to leave to go to sleep. It was a very long, napless day for him so he didn't enjoy them as much as we hyped them up...maybe next year?

Matteo enjoyed watching and saying "ahhh!" when they got really bright.

Earlier in the week we went to my mom's to see Logan and let the kids play. Sebastian is so happy to see Angelica often again.

That is one very happy Abu (great-grandma) with all of her grandchildren. And there is another one coming in September - my cousin Olgita is having a girl!!

We had a special visit from Tio Mauricio the past few weeks too and he got to meet Logan for the first time. Hope he come back again soon!

Family Day at the Zoo

Our Brevard County Zoo is just so awesome. I love it there. The kids love it because it is just the perfect size that you can see everything in an hour or so and then spend another hour or so in the splash area and call it a day. So nice. =) We decided a family visit was in order since Paul hadn't been yet and since Matteo always seemed to fall asleep by the time we made it to the splash area. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning during 4th of July weekend!

Our family.

With Daddy.

Matteo is finally interested in the animals. Except he calls them all "dog" or "duck." His favorites.

He was Daddy's buddy that day.

Finally having fun in the splash pool!

He was loving the water that day. It was hot, but cloudy so it wasn't too bad.

The battle for Matteo to wear a hat outdoors continues.

"Matteo, the hat stays on your head. Please don't take it off." (note the scowl...)

Okay, fine, but only if I can wear it like this so it doesn't interfere with my line of sight. Or block the sun....ugh!

And you can see who won that battle....
(but hey, everyone had a good day and that's what matter's in the end, right?!)

Father's Day

Sebastian and Matteo made Daddy special cards for Father's Day. So cute!

With Daddy.

Action shot....it's impossible to get a picture of everyone together these days...

With Lelo.

Attempt #2....
He's still the best Daddy EVER!!!!

I took the boys to the beach one afternoon last week....Matteo got a kick out of seeing the birds at the beach. Except he calls them ducks. =)

Sebastian likes listening to Matteo's heart. Matteo is just like - what is he doing to me now?!

Naked baby dancing! More to come...