No Cavity Club!

Elizabeth had a check-up at the dentist today. She did so great at her appointment. She got to have x-rays taken and stayed so still while the hygienist cleaned her teeth. After getting looked at by the dentist, Dr. Winder, we are happy to report that Elizabeth is still in the No Cavity Club! To celebrate, we stopped at Target on the way home and I let Elizabeth pick a fun, new toy. She immediately decided that she wanted this Lalaoopsies Pony!

I am so proud of my sweet little girl!

Happy Day Day!

Zachary's newest thing is to come up to you carrying something from around the house wrapped in a blanket, or hidden inside something else. He exclaims, "Happy Day Day!" and presents you with the gift. He anxiously awaits as you open it and stares at you until you to say that you love it!

Seriously...could he be any cuter?

Zachary's Toddler Bed

Our little Zachary is growing up! Today we converted his crib into a toddler bed. As soon as we told him we were going to do it, he exclaimed, "Come on Daddy, Come on!" and ran to his room to get the toy tool set he got for Christmas. It was adorable to watch Zachary hammer and drill on his bed as Matt used real tools to get the job done.

Zachary had a huge grin on his face as we all made a big deal about what a big boy he is! He loved all of the attention as he climbed in and out of the bed a dozen or more times. It was so cute to see him laying on his pillow, covered by his warm, snuggly quilt.

I am so glad that Zachary loves his new bed! Now we just have to hope he will stay in it!

Kenadee's Baptism

Today we were able to attend Kena's Baptism. We are so proud of Kena for the choices that she has made. She is a beautiful girl with a sweet spirit about her. She is a wonderful cousin to Elizabeth. We are grateful for the example of kindness and love that she is to Elizabeth. It was great to be a part of Kena's special day!

La Befana

It has been a tradition in my family to celebrate the Italian holiday La Befana. Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve, which is the evening of January 5th. It is said that Befana visits all of the children of Italy to fill their socks with candy and/or presents if they are good. Christian legend states that Befana was approached by the Three Wise Men a few days before the birth of Jesus Christ. They asked her for directions but she did not know. She provided them with shelter for the night and the Three Wise Men invited her to join them on their journey but she declined. Later, La Befana had a change of heart and tried to search out the men and Jesus; however, she was not able to find them. So to this day, La Befana is still searching for the little baby. Although she has been unsuccessful in her search, she still leaves gifts for good children because the Christ Child can be found in their hearts.

My parents have been telling the kids about La Befana since right after Christmas^. Elizabeth and Zachary have been so excited to see what La Befana would leave for them. Yesterday, as soon as the kids woke up they began running all around the house looking for their gift. Elizabeth kept saying, "I know she must have brought me something because I have been so good!"

Elizabeth was thrilled when she found a new Brave Doll set hiding for her in the TV room.

Once Elizabeth found her gift, she ran around the house with Zachary looking for his gift. In the dining room, they found a new Imaginext Batman and Rover for Zachary!

I am so grateful for fun traditions. These small and simple memories are precious to me. I love watching my children enjoying things and filled with utter joy!

Red Vests

While out shopping at Old Navy, Zachary got so excited and started pointing at a rack of puffy vests. As I brought him closer, he began "talking" a bunch, most of it I could not understand until I heard, "just like Papa!" Zachary was pointing at a red puffy vest and was motioning like he wanted to put it on. One look at him wearing the vest...and it was his! He looked so grown-up and absolutely adorable.

Later that day, I told Papa the story and he immediately came over wearing his red puffy vest. Zachary was so excited when he saw Papa. Zachary exclaimed, "Look Papa, just like me" as he pointed at his brand new vest!

The smile on Zachary's face was priceless. So grateful for sweet moments when my children are filled with joy!