GermanFest!!!

Yesterday was our annual trip to GermanFest as a family! We NEVER miss! And now that we have children it is even more fun! Gracie was dressed in her dirndl (german dress) and MJJ in his Lederhosen! Both of them looked adorable....precious beyond words! They had fun eating ice cream, fruit, potato pancakes (my favorite) and the best entree of the day....ice chips! Who would ever think that ice chips could be so delicious and entertaining that you couldn't get enough! But for those of you who are parents understand when I say...."whatever works" Whatever makes them happy! Grace had a great time dancing at the very front of the stage....I video taped and video taped some more....I laughed and giggled behind the camera but also teared up a bit at her innocence and independence. She is becoming a little lady....a party lady...but a little lady! MJJ danced a bit too but was content to have mom hold him. While Grace danced the night away MJJ saw his 1st fireworks in person (he has always been sleeping before) I thought he might be scared for the grand finale but he loved them....quote unquote "OH Boy" was his narrative. It was a late night filled with lots of memories.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUGGIE!!!

Today, July 19th is Auggie's 6th birthday! Hard to believe he is six already! He is doing great! Depsite a rough year with a torn cruciate and TPLO surgery Auggie is on the mend.

The kids and I sang Happy Birthday to him (a few times today) and even though he is on a diet he had a Happy Birthday Frosty Paw!

You deserve it Augs....You wll always be my boy!!! Always!
I love you...Happy Birthday Lou!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOHN & SARAH!

The McNabb Cousins
Mom McNabb and her Children
John & Sarah

On Sunday, July 8th John surprised Sarah with a renewing of their vows. He re-proposed and Bishop John C McNabb, OSA officiated the ceremony. It was a great afternoon, all the McNabb/Badalamenti cousins were together (1o out of 11, we missed you John McNabb) and lots of friends and family gathered together as well!

Congratulations John and Sarah!

THE BEACH!!

We now have a beach! Mike was off of work last week and for those of you who know Mike...give him a day and he will change the world!

It looks so cool. You can walk into the pond now with sand under your feet and the kids love playing, throwing and building in the sand. They think it is another world, not part of our yard. They frequently ask "can we go to the beach someday, Mom?"

LeslieAnn flattered me by giving me the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award

Here is what she said about our Blog:

Heidi at Gracie and Michael's Place. I ♥ Heidi! She is one of my best friends in this world and I know she's always a phone call away. She hasn't been blogging long, but she makes my day with updates/pictures of MJJ and Gracie. Heidi loves being a mother...just read her posts and there's no doubt about how much she loves her babies! Heidi is one of the few people I'd get on a plane for...that should say a lot right there. :)

Here are my 5 nominees:

1) LeslieAnn from SuperDuper Jack is one of my best friends in the world. We met 4+ years ago when we both were going through infertility. We met on-line and though we have never met, we are unbelievable friends. She understands me and is always there for me. Leslie and her son, Jackson are true people who make the world a better place. Her Rockin' Girl Blogger site makes me smile everyday. Thank you Leslie, not only for my Rockin' Girl Blogger Award but for your priceless gift of friendship!! Someday we will meet Les!!! I can't wait!
2)Two By Two By Two; The Making of a Family Todd & Randi are amazing people...again two people I have never met but who touch my life through their blog. They recenty welcomed twin boys, Wyatt and Emerson after a long and difficult pregnancy. Best Wishes to Randi and Todd and their new family!
3)J over at Lots of Scotts......I read J's posts daily and she is a true inspiration. She is the mom of three year old beautiful triplets. She brightens my day with stories and also inspires me with her incredible faith!
4)Jen over at Amazing Trips...is just that AMAZING. She is mom to triplets and recently became "Mom" again. Her little boy, Henry is adorable as are all of her children and her sense of humor cracks me up everyday. Thanks for making me SMILE Jen.....your stories are hilarious and so true...I don't have triplets but as a mom can relate!
5)Kim over at Puppies and Mudpuddles is a great mom who loves sharing her iife and little boy. I enjoy reading Kim's blog and have a special connection seeing that she is a fellow Midwesterner!