Fourth of July

The evening before the Fourth of July was the town's firework display.  Papa and Grandma were able to join us this year to see the amazing display the town puts on.  Emily and Garrett still don't like the loud booms but we managed to use headphones to lessen the noise and they have started to enjoy the show.

We woke up bright and early on the Fourth of July to pouring rain which was going to make the 5K race in town a little more interesting for the spectators and runners.  We arrived to find an incredible turn out for the local race and Daddy was ready to run.  Daddy is right next to the man in the Dr. Seuss American style hat.

The kids were so excited to see the race and I was thankful to have help because we were getting soaked.  We managed to find every umbrella in the house and stayed somewhat dry while we waited for Daddy near the finish line.

Brian finished in an amazing time of 19 minutes and we were all so proud of him.  Papa even had to admit it was a pretty good time.  And he didn't even get lost.

By the end of the race and a walk to Dunkin Donuts, the clouds parted and it was a beautiful sunny day, all within a matter of an hour.  So we found a nice spot and watched the parade through town.

Everyone was in a patriotic mood.

It was a fun day to celebrate the U.S.A. and the parade was really entertaining.

Track Meet

Connor participated in his first local track meet today and did amazing.  This track meet includes approximately 10 towns in the area so it was very well attended.  He placed second in the hurdles and we are so proud of him. 

Other events Connor chose to participate in was the football toss and the fifty yard dash.  He did fantastic in all his events and should be very proud of himself.

Emily's Christening

I am hoping the phrase better late than never applies because at just a month shy of Emily's second birthday, Emily is being Christened.  Since the dress from Jonny and Claire's wedding was so beautiful, we decided it was absolutely perfect for this occasion.   

Look at our little angels.

The service was very personalized and our family showed up in full force.  Heather assisted during the baptism and was sweet enough to do the readings.

Emily was very aware of what was going on.

Which meant she gave Reverend Ramirez quite a task of putting water on her head.  After a couple head fakes, he managed to make it work.

Our princess

Emily and her godmothers

Emily and her godfather

The Falahee Family made it to LV and we couldn't have been happier.  Thank you Aunt Ellen for making the trip.

We are so lucky to be surrounded by our family and friends.  All of our friends were able to come and share the special day.  Here is the whole Gervase clan.

Even the whole Maple Ave Conn crew was there.

Emily and her grandmothers.

One more picture and I am out of here.  Emily was such a trooper all day and managed to be the best girl.  We love you!

Bradley's Graduation

When your Godson graduates from high school, you know you are officially getting old.  I am proud to say that Bradley has graduated from high school and is headed off to RIT.  In addition to all his academic achievements, he will even be playing lacrosse. 

We attended the graduation and were a very loud section when Bradley went to accept his diploma. 

Congratulations Bradley!!!!

Mila's Christening

The first weekend in June brought us to New Jersey and were welcomed with open arms into the Buneta household.  The kids could barely contain their excitement.  As usual we jam packed the weekend with lots of events and excitement.  First, we celebrated Luka's 6th birthday at a gymnastics party which was so much fun.  I know my kids never wanted to leave.  Then, it was off to the local fair.

Connor wanted to try every ride and I believe he actually accomplished his mission.  Can you see his expression coming down the slide - mouth open and laughing. 

The boys loaded up for the roller coaster and barely had time for a picture.  It was a fun night of rides and fireworks and then it was off to bed for some very tired kids and adults.

The next morning was Mila's Christening.  Mila is the cutest baby and has the best disposition. 

Here we are all dressed up and ready to behave in church. 

Look at beautiful Mila.

Garrett chilling during the service.

Connor being his cool and well behaved self.

Emily was a bit of a handful because she just kept talking.  We still need to work on our inside voice - thank goodness she is cute.

Look at these kids.  How lucky are we!  We had a blast with the Buneta's but it was time to go back to MA to finish off the school year. I know they are looking forward to getting together again real soon.

Water Wars

Just another day in May with a little bit of fun.  Give our kids a hose, some water guns and a bucket - everyone ends up soaked and having a blast.

Water does not effect Emily in the slightest.  She absolutely loves playing in the water and the temperature doesn't seem to phase her at all.

The entire family was soaked to the bone by the time water wars was over.  They even managed to get Mom and Dad completely drenched.  They have no pity for us. 

Deep in the Heart of Texas

On Monday, we arrived back from London and we didn't stay on home base for long.  We were packed up again on Friday and on our way to Houston, Texas.  Our main event of our visit was to go see the Houston Astros play the Texas Rangers on Sunday. 

We arrived late Friday night and the kids were so excited to be staying in a hotel and I was excited because we were staying at the Four Seasons.  When we walked into the lobby and were heading to the elevator, it didn't quite click why I saw people autographing baseballs.  I didn't say anything until we were in the elevator.  Apparently, we literally walked right by some of the Texas Rangers.  Well, I never heard the end of it from Brian.  Thank goodness on Sunday the boys were all in the lobby when the players were getting ready to leave for the ballpark. 

On Saturday morning, we headed out to the Houston Aquarium which was beautiful.  We are living quite a luxurious lifestyle by utilizing the hotel's car service to help us get around town.  Our driver was so entertained by the kids that he was so excited when he saw them and was always there to help us.  We were very grateful.

There was a sting ray tank where the kids could actually touch the animals as they tried to climb up the walls.  Garrett was fascinated.

Connor loved all the exhibits...look at our scuba diver.

This was a crab tank which was more Connor's speed since they don't move quite as fast as the sting rays.

The white tigers on exhibit were gorgeous and we even saw them being fed.

This is a tornado simulator which felt like a high powered air conditioned booth which was perfect in the heat. 

When we returned to the hotel, it was straight to the pool.  Garrett being Garrett immediately made friends with a nice young couple who basically entertained him for a couple hours.  The poor young couple had their hands full with our kids constantly vying for their attention.  It was such a fun afternoon and we all loved enjoying the sun and pool. 

Emily was loving all the experiences at the hotel.  Here she was playing peek-a-boo with the bell hop.

Minute Maid ballpark.  What a fantastic experience!  We got a chance to see the train engine move when the Astros hit a home run.  Emily even made it onto the Jumbotron when she was dancing to the music...total fun!

The next day Brian took off to his conference in Austin and we enjoyed breakfast in the room.  We then headed off to the airport and returned home to the real world.  This was all Brian's idea and even though I gave him a very hard time about this trip, I have to take it all back because we had so much fun.