Genevieve's First Love

Elmo is now one of Genevieve's favorite words. Second probably to "No!".

She LOVES Elmo!

My Mom

Mothers Day has become bittersweet for me the last few years. I remember the first Mothers Day after my mom died, I couldn't even go to church. I didn't feel like hearing about how great moms were and how thankful everyone was to have theirs in their lives. Fast forward 4 years later and Mothers Day has become such a joyful day. I am blessed with a thoughtful husband and wonderful children who pour their unconditional love on me. I am so grateful for the example my mom gave me on how to be a good mother. I remember what a magical quality she had when we would play together when I was growing up. She could play hide and seek, draw pictures and make me beautiful clothes. Her absence is missed, but I can always feel her spirit when I'm playing with Gabriel and Genevieve and we're lost in a story or cuddling together.

Happy Mothers Day to my mom and very best friend, Jo.

GOAL!

So far this soccer season has been so rainy! Gabriel had his first game last Saturday and scored 2 goals! His first goals ever and he was so excited. It's been so fun to see how aggressive he and his friends have become and really good little players. Enoch was sad to miss it, but they had a make-up game this past Wednesday and Gabriel scored another goal just for him! I don't think Enoch could have been more proud.

 For today's game the weather was beautiful! Here's hoping the rest of the season in just as nice.

Hoppy Easter!

Easter Morning in Columbus!

Easter Celebration in Piqua!

Gabriel & his best buddy, Stari

The Easter Bunny even made an appearance!

Found lots of eggs and a sonic toy @ Papa's house 

Genevieve was finally in better spirits once it was almost time to head back to Toledo :)

Definitely a long weekend, but it was so nice to see the whole family and celebrate together.

O - H - I- O

This year the OSU Spring Game was on Easter Weekend so we had a whirlwind trip to Columbus, Piqua and back to Toledo. We stayed w/ Jake's family while we were in Columbus and had a fun time with them at the game. The kiddos were so cute in their buckeye gear. We tried to get pics of them at the end, but Genevieve wasn't feeling very well that day and was not cooperative at all.

The Spring Game has definitely become one of my favorite annual traditions.

Parks

One of the things I really like about Toledo is all the parks. We have quite a few with great jungle gyms and lots of fun things for the kids. Here are some pics of the kids at a few of our favorites.

These are at Fort Imagination in Perrysburg. Their jungle gym is huge and they have a gated off area for kids 5 and under.

Here's Gabriel @ Anderson Park in Maumee. It's nestled in the middle of a neighborhood so it's perfect when we want to take a walk too.

We went to Walbridge Park last week and the kids had a blast. They have that rubber playground turf so we can go there even when it's a little soggy out. I love Genevieve's static head when she gets off the slide :) Unfortunately, this park is also a little near the hood, so we got to witness a fight while we were there too. Thankfully, the kids were too enthralled w/ new friends and the slides.

And for when it's too rainy or cold out, we have Sylvania Playland. They have bounce houses, playground equipment and a toddler area.

Even with all the slides and bouncies, Gabriel's favorite thing is this roller coaster toy in the toddler area. We build tunnels w/ the big blocks and the kids love to crash through them.

Now we just need it to be consistently warm so we can hit all these parks!

Contribute to Maria Victoria Lamiel Benefit Fund

Happy Birthday to Gabriel

Gabriel turned 5 this year! We had a Cowboy Birthday and had a Rootin' Tootin' good time!