Sophia's 1st Storytime

Well this was actually Sophia's first time over at the Barnes & Noble storytime.  I had forgotten how very many fond memories this used to be for us...and all the times that we had gone before when I'd take Gianna to the toddler storytimes.  This week there was a little crowd there compared to what it used to be like when we were going more frequently.  Hopefully, for Sophia, this little moment is one that she'll enjoy more often.  Love you my girls, xoxo Mama

Little Girls at Play

This afternoon, we're just having some fun, Gianna, Sophia and myself :) The girls are playing on the floor and I thought that it would be a great time to snap some pics of them while they play.

"Take my hand, Big sister."  -Sophia

"I got it...."

Gianna is so beautiful.

And Sophia is beautiful too. 

Precious.

Gianna's eyes.



Don's Birthday Surprise- Part Three

For Don's last & final surprise for this year's birthday celebration I wanted to do something really special for him!  So I decided to surprise him by making him dinner to take to his men's fellowship tonight.  (Don't ask me how I did it because I was completely intimidated at the thought of roasting a whole pork shoulder by myself!)   I picked up a case of his favorite soda, some Arizona iced tea, made this roasted pork shoulder (Spanish-style), along with some Spanish-style rice and these cupcakes. 

When he came home from work I had the food nice & hot and all of the drinks cold and ready to go!

 He was completely surprised and was totally not expected this at all.  I had to go over the top for my Prince Charming because he always goes above and beyond for me and our family.  So here's to Don:

Happy Birthday Papa!  Hope that you enjoyed all that we did for your birthday this year. We Love You & Appreciate YOU!!  With Love, Mama, Gianna & Sophia

Papa's Birthday Adventure (Part Two)

On Day two (Sunday), which was Don's actual birthday, "my assistant" and I went to one of our favorite waffle places to pick up breakfast.

Now these waffles are no ordinary waffles.  They are crisp, sweet and buttery and made out of a twice-raised dough & they are a treat!  You can get them loaded up with all sorts of toppings.  We decided to get them just plain today with a little confectioner's sugar so that we could add all of our own yummy breakfast toppings at home!

Oops, I almost forgot, a picture of my assistant:

For lunch we picked us up a couple of bento boxes and once again had a very quiet lunch.

.

Although a had another special dinner planned for this day (two) of our extravaganza we decided to skip it. We were so full from our lunch that we all just went home and took a nap.

Later that evening Gianna & I began working on Papa's birthday cake.  We had several cake pan options to choose from.  Gianna insisted that we used, the heart-shaped pan.  Although I am not even sure how she knew that we had that pan (because we hardly use it) she was sure that Papa would love a light blue, heart-shaped birthday cake.

So once we picked our pan, we got our cake in the oven.

Then with this buttercream recipe, we began frosting our cake.

"A few little sprinkles should do the trick."

Pat it down.

And of course,  a candle...

Papa was extremely happy with his girls and his specially made birthday cake

 A sweet & happy ending to day two of papa's birthday celebration!

Happy Birthday Papa!