Matteo's school friend Charlie invited us to his pre-4th of July party! Not sure which was more fun, the fact that we were invited to a family only party and were the only non-family members or the giantic water slide that the kids enjoyed.
But yes, we also had fun swinging with Charlie and his sissy Clara.
In case you were wondering the smiles the water slide produces, allow Matteo to demonstrate:
And yes, Chloe May too "warmed" up to the slide and enjoyed many times going down same sans Daddy.
And though we are in separate school districts, his mom and I agreed this friendship is worth taking the time for.
About 13 months ago Matteo saw this bug gun at his friend Caleb's house (or at least I refer to it as that). He was fasinated by it - and I am sure the Easter Bunny meant to get it for his this spring but forgot, but .... alas remember Grandma just visited :-) Sure enough her visit contained a bug gun (yes there was a "discussion" about all the gifts given). Anyway, using that bug gun, Matteo went to the park today and caught a bee of which he was most proud and we had to bring him home to show everyone :-)
I did draw the line when he wanted to bring the bee over our friend Ally's house (where we went mid-day).
We enjoyed a bittersweet birthday party for our friend Kinga today - bittersweet as our Dear Friend turned 6, and we met her when Matteo was a week old - and next month she returns to Poland to live.
After some tumbling and forward rolls, we went home to surprise surprise GRANDMA - who is back for her overnight visit. After Church we took grandma to the local - no surprise here - BEACH! There we ran into our friend Caroline.
And staying up much later than usual - we fulfilled Chloe May's request to have green nails. Matteo opted for only green toes in light of soccer tomorrow.
Yes Grandma, we love you too and are very excited to have you visit.
Our $25 beach pass for two years is really paying off! I feel like we are becoming beach bums. Below Matteo enjoyed his friend Johnny & Paul's company at the beach. We love little Johnny - his Daddy is on the musician that often entertains us at parties and Matteo & Johnny seem to be cut from the same mold :-)
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Lest we forget our Dolly who too is becoming a water bug :-)
Father's Day 2012 was celebrated at Nanny & Poppi's house after a great game of soccer of which Matteo solidified that he is a strong defensive player.
After spending a bit more time in traffic than the occupants of the car would have liked, we arrived at Nanny & Poppi's to a bit of an overcast sky and cooler temps then we have been experiencing. This weather was perfect for a BBQ outside and a ride on Uncle Rocco's quad.
Even Chloe May enjoyed the quad.
A campfire and s'mores - simply heavenly.
The love of family - a wonderful ending to a fun-filled day.
An event we've only been looking forward to this festival for the past 364 days (give or take!) - - the STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL is in town!!! We were so excited for this event that we even cancelled going to a friends birthday party - because when the strawberries are ready for picking, and the rides are plentiful, we hit the festival (or at least for the second time in two years we do).
Matteo was kind enough to accompany Chloe May on every ride that she wnated to go on.
Daddy too
And I too received an all ride bracelet.
Love the look on Chloe's face looking at her brother in the above pic.
Two things were solidified this day: 1) I don't like rides, don't like to get dizzy, am usually bumped and bruised going on them; and 2) Matteo's love of speed and adult rides.
Below you see Daddy & Matteo in the far right "flying".
Refering to number 1 above, this includes the ferris wheel .
Sorry Babe, next year.
And the one ride Matteo was locked out of due to height, Daddy ventured on alone.
Another 4 inches and Matteo will make the cut next year - stay tuned!
And in other news the festival was not all fun and games - - ok mainly it was, but Daddy also donated blood and while I tried to, I was locked out - - perhaps I am vampire after all? :-)
And lastly, we all shared and enjoyed the most delicious strawberry shortcake I ever had. OMG YUM!
complete with a puppet show and well look who is cozying up to Matteo - the little girl he so badly has a crush on :-) I sat behind them with Chloe - as we were invited to stay - and even witnessed her laughing and joking with Matteo. Dreams do come true.
And so out walked a kindergartner today my Friends.
I'm excited for Matteo - - such an enthusiastic boy.
And you'd never know it (because she doesn't usually speak too much out in public), but lookie who can hold a tune:
So after two months of patiently waiting to be the last child to take home the class pet - yesterday Matteo FINALLY took home the class pet Cinnamon! Taking home Cinnamon is a big responsibility, we have to take him places with us AND in the end write in his journal.
Matteo got Cinnamon acquainted with the house by reading him a book.
Imagine how tickled pink Matteo was when he awoke the next morning and found out that Cinnamon had gotten out of bed that night and found the Nook and was playing Angry Birds! (Matteo still asks me how Cinnamon got out of bed - - - )
And we are back to our 8 AM bike rides - and wouldn't you know who wanted to come ....Cinnamon
And after 4 months I finally got my haircut! And what was I thinking to bring 2 children with me....but it worked out fine and there was very minimal interruptions.
Today at Matteo's school there was the TALENT SHOW! The teacher sent home a list of suggestions for the class, i.e. demonstration, sing a song, read a book, etc. I am proud to say after much pondering Matteo chose to read a book (and was the only one to do so I might add!).
The teacher informed me pre-show that she chose Matteo & his friend Charlie (pictured below) to be the first two presenters as she felt as though they were the most confident and would set the example of what was expected/how to perform your talent. But first of course was the Pledge - of which Matteo & Charlie (no surprise) both volunteered to go up and say the Pledge.
Matteo and his friend's (left to right) Ava (whom was his first crush) and Hayley (who once complained to her mother that Matteo never sat next to her at snack time, only sat with Ava). Ava ironically complained mid-year that Matteo was "too much" of a presence - - something I see Matteo very much likes to touch his friends (hold hands, hug, etc.). I think he gets that from me.
A snippet of the book Matteo read - - Jules was impressed that he improvised as well as he did - - I was impressed that he got up there and read.
Not sure who is going to miss Mrs. Hoffman more, Matteo or myself...but I'm guessing myself :-)
