An Afternoon at Como Zoo

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Today was Daddy's first weekend free since graduating from school and boy, you could tell. We went to Como Zoo as a whole family (we wanted to go to Apple Valley, but it wasn't in the cards), and we didn't bring the stroller. I really, really wanted the stroller and even though I had a fun time...I let Ammie know that I do not want to walk that much and next time we need to have the stroller. She agreed. ~Matthew~

Here we are in the primate house, but the gorillas are all sleeping!

Ammie wanted a cute picture of us by the statue, but as you can see, we had other ideas!

In all the times we have come to Como Zoo (and we have come here a ton), we have never seen the ostrich. There it is!

Daddy had to hold me, so that I could see it (the ostrich) better

Here is Nangi looking at the giraffe

Ammie says it is a good thing that pictures don't have sound. The entire time we were looking at the giraffes, I was yelling "GIRAFFE!"

Nangi is looking at the tiger that is sleeping below (that was the theme of the day, sleeping animals)

Nangi is trying to find the animals that swim in the water (it's Sparky!).

Nangi listening intently to Daddy talk about Puffins

This is the new baby orangutan at the zoo...isn't it precious!

Daddy's Done with School!

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

YAY! Daddy is done with school! He has finished his three years at law school and Ammie says that he won't be going back to school anytime soon (or someone will have to help her and Daddy). Unfortunately, we couldn't go to the actual graduation ceremony, but we did attend Daddy's Honor's Reception the evening before.~Chiara~

Daddy is trying to figure out how to put his clothes on; I am still trying to figure out how to put on my clothes.

Daddy is all ready to graduate!

Matthew & Daddy

Me & Daddy!

Our graduate...it's about time, Daddy! We are so proud of you!

Petting Zoo at Longfellow School

Monday, May 11th,

Even though today is Monday (a non-school day), we went to my school for Family Night. The evening was so much fun. We first went to the playground and I showed Ammie and Chiara Nangi the sand toys. Then we went into the lunch room for pizza, cheese puffs, grapes and oreo cookies. Once we finished dinner, the real fun began...it was the petting zoo! At first, I was afraid, but after seeing Chiara Nangi go right up to a goat, I figured it was safe. ~Matthew~

The first thing we went to, was the play truck...I, was the driver, of course

This was Chiara's first time really getting to play in a large sand box

She really was enjoying herself; don't you think?

I'm having fun, too



There's my little sister, all ready to brush a goat!

I got to pet a llama; sooooo soft!

Aw, the little baby animals!

Chiara Nangi can't believe the farm birds!

Pat the Bunny!

My very first pony ride!

Before leaving, Chiara Nangi needed to go down the slide

Mother's Day 2009

Sunday, May 10th

This year's Mother's Day was all about me being a mom:

• Chiara woke me up early in the morning...5am
• She wanted to get dressed for brunch by 6am and wanted to be out the door by 6:15am(Daddy and big brother were still in bed and brunch was set for 10am)
• My porch and some other parts of my house were taken over by "stuff" that I did not want and no one even thought to ask if I would want it (sorry, it would be rude to elaborate)
• Brunch was wonderful, but going out for a meal with kids, with Matthew only wanting to eat bacon and Chiara dribbling her milk
• During the car ride home, Chiara exploded in her diaper
• At home, Mark took care of the kids while I tried to take a nap, but I awoke to Chiara wailing in pain...she exploded in her diaper for a second time

The day ended wonderfully, with carryout dinner and margaritas. I might be bummed that I couldn't get a kodak moment with my kids, but with everything that happend, I am very happy being a mom and a wife. ~Charmaine~

Matthew enjoying a muffin after I cut him off the bacon

Chiara and Daddy enjoying the end of the meal

What do you think, isn't she a cutie?

Silly Video Clips

Thursday, May 7th

Ammie really enjoys filming us, but she never gets us at the right moment. Below are two clips of us from breakfast.~Matthew

The very last thing I say is "can we talk about (getting) dressed," but Ammie swears she hears me saying "breasts." The next clip below, however, is about the clothes I am wearing, so I think I am right, don't you?

May Day Parade 2009

Sunday, May 3rd 2009

This past Sunday our neighborhood, Powderhorn Park, was JUMPING with excitement because of the May Day Parade and Ceremony. The day was perfect weather for a parade and the entire family had fun. I cannot wait to see it again next year.~Chiara~




Here I am waiting for the parade...it is supposed to start at 1pm, but it didn't reach us until 2pm

Matthew Aiya is actually waiting patiently...kudos to Ammie for bringing all sorts of toys and stuff to occupy him

Here is Matthew Aiya taking a big bite out of a mango on a stick

I am taking time to stay hydrated while Matthew Aiya is busy suckng the mango out of the pit

Matthew Aiya took the camera for a bit (and shot 30 pictures), here is one of those pictures...a shot of the finished mango.

This is a silly person dressed as POOP with a fly on her....ha!

There were tons of pigs in the parade and I am waving to one of them

Matthew Aiya is having a great time at the parade and this when we are about an hour and a half into the parade!

Here is a pig! Can you see that the people inside are on stilts!

So pretty and so fun!

Ammie liked these the best, the polar and black bears

Playing with ALL the Toys

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Ammie was shocked today to see that I decided to make a "tower" with all of our toys. I built this tower in our playhouse and it included 2 chairs and Chiara Nangi's little ride on scooter. ~Matthew

Matthew's in the HOUSE!

Just chillin in the full play house

Hmm, time to mix things up

Woo Hoo! This is fun!