Happy Father's Day, Daddy! We love you so much and are so happy we had a special day to pamper you and treat you like the treasure you are to our family.
In the morning, right after waking up, we gave Daddy his cards and gifts.
The best way to start your day.
We surprised him with a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods and an Oklahoma City Thunder t-shirt. Thunder Up!!
Sweet picture! Gabby loves her Daddy!
We spent the afternoon at the neighborhood pool. Daddy and his favorite ladies!
Happy Father's Day, David! We love you so much and truly appreciate all that you do for our family each and every day. You are a one and only!
On Wednesday we returned after a few days visiting family in western Pennsylvania. We drove out there - took two days each way as we stayed overnight - to attend my cousin's wedding and spent time with extended family. It had been two years since we visited so it was nice to see everyone. Although I had my camera with us on our trip, I admittedly didn't take enough pictures. We were super busy and I tended to forget to take it places. Here are some photos from our stay:
We went to a park with cousins Jason, Andy and Allison and their parents Marlynn and Jason one afternoon. Here's Jason and Adriana climbing.
Gabby enjoying her lollipop while she played.
Andy and Adriana being cute kids.
Sweet Baby Allison. She is just shy of 3 months.
We spent some time at Great-Grandma Connie's house one afternoon. This is a nice picture of the Mangino ladies.
We enjoyed our time visiting with family even though it was a short stay. It's never enough time to catch up with everyone when so much time transpires in between visits. Never the less, we enjoyed the time we did have together while eating great food and being in the presence of those we love.
Last weekend we did what we called "Tour de Kansas." Our first stop was Hutchinson where we celebrated Vinny's first birthday; then on to Manhattan to see Nana and Grandpa and stay the night; next was Lawrence and then we finished it in KC before heading back to Tulsa. All of this in just two days. Wow! The girls were so well behaved in the car. True road warriors!
Here are pictures from Vinny's first birthday party. He is so adorable! It's hard to believe he's one (well, technically, he'll celebrate his first birthday on June 8th)!
The girls helping Vinny open our gift to him. We got him a ride/push Thomas the Train, a set of plastic golf clubs, pajamas and an outfit. The girls were so excited for him to open them up!
What a big boy! He's walking, too!
They are such a cute family.
He thought the Elmo cake was pretty fun.
So happy to be messy!
Happy Birthday, Vinny! You are such a sweet and happy little boy! We love you!
Last Tuesday was Gabby's last day of PreK. She's off to Kindergarten now! We can't believe it! Her last day was filled with lots of fun activities. They had a carnival at her school with a petting zoo and crafts for the children and their families. She had a great time and we did, too!
In the morning before her last day. She's grown up so much in the last year.
Yesterday Gabby had her ballet and tap dance recital. She did wonderfully! We are so proud! She was so lucky to have Nonna, Uncle Tommy, Aunt Danielle and Vinny in town to attend. Below are photos and videos from dress rehearsal and the recital. Her ballet number was "Once Upon A Dream" and her tap was "Tutti Frutti." The videos from the rehearsal are closer up, but her tap rehearsal is in ballet shoes because they didn't have time for a shoe change. To get the full effect of "Tutti Frutti," you'll want to watch the recital video. She has a short solo in "Tutti Frutti" around the 1:35 mark.
Photos from dress rehearsal:
"Once Upon A Dream"
"Tutti Frutti"
Videos from Dress Rehearsal. Gabby is the front row and in the center.
"Once Upon A Dream"
"Tutti Frutti" (Love the air guitar!)
Before her recital. Posing for the camera.
Videos from the recital:
"Once Upon A Dream"
"Tutti Frutti"
Afterward, she was spoiled with flowers. She received so many compliments on her performance. She really loves to dance and gives it her all. Actually, Gabby gives 100% no matter what she does and that's why we are so proud of her.
Gabby with Nonna.
Gabby was a lucky girl to have family travel from far away to see her perform.
Our family.
After the recital, we enjoyed spending time together in the backyard.
Adriana and Aunt Danielle playing catch.
Nonna and Vinny.
A family game.
Gabby helping Vinny work the tee.
Nonna got all the kids these cute chairs for the summer. The cutest kids I have ever seen!
Love this one of Adriana!
Today we celebrated Uncle Tommy (May 10) and Vinny's (June 8) birthdays before Unc, Aunt Danielle and Vinny headed home. Vinny got a chance to enjoy a little ice cream and cake. Can't believe this cutie will be one soon!
I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Hard to believe this is my 6th Mother's Day, and I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate the importance of moms, especially my mom as well as my own milestones on this special day. Motherhood is the best thing I have ever done and by far the most challenging. But, I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so fortunate to have two loving, compassionate and beautiful little girls (and a wonderful husband, too!).
And as a side note, I broke my right foot last weekend. It was a silly accident and I am in a boot for the next 3-5 weeks. I am seeing an orthopedic specialist this week. I hope it's nothing too serious and that it can heal on its own. This last week has been challenging because of my immobility to some degree, but the girls and David have taken good care of me. A little extra love during Mother's Day week. :)
After Mass on our front porch. I love these little girls! They are the best gifts I have ever received.
Gabby made me this beautiful, one-of-kind pot at school. It's so lovely. We are going to pot the flower in it this week.
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Last night Gabby had a t-ball game. We've been busy the last two months games with anywhere between 1-3 times a week. The girls have improved immensely. We are really proud of Gabriella.
Fielding a ground ball in the pitcher's circle.
It was a hit!
Playing catcher. So cute as he gets in her stance.
This weekend was full of activities for the girls. On Friday evening we attended Adriana's Baby Ballet recital at her dance studio. This is their end of the year showcase and it was adorable! Adriana really enjoyed her first ballet class and improved so much throughout the year.
Posing before her recital.
A good luck hug from her Big Sis!
Stretching at the beginning.
What a beautiful ballerina!
So graceful.
This is a clip of "I'm A Little Teapot" and "Shoo Fly." These are Adriana's favorite ones and so stinkin' adorable, too!
What a wonderful and cheerful ballerina! She has her medal and bouquet of flowers from Daddy, Mommy and Gabby. We are so proud of her!
What a cute bunch!
My tiny dancers!
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Saturday afternoon we attended Gabriella's Tumbling Showcase. Gabby's dance recital will be next month, but this weekend family and friends were invited to attend the end of the year showcases for the tumbling classes.
All ready to go.
What a strong bridge.
Somersault.
Starting her cartwheel.
Little Sister wanted a front row seat.
Balancing the beam.
She got a trophy! Way to go Gabby!
This is footage of Gabby doing cartwheels. As she completes them on the first mat, you can hear little hands clapping. That's Adriana cheering on her Big Sister. Then notice Gabby's reaction when she sees Adriana doing it. Adriana is seated toward the bottom of the screen. She wanted to be up close watching her sister. Makes my heart melt.
Smiles all around for the great gymnast!
I am a proud Mommy!
We had a wonderful weekend and really enjoyed watching the girls excel in their activities. They work so hard and we are so proud of them! This weekend it became apparent how quickly they are growing up. It's bittersweet.
