We spent a week in Florida and it was fabulous! Despite a long, delayed trip on our down there, we had great weather and really enjoyed ourselves. David and I took about a two-hour getaway from my parents' house in Naples to Long Boat Key for the weekend. We stayed at a fabulous resort! It was a relaxing and much-needed trip. The girls of course were in the care of my parents and they had more fun than us.
The view from our room.
After a really good dinner at a local restaurant, we sat at the dock to enjoy the boats and view.
Rough life, huh? We spent our mornings and afternoons at the beach and resort pool.
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When we got back to my parents' house there was more fun to be had of course! We spent a day at a beach club.
The girls with Nonna.
Gabby and Daddy enjoying the Gulf.
Adriana enjoyed the beach and Gulf water more so this year. She loved finding seashells and swimming in the water.
Fun at the beach!
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One of the girls favorite places to go is the water park. We didn't go last summer but went twice the summer before. They love all the pools and water play.
Nonna and Adriana.
This year Gabby was old enough to enjoy the lilly pads. She mastered getting across them after only a few tries.
Yummy lunch!
We had a wonderful time visiting Nonna and G-Pa. Thank you for such a fun and memorable trip and for giving the girls even more love and attention than you usually do while we were away for the weekend. We love you!
Happy 4th of July! We had a fun day celebrating the U.S.A.'s birthday! We spent time at the pool and then in the evening went to our friends' house for a delicious cook-out, fun water play and fabulous fireworks.
Our firecrackers in their red, white and blue!
Hanging out with our friends. Gabriella, Adriana, Riley and Abe playing on the huge water set. It was awesome! The kids loved it!
So fun!
Wet and Wild!
Adriana being brave.
We hope you all had a great Independence Day! It's nice to have a special day to recognize the freedom and liberty we have in this country, and those who have fought and are fighting so that we may continue to live in a free society.
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!
