Jackpot!!

That's what the kids hit when they were at Tiffy's house in May. We had family dinner at Tiff and Robert's house. It was the week that we were going on a trip to ATL. Tiffy mentioned that she would pay 5 cents per pine cone that the kiddos picked up. Before you know it, word spread, and all the kids were out in her yard cashing in (except for Ethan and Gigi). This came at a good time for the kids to earn money for souveneirs. I think that they ended up having to put a $5 cap per child. Don't you just love child labor?!

Jonah picked up multiple bags.

I love this picture of Amber! She had a good time.

It felt like Easter, Round 2!

Ali and Su getting a piece of the action.

Happy 9th Birthday, Ethan!

This year Ethan wanted to have a sleepover, but they had a baseball game on Friday night. So, we decided to go all out and have a 7 hour birthday party. I am a nut job! Anyways, the kids had a blast. That's all that matters. Here are some pics of the kids playing in the water.

Here's Amber, Camron H., Jonah, and Conner

Here's Jonah and Vince showing the other kids how the Del Priore's do a water balloon toss. We actually filled up 200 water balloons. That amounts to about 10 minutes of fun.

These pictures speak for themselves. You know that Roc had to get a piece of the action. I love my "big kid"! He looks too happy!

Ethan...so vicious! Attackkkkkk.

Vince and Jonah are usually on the same page.

Bittersweet-Part 2

Welcome our new family pet, Sunshine. We had a nice little break from pets for a few months. But, we could no longer hold the kids off. So, after Family Home Evening we went and picked this little guy up. I much prefer cute and fuzzy to scaly and shedding. Ethan wanted yet another reptile. But, it was someone else's turn to pick the pet.

Bittersweet...Mr. Iguana

Well, we finally hit our breaking point with Mrs. (not a typo) Iguana. After a trip to the vet. We decided that Mrs. Iguana held no place in our future. So, reluctantly...Rocco took her back to the Flea Market. She's in a better place. When we carefully broke the news to the kids that she was gone, they acted unphased. I'm pretty sure that Rocco and I were more depressed about the situation than the kiddos. They just said, "Can we get another pet??". Stay tuned for part 2.

Easter 2010

I've probably already touched on this in years passed. But, real quick...Roc's family's tradition made it into our home. The kids have to find their baskets on Easter Morn. Enjoy!

Ethan found his basket in his clothes basket in his closet.

I'm sure you can figure out where Jonah's was...

Amber had a basket in a bag.

Giana found hers in the "refrigerator"!

Where did this guy come from?! Brandon was still crashing with us on Easter. Sorry, there are no pics of the festivities. The files are too big. I'm gonna just scrapbook Easter pictures. They are hard to narrow down.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Ok, so I made it to 30! I'm learning to let go of those 20's. My Bab's and Nellie surprised me with a get-away to Myrtle Beach. Anyone who knows me will know that this is the BEST present! I love to travel. We had a great time getting some rays, getting dolled up, and getting our "shop on". Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Roc for the babysitting relief.

I feel like the 30's will be exciting for me. I'm passed the baby phase of life. I have been craving adventure! I feel like I am starting to understand how important it is to be spiritually and physically in shape. I look forward to a memorable decade.

Waiting for the outlets to open. Tik Tok...

This is what our beach scene looked like. Some of my favorite things.

The Branham girls...what's a girls retreat without some laughing and crying right?!

Here's Nellie, putting me and Tiff to shame.LoL

Spring Fever

Grandpapa got the chicken fever this Spring. He has had well over 100 eggs incubating over the course of 2 months. The kids (and Me) looked forward to checking the progress of the eggs. We would look at the eggs incubating, admire the ones hatching, and hold the newborn chicks. Grandpapa is always good for bringing us back to the basics.

Grandpapa trying out his balloon animal skills with Amber.

Ethan was scared to hold them at first, but he was comfortable in no time. He is famous for being that way; being hesitant at first but quickly enjoying himself.

Notice the chickie trying to fly out of Jonah's hands.

Notice how cute Pop's hands are in these two pictures. I love to hold them.
Giana giving the chickie's some love.