How 'bout them apples

Over Columbus Day weekend, we went apple picking with my mom.
We went to a cute farm where they had apple trees as far as the eye could see, pumpkins, turkeys, goats and hay bales for the kids to climb.
We were given what Sophia and I like to call Johnny Appleseed bags to fill with apples. I also grabbed a cart in case the apples got too heavy. And I'm glad I did -- we picked 110 pounds of apples! Yes, I said 110 pounds of apples! We were having so much fun (and had never picked apples before) that we didn't realize just how many we had picked until we placed them on the scale.
So far, we've made six apple pies, an apple tartan, two apple crisps, applesauce and apple muffins. And we still have a lot of apples left. Good thing they last a while.

Gianna's 16 months

Gianna loves playing peek-a-boo. Here she's playing while keeping one eye on her big sister.

My baby's 16-month photo with her little lamb.


Gianna is 16 months old.
How is that possible? It seems like just yesterday she came home from the hospital.
She is such an amazing little girl.
She loves playing peek-a-boo, listening to music, dancing, playing with her sister, kissing her dog sister, giving high-fives and emptying bookshelves, drawers and toy bins.
Gosh, I love my little lady.

Grape Fest 2009

Daddy and Gianna. The rain didn't damper Gianna's spirits. I can't say the same about George.
Sophia came prepared.
Linda and my dad, aka Papa. It was Linda's first Grape Fest.


Another rainy Grape Festival. I think it's rained eight out of 10 years, but that doesn't stop us from going. And it lessens the crowds!
These photos were taken before we hit the street. I wanted to capture us, but I didn't want to carry my camera around in the rain all day. Unfortunately that means I didn't get any shots of us in our stylish, matching and free Time-Warner ponchos.
The rain let up after a while and we were able to enjoy the festival. Lots of jewelry vendors for Linda, candied almonds for Papa, sweet potato fries for Gianna and grape ice cream for Sophia.

My little "Saint"

Sophia's teacher called this morning to tell us Sophia had been selected to receive a St. Mary's Saint Award, which was presented after the 9 a.m. Mass.
Sophia was so excited and proud. She also was a little confused. "Mommy, why isn't Mikaela here? Why didn't Mikaela get an award too?"
Her teachers were great and explained the significance to her.
We are all very proud of our little "Saint."