After the flood....

Sitting within the heart (or sink hole --- depending on your view) between the Merrimack and Shawsheen Rivers has both its advantages and DISadvantages as the royals have learned after establishing the boundaries of the kingdom in the Northern New England region. There is much beauty, geographic expanse, closely meshed communities, and of course, lots and lots of water.

In the recent spring 'melt' of snow and additional rain (courtesy of Mother Nature) the castle received a few extra inches of water which temporarily uprooted its residents. Alas, spring cleaning commenced as usual and the benefactors of this unexpected weather incident were the kingdom's fair royals--who earned themselves a brand new, pristine new playroom!

Previously thrown together just to keep them at bay, the new play area boasts new carpeting, colorful decorations, lots of soft, cushy spaces for all kinds of horseplay, and even a 'Snack Shoppe' complete with lollipops, M&Ms, pez and a few other goodies--for both royals and guests to enjoy! :) Signing Time videos (including Princess Abs who stars in several of them) are on hand as are a number of Disney favorites to ensure that all guests have something to watch as sleepovers transition from full-on playtime, to reading, storytelling and movie time.

On the opposite side of the play area (photos to come) is a lovely bar/lounge area for the adults so that all have a spot to enjoy. In the end, while we would have been happier without the extra H20, the old adage remains true....everything happens for a reason! We're even happier with our new 'digs' and look forward to sharing it with visitors, young and old, in the months to come!

Prince Ari reviews his new 'alphabet flooring'....

Prince Ari enjoys his car track ---way in the back... :)

Prince Alec marches around his tunnel forts with cars firmly in hand....

Princess Abby investigates the new toy shelf and Snack Shoppe...Yum! :)

Easter 2010....

HAPPY EASTER 2010!

The Kingdom was abuzz with activity as the warm weather returned to the region and major flooding began to subside. It was a joyous time for all as we emerged from winter's grasp and springtime's rage--enjoying the bounty that comes with the Easter holiday. King Tony invested much time in teaching the fine art of egg coloring so that the Easter Bunny would have many items to hide around the royal grounds...and each of the royals is now able to fully participate in the artful process!

King Tony teaches "Egg Decorating 101"....

Our sweet nanny, Carol (or K-WOL as the kids say), helped the twins get some coloring done as we had to color nearly 4 dozen eggs this year! She's super at doing tye-dye eggs!

The next morning, the royals find a special note and 'remains' from the Easter Bunny!
And, a GIANT basket filled with all sorts of goodies, games and fun stuff for each of them! Lucky little guys. Soon after, the egg hunt begins...

Aramis finds a lovely orange egg...

Princess Abigail and Prince Alec both seek out the brightest of eggs...and cross paths many times...

The day culminated as family and friends dined on delicious rosemary-encrusted lamb with all the trimmings (including adult libations). This indulgence obviously led to behavior entertaining both children and adults alike! Thank you Godmother "Left Eye" Abra for some of the funniest photos we've ever posted! We love you!

Rainbow Cupcakes...

While these may not be as beautiful as bakery shop cupcakes, the royal kidlets spent Sunday crafting their very own, homemade 'rainbow cupcakes.' It was a lovely, rainy Spring day activity and one that they could enjoy via many senses--touch, taste and smell! Happy Spring!

The newest Agudelo addition....

After three years in development, we are proud to announce the official launch of our newest business venture, Period Packs, Inc.

This undertaking is definitely one of both necessity and passion, and something we hope that our daughter will one day choose to be involved with as she ages. We have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback shared by family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and community members, and will do our best to showcase the very best entrepreneurial talents we possess! :)

While we are still amid several web site 'tweaks,' we've already scheduled the next three announcements from the company (a very exciting time with new products, partnerships, affiliates, etc.), and have a slew of happy customers. Additionally, several articles/news pieces and blogs are reviewing our products and writing on our little company, so more news is on the way! :)

Should you know a young lady who would enjoy one of our special products, don't hesitate to contact us!

And, to my Meemer--whom I love as if you were my own daughter--thank you for getting your period! Your entrance into womanhood at such a tender age was just the encouragement we needed to turn idea into business plan, and set into motion the founding of Period Packs, Inc.!

http://www.periodpacks.com/

Mr. Salsa....

Prince Alec has a new nickname...."Mr. Salsa." For some reason, our red-haired little guy has become extremely fond of this plastic salsa circle that he now carries, sleeps and bathes with every single day. We're not sure how long this love of salsa will last, but we felt it important to capture Alec's "woobie moment,' as none of our children has had much attachment to any material objects during their infancy, etc. (i.e. blanket, stuffed animal, toy). This is an interesting development to say the least, but maybe, just maybe, Alec is aware that he does have Latin blood running through his veins and seeks to enjoy all that is hot and spicy--just like his Daddy! :)

And they say baking is easy....

For most children, the fascination with food begins while watching Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa in the kitchen, preparing a meal, a holiday feast, or just baking some cookies. The Kingdom's royalty has long been exposed to food--and this year, have reached a point where they are taking part in preparing cuisines for themselves. With any hope, this will translate to wonderful goodies or visitors and family too--but only time will tell. :) It seems thus far, baking is easy and oh so delicious! Yum!

Tasting...a critical step in the culinary and pastry arts. You MUST taste everything. Taste, taste and taste again! :)

It's all about black and white....

We've captured some updated photos of our little ones that we thought everyone would enjoy. Here are the three royals of our kingdom---Prince Aramis, Prince Alec and Princess Abigail.

Quiz for the day...

Which children look more like Queen Wendy and which ones look more like King Tony?? :)

Alabama Championship and Hollywood Elbow Rubbing...

Upon turning 40, King Tony took time to complete a 'life inventory' and began to question whether or not his life was 'half over,' or 'just really beginning." He pondered this reality as his bones creaked and joints cracked while walking through the airport earlier this week, en route to Pasadena, Calif. and the Alabama v. Texas BCS Championship. Donning all of his crimson attire, the King boarded his flight not knowing of the excitement that awaited him. The warm SoCal sun warmed his skin as he tailgated with fellow 'Bama faithfuls and he even crashed his way in to see the GooGoo Dolls pregame performance. After making fast friends with many (including some of Queen Wendy's sorority sisters from Alabama), he was off for what was to become a nail-biting game--ultimately resulting in Alabama's victory! After purchasing all the elephant-covered/styled Championship gear he could carry, the King headed back to the airport where he met yet another new friend--Rob Schneider.

For those unfamiliar with this Hollywood lister, Schneider began his career as a standup comedian, and was quickly snatched up by Lorne Michaels of Saturday Night Live(SNL) fame. Rob spent many years as a writer and actor on SNL and was wooed by fellow colleague Adam Sandler into silver screen roles in Little Nicky and the Waterboy, to name a few. Hollywood soon called for Schneider to lead a film--a request which landed Schneider in Deuce Bigalow-Male Gigolo and Hot Chicks. Recently, Schneider returned to standup and was headed back to New England -- ending up on the same plane as King Tony.

As charming as Tony is, it was inevitable that he and Rob would hit it off--and of course, they did. Talking sports (Schneider is also an avid Chargers fan) and life, the two now 40-somethings enjoyed their airport wait and before parting ways, Schneider gifted Tony two all-access passes/tickets to his show. :) NICE!!!! So, off to the show went Wendy and Tony--who got to spend additional time with Rob--who is just one of the nicest, most down-to-earth celebs around. If he's traveling to your neck of the woods, check out his standup show--it's very good!

After gifting him some Bay State goodies to enjoy on his trip back West, Tony and Wendy parted company with Mr. S -- and who knows, one of our future blog posts will be about having cocktails with the Schneiders :)

The GooGoo dolls perform at pre-game tailgate......

Tony's new friends---Crimson is everywhere in Pasadena. And there is that damn elephant...again!! :)

New pal Rob Schneider makes his way to town....

Our all access tix as Rob's guest. Very cool. He's extremely intelligent, fun to talk with, and very thoughtful. But then again, so is King Tony--so it all works out... :) Most importantly, he has revitalized a very impressive standup performance--go check it out!http://www.robschneider.com/

2010 has already kicked off with a big bang. Tony now believes that his 40's are going to be the best decade of his life (thanks Alabama for pulling out a Championship win--I think it helped), we rubbed elbows with Hollywood fame, and Abby is now swimming independently (thank you YMCA). Next, the twins take the pool....!!! :)

Stay tuned!

Holiday Fun....

This photo of Alec and King Tony sleeping during 'waking hours' is vivid proof of just how busy our holiday schedule, as well as how the preparations, anticipation, and excitement of just a few short weeks took a pleasant toll on the Kingdom.

We hosted lots of visitors and guests, enjoyed more than one special visit from Santa Claus and did our part to help others in need during the joyous season. The grounds of the Kingdom in New England are now elegantly decorated in mountains of powdery white snow and we're beginning to wrap up Christmas, New Year's and King Tony's 40th Birthday celebration.

It goes without saying that December was a bittersweet month in several ways due to the passing of several special people in our lives. Yet, we embrace the joys we have been blessed with and forge ahead to bring to our children an equally special and memory-rich life.

Happy New Year to you all....and Happy 40th Birthday to our King, our rock, our super-duper man of the castle, King Tony!! :) We love you!

Santa brought Alec a Cars racetrack--and King Tony no sooner saw it and sat right down to compete with his 2-year-old son to see who could win! Boys will be boys!!!

And then, after gaining some skills at the 'wheel,' Alec takes on Abby's Godfather, Uncle Peter...who is not only spry and sexy, but even better at racing given his former career in the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police! :)

Princess Abigail walks around with her most favored gift--CHOCOLATE!! Need we say more?

Aramis just loved that Santa brought a doll house. He can now destroy not just one house per day, but TWO!! :)

Princess Abs walks into the living room to find that Santa brought everyone some special treats--her most favored is the chocolate that Santa filled her stocking with--of course!

Uh oh...Aramis found the liquor cabinet....!!!

..and he's not giving it up....just like his Papa!

"Whatcha doin' mama?"

"Making gingerbread ornaments, sweetie. Why don't you, Abby and Alec help?"

"Okay Mama...I don't mind getting my hands dirty! (Notice the small liquor bottle in the bottom left corner. It was the only way to get him to put it down--distraction works like genius!)

Alec gets in on the action--painting stars silver and gold!

Abby was an incredible helper as she MADE these wonderful creations (hand cutting, baking and painting) as gifts for her teachers, friends, and classmates at school. She's amazingly bright and is a wonderful helper!