Start of Summer and Picasso's unexpected visit.....

Finally! Summer has arrived in full force in the Kingdom. Temperatures today reached 90, and are expected to remain in the upper echelon for at least the next week. "Yippeee" says King Tony!

It wouldn't be summer without the craziness of kid birthday parties, and what better way to kick off months of parties than a super-sized pizza bash complete with Curious Creatures (http://www.curiouscreatures.org/) in tow?

Above is Prince Alec, consuming his first of many slices at a friend's birthday bash this past weekend. The most fun was seeing not only the three royals play with critters and reptiles, but King Tony giving one or two a pat on the head. History in the making! :)

Princess Abs takes on the python....and has no fear whatsoever! Brave girl! :)

"I want to kiss the alligator" SMOOCH! :)

Giving an albino lizard a little love....

Alec gets up close to his first reptile....

All three little ones (and some other friends) glue themselves to Queen Wendy when the snakes come out. King Tony is far, far away....

Welcome a flying squirrel!! :)

Who doesn't love birthday cake--and a picnic cake at that (complete with ants!)? :)

The newest addition to the Kingdom is a lovely new vehicle which now resides in our garage--specifically for the mini royals! :) Assembled by none other than the King himself, the kids are completely thrilled with their new summer toy! :) Even King Tony wanted to take it for a spin....

Most days are filled with everyday challenges around the Kingdom. You know the usual, dirty laundry, a sink filled with dishes, vacuuming and yard work. However this year, we've gone a few steps further with some home remodeling and updating, which included painting of our garage--just to keep it fresh and clean looking. Sounds simple and positive enough, doesn't it?

Well, nothing in the Kingdom is as simple or easy as it sounds.

Never has been, and likely never will be. :)

As the King and Queen took to their rollers and paintbrushes (after settling the mini royals outside with toys, activities and fun), the garage began to transform into a bright white paradise for the royal vehicles. Within a few short seconds of having our backs turned however, all three mini royals (Princes Alec and Aramis and Princess Abigail), had plopped their hands/arms into the white paint (latex, no less) bucket, ran outside to the closed garage door and garden rock wall, and decided to add their own personal touches to the activity.

The results of just a few unattended moments can be seen below:

Notice the lovely hand prints, as well as the 'brush splatters' delivered by the crew.....onto our newly painted house, no less.

And a few areas where they tried to 'wipe off' the evidence of their wrong doing...

Notice the trail of white paint leading from inside the garage outward.

The trail that led us directly to the culprits....

In the heat of the moment, the King and Queen were beside themselves with rage.

Why would their little precious ones do such a thing?

Fortunately, there was no yelling or anger.

We quickly realized that our children (being in pre-K and all) spend much of their week fingerpainting and playing with shaving cream paint which they put on everything they want! How are they to know that latex paint is any different?

The answer simply is that they wouldn't.

So, after a visit to the local paint store to pick up another gallon of exterior house paint to match our current color, some sandpaper and some paint thinner/remover, we righted the wrongs made on that day.

The kids spent about 60 minutes in a tub getting paint removed from their bodies and hair, but the important lesson their parents came away with was the pure realization that they just wanted to help us accomplish our goals for the day, and simply added their own inner Picasso's to the project.

Thank goodness we were able to repair the damage to the Kingdom. And at the same time, educate our children that while some paint is okay to play with...other paint is not.

Oh when, oh when, will the lunacy subside? :)

A silly sock.....

Not being saints ourselves, Tony and Wendy knew that the days would come when their children would do something costly to their belongings. I can recall throwing banana peels down my grandmother's toilet--for no apparent reason--other than it was something my little brother and I wanted to do! So, when our children dumped a plastic pretzel into our guest bathroom and it clogged the toilet...we had an inclination that the day had finally arrived. $400 dollars later, the tiny plastic pretzel emerged, the toilet was repaired and we all went on our merry way.

After this, we thought--we've been dealt a pretty decent blow. We won't have to deal with much more for awhile. Right? But, NOOOOOOooooooo!!!! No one mentioned that we should be weary of these little things, or even on the lookout for them, yet scarily, the simple 'toddler sock' has recently become the bane or our existence.

A few weeks ago, our new clothes washer suddenly went on the fritz. We were in shock. After a call to the washer repair man, and 15 minutes of his time, we learned quickly that these lovely little do-dads easily get caught in front load washer catch drains and hoses and therefore, require a garment bag for each and every wash. Hmmm...we didn't remember the sales guy telling us about this when we bought the thing--all three kidlets in tow, no less. Add another $200 to our bill..thank you very much!

Today, another interesting development. After picking up all three kids from school, we were blessed with a break in the rain and thought a visit to a local park would be a nice way to celebrate. Seems like a good idea, right?

Oh, nooooooo!!!

After trying to close the sliding rear door of our minivan (which simply wouldn't shut), we manually tried to shut it and it jammed. It didn't shut all the way, and the alert kept going off in the car! So, off we went to the dealership immediately to determine the cause of this problem. Literally 3 minutes later (and thanks to a very large/long screwdriver), we learned of the challenge--another toddler sock (above), which was jammed at the far end of the track (invisible unless you knew where to look for it).

Thank you little children of ours who constantly peel off their socks and shoes in the car--

for no apparent reason.

After a few hundred dollars, we're actually considering buying our children Crocs and sandals exclusively--and telling them that socks have simply stopped being manufactured in our country. Think they'll buy this story???

Ugh... How is it that something so small can become so problematic (and expensive?) :)

Leaving on a JetBlue plane....

While it may 'look' like we are off on a trip to some exciting destination, the royals, this past weekend, instead participated in the Wings for Autism program, which was held at Boston's Logan International Airport. Hosted by the Charles River Center, Massport/Logan International, TSA and JetBlue Airways, the half day event welcomed families from around New England interested in completing a 'dry run' through air travel from soup to nuts.

From entrance into the airport and ticketing, to security, waiting at the gate, boarding and deboarding the plane, participants were given an all-access look at what traveling would be like. For families of children with special needs, this seemed an unprecedented experience. However, the Wings for Autism program has thus far been executed in both Philly and NJ to date--making Boston the third major metro to come on board.

The fabulously-executed event allowed hundreds of Bay State families to participate and determine where the potential areas of challenge may lay, and how exactly to work with members from the airport, airline or TSA to safely navigate air travel on future trips. One of the most warm and memorable elements was the fact that nationally, airports across the country are slowly but surely implementing the Wings for Autism program and working with all direct people-facing team members to bring added support to those traveling families containing members with special needs. Several airline team members and TSA representatives told our family that this program allowed them "to become more familiar with individuals with special needs and learn how to best support them as they took advantage of air travel." What's more, a special lapel pin was created for family members to wear, to help alert air travel professionals so that should situations arise, they are not only immediately made aware, but hopefully via this program, more prepared to support the travelers to avoid unnecessary hassles and waits for other air travelers.

Truly groundbreaking.

It was a momentous day on several levels and one that we were extremely lucky to have been able to leverage. Hopefully, this program will be brought back not only in the Fall by the exceptional Charles River Center here in Massachusetts, but through national airports across the country.

The "Wings for Autism" event logo....

The tarmac....

The royals getting their first glimpse. Well, the boys really, since Abby has been a global jet setter since the age of 18 months. She served as an exceptional role model for her younger brothers....

Tony and Abby...waiting at the gate....

Alec and Aramis...waiting patiently for their gate number to be called...Good boys!

The kids get an extra special opportunity to chat up the pilot (yes, a real, bonafide JetBlue senior pilot who really wanted to participate in this event and spent so much time with our kids. Incredibly special). They kept trying to steal his wings...to no avail. :)

The jetway...and all is okay thus far. No tantrums, worries or fears. Just 'following Papa!'

Okay, the rubber meets the road here, actually boarding the plane. Thank goodness the flight attendant that greeted us very sweet--and of course, beautiful to boot! :)

Heading back to our seats. So far, so good!

The royals all got to experience the pleasure of being a flight attendant! Buckling up in their jump seats, checking out the galley and even making announcements over the PA system. Wow!

Overall, the event was incredibly well executed. After some snacks and TV on the plane and a quick visit to the cockpit, the royals went off on their merry way to plan their next trip--hopefully--to Colombia sometime later this summer. We're now investigating a quick jaunt to Richmond to say hi to our good friends Chuck, Josh/Coreen/Hannah, Brett, Duck, Doc/Phu and afterwards, we'll just have to see what unfolds. :)

Team members from the Charles River Center that got the ball rolling and a nice article which appeared in the Boston Globe (below) outlining the program in more detail. Ms. Jennifer Robtoy, the 'ring leader' is second from the left. Did we mention she's a ROCK STAR!!! :)

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/05/15/logan_airport_practice_run_aims_to_ease_travel_for_autistic_children/

Easter 2011....

HAPPY EASTER 2011!!

The kingdom's royals weren't quite in the mood to be photographed much on Easter this year given that the Easter Bunny had come to the house--left eggs AND superb baskets--neither of which the kidlets could enjoy until after we attended Sunday services. It just couldn't be helped--due to the timing of everything. We should also note the late hour the children slept in until given that Alec had a stomach bug and Aramis, a double ear infection. With a little Mommy and Daddy love, some fabulous medication and rest, they seem to be on the mend, but the 5 days leading up to this day were pretty icky to say the least. As of today, the kids seem to be fairly mended, but it took nearly two weeks to get us here (and to super-sterilize the house again!)

King Tony and the royals working on coloring their Easter eggs....

The boys seem to be into it this year....much to our surprise! :) Now we just need to help King Tony 'chill out' a bit as he gets super anxious amid all those colors and hard boiled eggs---fearing that all will end up all over the floor (and his white T-shirt!) :)

Abby gets into the process and King Tony gets even more riled... :) Heee.hee....

"Finally!!" they all cry out! They locate their baskets left lovingly by the Easter Bunny, and get all sorts of goodies they've been asking for for months. They are very happy little ones...

And then, the Easter egg hunt begins....

Prince Alec takes an early lead--scoring two eggs within seconds! We anticipate his future to hold something with forensics or possibly, detective work. :)

Princess Abs spots her first purple-colored egg, and nearly quits the hunt after finding just one!

Prince Aramis is a great hunter. He looks for the less obvious ones--and the ones more difficult to reach and grab. :)

Uh-oh...both Abs and Alec eyeball a yellow egg and start toward it.

Whoever is fastest will be the victor with the spoils!

Prince Aramis heads back to tally up his finds. He's done pretty darn well, and is quite pleased with himself. :)

We can always tell when the royals have had an EXCELLENT day.

We find them like this:

and this....

First tooth....history!

"Hurray!, proclaimed Princess Abigail, who just one week ago, lost her very FIRST baby tooth.

After sporting 'shark teeth' (rows of teeth--baby and adult) for a few weeks, we were pleased to see that Miss Abs wasn't even the slightest bit fazed by the loss of her first bottom front tooth. It was hilarious to watch her pushing on it--since she was annoyed by how loose it was and then one day at school while eating lunch, it just kinda popped out! The Tooth Fairy was extra generous and left not only $1, but a chocolate bunny and a sweet note thanking the Princess for her very first tooth--which she said would go directly to a baby somewhere in the world that needed that tooth! To celebrate, we made chocolate mini-cupcakes which are a favorite! Here she is, with chocolate drool and all, showing off the missing hole in her mouth (below). :)

Another cover.....

What can we say...our daughter is a model!!

After gracing the covers of numerous local newspapers, brochures, etc., Princess Abigail has again earned top billing/placement on another media cover! This time, the April 2011 edition of The Mother Connection newsletter (www.themotherconnection.org). While Queen Wendy wrote several, penetrating articles for the issue, we don't think anyone will care to even open the newsletter since the cover is SO captivating...don't you agree? :) Here she is....Princess Abs!!

Dance Fever....!

Look out world, the Kingdom's royals have attended their first, official dance party!!

Yesterday afternoon, the three royals attended the MDSC/Morning Traveler's Sweetheart Dance, which was an exciting opportunity to dance with friends, catch up with fellow parents of children with Down syndrome, eat pizza and cupcakes and generally, just have fun---which we DID!

You'll notice that our kids haven't quite figured out how to dance like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever just yet, but they did get their daily exercise by running under the limbo stick, jumping up and down and twirling in circles until they tired.

The best part of the evening was when Aramis requested Michael Jackson. (below)

(Backstory: Since the children's birth, we've always played music--taking opportunities over the years to teach music appreciation. Within the last month, we started to work thorugh the classics, which of course include the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Like any proper spawn of 70's children, ours have come to LOVE MJ--and request listening to his CDs -- especially Thriller and Beat It -- for hours on end).

So, when Aramis requested MJ and Beat It, we weren't at all surprised to see the kids dancing to it. But, we WERE a little amazed when Aramis took a rest right in the middle of the dance floor. You have to see it to believe it! Enjoy!

We are also now taking requests for the next classic artist to feature in our home. On deck is Van Halen (pure rock and roll), but we're open to suggestions for the artists to follow. :)

Double-Dip Culinary Extravaganza....

For those unfamiliar, a 'chef's table' is a table in or in close proximity to a restaurant's main kitchen--typically reserved for VIPs--upon which thematic, seasonal meals are prepared by the restaurant's chefs. It is very special to procure a spot at a chef's table as they are not all that common--and are nearly always booked months in advance.

Those close to us know that Queen Wendy is a culinary enthusiast. After attending the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts as a hobby, she continued to dabble in 'homestyle cooking' and experimented with homemade baby food and gluten-free recipes for her little ones. In the end, she has found that her favorite recipes are those passed down by her talented grandmothers. Although, with a steady diet of decent (albeit experimental) cuisine King Tony too has become quite the 'foodie.' In the last few years, he has also had the pleasure of visiting restaurants owned by some of the most prominent culinary luminaries in the business including Rick Bayless, Hubert Keller, Richard Blaise, Brian Malarky and Todd English, among others.

Simply put, we both love food.

So, it was a lovely surprise to receive a copy of the book photographed above, which reveals detailed recipes of key dishes from Boston's premiere culinary guard. In short, a very special addition to our cookbook collection--that is, until the book was opened.

There within its multiple pages of detailed recipes were the signatures of top chefs from several famed Boston restaurants. King Tony had invested much time and effort in procuring signatures from not only Wendy's favorites, but several that seemed unattainable. The cookbook is no longer just a cookbook--but a culinary treasure!

Todd English of Olives, Kingfish and Bonfire

Jay Murray from Grill 23

"BlueJay" Santos from Gargoyles; Runner up in Hell's Kitchen

On the heels of receiving this incredible and unexpected gift, came VIP tickets to an event that pitted Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations) against Three-Michelin-star recipient and Le Bernadin co-owner, Eric Ripert. (Good vs. Evil). This was, by far, one of the most enjoyable few hours we've spent since our dinner atop the Prudential Center (Top of the Hub) for our anniversary last year. :)

The two went at one another on topics including the First Lady's efforts in the School Lunch Program, sustainability, 'Farm to Table,' favorite places to eat, Michelin stars, Top Chef, the real origination of the American (not Mexican) taco, and their favorite 'Stoner Food.' (Bourdain wants melted cheese and crusty bread and Ripert, a tasty burger with tomatoes, lettuce and pickles--for the record)

Ripert in the 'hot seat....'

Ripert holds court and pummels Bourdain with embarrassing questions...funny!

Bourdain--a humble, thoughtful intellectual with culinary talent....

Anthony Bourdain's take on the push to improve in-school lunch programs....

Ripert's position on 'sustainability' and the immense need for focus on it...

Ripert and Bourdain at the post-event 'meet and greet'

The final stir of the culinary whisk occurred upon our return to the parking garage to pick up our car, as we unexpectedly boarded the elevator with none other than Michael Schlow, owner of several Boston-area restaurants including Radius (a favorite), and former Top Chef Masters contestant!! (Schlow just opened his newest restaurant, Tico, two weeks ago).

It was most definitely an evening of culinary madness which never would have been possible without loving support from Auntie Abra and Uncle Peter who pinch-hit babysitting duties for the Kingdom's royals! Auntie and Uncle got a run for their money with the three little kidlets that never want to sleep, always want to snuggle/cuddle, and seek to watch one more episode of Scooby Doo before lights out. Or, so we thought. What we found upon our return home were a 'semi-retired' Auntie and Uncle on our couch (too cute to NOT snap a photo of before they stirred). :) Heee.heeee...

THANK YOU UNCLE PETER AND AUNTIE ABRA!!! SMOOCH!!

Since we don't get out very often, doing so is very much a treat. To say that we are blessed would be an understatement. The sun, moon and stars truly aligned for us in a unique way so that we could experience, in one night, something that very few in this world will ever get to experience.

Some call it luck, but we'd like to think it has something to do with loving karma--and the old adage, "what goes around, comes around."

We're therefore off onto our next food-adventure, but will not soon forget our "Double Dip" from 2011. Maybe it is a beacon for things to come??