Final weeks of school....

From April to June, our focus was nearly completely focused on the kids and the end of the school year. The twins, along with their entourage of superb teachers, graduated preschool and Mom couldn't help but make a huge deal as it was quite a big deal. We've been part of the ECC preschool family for 6 years...and all of our little ones were about to move on. While some tears of sadness were shed, we know that we'll always be connected to all of our friends at ECC...many special ladies who love what they do...and make certain that it shows in their actions, words and deeds. Here's lots of XXs and OOs to Sheri, Julie, Colleen, Roya, Deb, Jill, Lauren, Ginny, Carolyn, Chris, BarbaraAnn, Alison, Marianne, and of course, Marylou 'Big Boss.' 

Surprises waiting for our graduates....

The twins' 'ride' on graduation day. We don't think they were the least bit embarrassed. :) 

Abby excitedly departs her position after helping lead morning prayer and exercises at school alongside her classmates. :) A very happy and proud day for her parents, indeed! :) 

At another school, not too far away, was Abby, who spent her final weeks alongside her classmates and 8th grade buddy, Megan. After one full year at a school that had never before accepted a child with Down syndrome (in its 100-year history), Abby resides as a beacon of hope for what CAN be achieved through a dedicated and supportive administration, community and academic family.  She is blazing a trail of her own each and every day, and gathering her network as she goes. As parents, it is a privilege to watch this young woman blossom. She rises to face every challenge, believes in herself, and works hard no matter how often life may try to knock her down. 

Abby's buddy Megan with her at mass, and the lovely bear she gifted to her as a memento since Megan graduated this year too. :( Abby was so bummed to see her go, but Megan and her keep in touch and we enjoy following the career of this very special lady whose heart is set on becoming the next Jennifer Aniston. Based upon what we know already, she's most definitely rising to the top! :)

Abby and Megan at procession at church....

Final Mass of the school year. The kids send off their 8th Grade Buddies, who will all graduate and move on to high school. :( A bittersweet day for sure...and one we'll never forget. 

Tony Takes Fenway....

In April, 2013, as the warmer weather began to arrive, King Tony not only 'took the mound' but became a true-to-form, Boston Red Sox player.  With his custom-designed uniform, cleats and batting helmet, he descended upon Fenway Park and left his own personal imprint as Boston has and will forever be, his favorite professional baseball team, and Fenway, his home.

We ARE, Boston Strong!

The three kids and Wendy watched from the 'best' seats at Fenway (right behind home plate) and cheered on Tony, whose team WON their game, thanks to Tony's pitching and hitting skills. :) The pictures pretty much tell the whole story. Tony was there....he played, kicked butt, and then we went out for some BBQ. No better way to spend an early April in Boston. :)

Tony on the mound...

Taking another swing during the game...

Gathering his thoughts, strength, courage and getting ready to rumble....

View of Tony from the batter's box....

An 'in motion' live action shot of Tony Agudelo, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Look at that pendulum action! :) 

Good game, fellas....good game....

Won the game!!

Of course, a family shot....

Inside 'sneak peek' of the famous Green Monster.... :) 

After the ballpark, we headed over to Sweet Cheeks BBQ---yummm-o! Tiffani Faison's joint). Kids loved the BBQ and biscuits and drinking from glass mugs! Thanks to Tiffani, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) has
gained a wonderful celebrity support as well! Yeah to Tiffany! 

It's Springtime 2013!!!

While the winter was generally mild, the spring brought a few amazing storms with it, that we believed would extend well into the month of May. Fortunately, we were incorrect in this vision, and the snow was nearly gone by Easter. But we knew that as our children were gaining age and ability, we needed to organize responsibilities around the house so that they could gain more independence as well as contribute to the household. Enter, the chore chart. While it took some time to teach the basics of some of the cleaning skills on the chart, our children now have vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and other chores to complete...with the option of earning a quarter a week (we know, we're cheap parents...) should they be successful at completing their weekly chores as expected.  Now we'll have to see how long it lasts... 

Since Auntie, Uncle and cousins in New York advised us of a move to Tennessee after the New Year, we took as many opportunities as possible to travel to NY state for visits before they departed to the southland. One one trip, we uncovered an amazing gem called Mercer's Dairy. Now, there are certainly a ton of great ice cream joints in NY and everywhere else across the country. BUT, there is NO OTHER dairy farm that has created, perfected and distributes true WINE ICE CREAM other than Mercer's.  With their Chocolate Cabernet and Peach Zinfandel brands (among others), Mercer's has captivated foodies around the country and beyond. The best part is that it is not sorbet (standard form of wine 'ice cream'), it's a super creamy, decadent, wine-infused treat that we fell in love with immediately. 

So, off to Mercer's we went (as it was only a short 30 minutes from the cousins house).

And yes, we snatched a case of wine ice cream, which we keep on hand for guests, friends and company..and of course..the occasional personal excursion. :) 

Spring was starting to blossom in full and the little royals were getting excited about Easter...and all our family traditions...

St. Patrick's Day made more special, courtesy of Auntie Wendy's fabulous creations..

(Chic Boutique: www.chicboutiquecreations.com) 

"Make your own Pizza" nights and sleepovers...and then came...the EGGS!

Yes, we still color our eggs. Even though plastic varieties exist, we just can't get enough of the tradition started when our kids were still sitting in exersaucers and high chairs. With just a dash of vinegar, some dye and water, our kids turn something plain white, into colorful containers filled with delight.

And then, comes Easter Sunday....

After church, the royals are off and running through their house and backyard in search of eggs and treasures. But,the Easter Bunny is getting more and more crafty and tricky with the placement of eggs. To find out if the kids really can read, EB even wrote the kids a note telling them where they can find their baskets of treats....can you believe it??? 

Once the snow finally melted, we set off on our annual "park crawls," with friends, and found ourselves sitting "on top of the world" in more ways than one. At least our kids are daring and don't seem to have fear of heights!!

Welcome Spring!!

After the treats....

The formula is pretty simple. Sweet treats, gingerbread, holiday cheer = the need to see the dentist! 

While our little ones have been going to the dentist regularly since the age of 3, this was one of the first 'procedures' the boys needed to take on with their awesome dentist, Dr. Wolff.  It was just a cleaning, of course, but much more involved with scaling and fluoride treatments--as the boys are now 5. Look how cool as cucumbers they are--with sunglasses on to boot.