Dadam's Feeling Devilish

Let the MBA begin!!! For the past two and a half years Adam has been working very hard preparing for his MBA. From the GMAT prep classes to campus visits and filling out applications he has truly put his best self forward. Last week he was accepted to Duke's Cross Continental MBA program. School starts in July and he will graduate in May of 2013.

This past summer we stopped by Duke for Adam to visit the campus. He enjoyed the campus and liked the people that he met. He will be on the home campus as well as visiting campuses and businesses in China, London, Dubai, New Delhi, & Russia.
The preparation for starting school has begun...Adam is hard at work getting his work schedule at Intel to work with his school schedule as well as the visas for his country visits, passports and financial aid :)
The kids and I are VERY PROUD of our Dad. We are excited for his next two year adventure and can't wait to see our souvenirs :)

March Madness

We have had a crazy month with one more crazy week to go!! Spring Break was in the middle of the month and we started with a simple day at the park. The kids and I enjoyed lunch and then they enjoyed swinging and playing with other kids enjoying their breaks. Our Tuesday and Wednesday were full of doctor appointments as usual... but Thursday was St. Patrick's Day!!
We started our day with green pancakes of course :) Daddy took the kids to Makutu's Island where they of course has a BLAST! Makutu's Island is like a fast food island on steroids. To end our day of green we were invited to a multi-family picnic with a green food theme. We took green chicken Alfredo :)

Living in a large multi-cultural city has been fun for our family. The city of Phoenix had a Sister Cities celebration for all of our sister cities. The kids were able to try candy, do art projects and get their names printed in other languages. We really loved the festival and thought it was well organized. They even had a corn hole competition which made us think of our family in Ohio!
On a side note Addison has started to grow her hair out like Tangled!! She also picked out a scarf and enjoys wearing it on her head as you can see above.

Yesterday we enjoyed an afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo. The Koalas that have been visiting our zoo are leaving. This was the last weekend to see them. Adam really wanted to go, and it ended up being a great afternoon of fun :) The kids always have a great time in the zoo water areas. The weather is still a little chilly so Mom brought a change of clothes for everyone. Amelia wasn't really sure of the water experience at first, but once her brothers and sister showed her how to enjoy the water she was splashing away!!

Addison fell asleep in the stroller after the fun in the water...Amelia was enjoying her kettle corn in the stroller so it was up to the boys to enjoy the zoo!! Dadam took Adam to see the Koalas while Alex and Mom watch a monkey fighting/playing with a goose. Two monkeys were swinging all over the ropes while the goose had his wings spread open squawking.

None of our children have ever enjoyed petting zoos. Alex wanted the experience this time though. We were all shocked...He was selective in the goats that he visited, but as you can see he got up close and personal. The boys had a great time sitting on the tractors, but I still thing they love Uncle Paul's the best :)
What a fun day!!!

Field Day

Friday before Spring Break Adam had Field Day at his school! They started the morning at 9:00 am and finished around 1:00 pm. Each classroom had 22 stations to visit that were themed around books. Amelia and I enjoyed watching and supporting Adam and his class in the morning. Adam did a great job, his has gotten very good at shooting the basket ball as well as dribbling. The class had a lot of relays as well the team work was fun to watch :)

Perfect X's 4

Alex, Addison, Amelia and I started out at the doctors office today for Alex. He has a double ear infection, his asthma has flared up and become bronchitis & his rash on his arm is now spreading!! We left the doctors office with 5 prescriptions... This appointment wasn't on the books today, but the dentist was... We headed to pick up Adam from school and were off to the dentist.
Cleanings and check-ups all around!! Amelia had her first dental visit today complete with X-rays. She was great with the front shot, but the picture of the bottom of her mouth created tears. Both she and Alex had to be held by Adam or myself with their heads in the dentists lap. Adam and Addison were champs of course and we are happy to report...
No Cavities!!!!
I have to give credit to Dad...he is in charge of the daily dental routine at our house. Way to go Dad :)

Fat Tuesday Fun

We started our Fat Tuesday having pancakes!! We even had a few with animal faces on them :) After breakfast the kids headed off to school.

Lil Adam had his field trip to the Wildlife Zoo today. We have never taken our family to this zoo before, but it is here in Phoenix and is owned or sponsored by Jack Hanna. Adam has been very excited about this trip, he came home the other day and said that his teacher had never been to this zoo before either which he loved! Dad picked out Adam's special field trip lunch...he had a pizza Lunch-able with chips, Gatorade and Skittles. A dad that went on the trip with class took the pictures above and sent them to us. Adam is on the top of the picture with the kangaroos!! Adam got to ride a boat and feed the giraffes. He told me that he dropped his food for the giraffe and I asked if it was on purpose!!! Of course it was, he didn't want to be licked :) He said it was a fast day, so it must have been extra fun!

Dinner tonight started with mini muffaletta bruschetta. I enjoyed coming up with that idea and creating something that just screams New Orleans for my husband. I am happy to say that they were a hit! We enjoyed our Jambalaya and finished off our meal with Moon Pies warmed in the microwave. We hope that you all had a great Fat Tuesday!!!

A Fond Memory becomes a Family Tradition!

Last night Adam and I took the rare opportunity to go on a date! Our babysitter lives about 35 minutes from home and so last night I took a happy childhood memory and passed it on to my little ones. When Adam and I got home from our movie I heard footsteps upstairs...
When I was a little girl still in elementary school and my parents would go out on a date, the babysitter would let me stay up late and run to my room when my parents pulled into the driveway. I am sure that just as I heard foot steps last night my parents heard me as well. My Dad would come into my bedroom or one of the boys rooms and get us from our beds to take the babysitters home. On our way to the babysitters home Dad would stop off at the 7Eleven and let us pick a treat for the ride home. I can remember the times when it was my turn and I knew what I was getting to do, and when my brothers were getting a turn and knowing what I was missing that time around. I treasured those nights when my door was the one that opened and obviously it has stayed with me all these years.
Last night the foot steps were Addison's. I had her come downstairs and as she very slowly walked down the stairs (thinking she was in trouble) I asked her if she wanted to ride with me to take our sitter home. A stop for M&Ms and a creative original song composed and performed by Addison about her Dad really made the experience for me. The special small ways I spent time with my parents are now becoming some of my favorite with each of my little ones too :)

Little League Opening Day

Red Sox vs Dodgers
Adam had a great first game of the season today! He got a great hit (coach pitch) and he also fielded well. Dadam is an assistant coach for the team and was on first base today. Both of the boys looked like they were having a blast. Lil Adam had a hard time getting thrown out at second after his hit, but we explained it is part of the game. Lil Adam played 2nd base today as well. Great weather, great game, we can only hope that the rest of the season continues with this theme :)