Is Santa Claus coming to town?

Today, we went to see Santa Claus. Zachary loved chatting with Santa and telling him what he wanted for Christmas, we think it was something about Elmo and cars. Dimitri did not feel like sitting on Santa's lap, so he told him what he wanted from a few feet away. Dimitri said that he wanted Wonder Pets for Christmas. Before we left, we told Santa that we would be leaving him some cookies, milk and of course carrots for the reindeer. With a Ho Ho Ho, he thanked us in advance and said that he would see us soon- that is if we were all GOOD for the next 26 days!

We decided to take advantage of the long weekend and do another "Family Fun Day" since the holidays are coming and as we all know it tends to get crazy. We decided to go to Build A Bear. Zachary loves his bear!

Zachary placed several hearts in the his bear and gave "Lovebug" a HUGE kiss and a GIGANTIC hug! Look at that SMILE!

Dimitri had a great time. The guy who helped us was AMAZING! He made Dimitri hold hearts in his hands and one by one made him do activities for each heart he put in his bear. One for his head so he always thinks clearly, one for his muscles to keep him strong, one for his tummy to keep him healthy, one for his heart to always love and one for jumping. It was so cute watching Dimitri place all these hearts all over his body, kissing each one and then placing them in his bear "Maverick".

Then Dimitri and Matri gave the bears a bath.

From there they got all the paper work in order!

Another PERFECT day for family time!

Family Fun Day

Once a week we attempt to have "Family Fun Day" and today we went to Kangaroo Zoo! Dimitri had a great time the last time we were there and we knew we had to go back. Watching Dimitri on the slides is a reminder that our little boy is growing up. He can do all the slides by himself and has no fear. Since birth we have nicknamed him "Maverick" (no reference to John McCain it is Tom Cruise in Top Gun - "Dangerous").



Zachary loved crawling around on all the animals, but he seemed to have the MOST fun playing on the dinosaur with Mommy. He would crawl on top of one giggle, bounce off and then turn around and do it all over again!

Zachary is so gentle, he tries to make friends everywhere he goes! He is so SWEET!

Then we decided to play a little miniature golf.

We call Zachary our little "Monkey" for several reasons. If you have ever had the chance to watch him he is ALL over the place, loves to cuddle with his Mommy like a baby monkey and has one of the funniest laughs.

Here is some video. If you have ever been to Kangaroo Zoo you know how steep some of the ladders can be on the slides. Now try carrying a 25 pound little man in your arms with one hand and climbing with the other. So although it may look like I am being mean to Zachary, he was about to fall backwards so I just tossed him to safety.

We love "Family Fun Day" and can't wait for next weeks ADVENTURE whatever it may be!

Black Friday Traditions & More

This morning we woke up at 4:00 AM to start our holiday shopping! Now, we are not one of those "crazy" people who set up a tent or who even attempt to stand in line at Target. We made our first stop at Children's Place at 5:00 AM because they were having an incredible deal and Dana (the manager) is always good to us! Then, we were off to four more stores before we made it home. We made good timing considering we were home by 8:00 AM. Keep in mind, my beloved always has an itinerary and schedule when it comes to all events.

Once we got home it was time to finish the remaining of our traditions set forth for this day. The tree had to go up. The boys did a FANTASTIC job!

Once the tree was up all of the "other" Christmas decorations were put into place.

Then we all sat down to watch Polar Express. It is a great reminder that we BELIEVE!

We told the boys that Santa is coming to town and we will go and visit him sometime in the next few weeks. For the most part our boys are on the "NICE" list but sometimes we have received notification from Santa that they have been on the "NAUGHTY" list. But don't you worry, by the looks of it they have it covered in case Santa brings it up.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whew, what a day! This morning we got up and went shopping after receiving the morning paper. Then we came home and made our favorite Greek pastry-pasta flora! MMMMM Good! The only time that you can acquire this cookie is at the Greek festival in September or to make it-may we suggest not waiting a whole year! Then we were off to the Sharp's house for Thanksgiving dinner. As always we over ate, the kids got more toys and watched a little football.

Dimitri writing what he is thankful for!

Zachary writing what he is thankful for!

Big kiss for Mada!

One of the many things we are thankful for!

Mommy and Zachary


Both boys enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast.

Zachary took the more civilized approach with a spoon, while Dimitri wasted no time digging into the ham and turkey!

We have so much to be grateful for. We are truly blessed!

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and let each and everyone know that we are thankful to have you in our lives. We love you!

Simply perfect

We are the CHAMPIONS!
UTAH 48 BYU 24


Just remember 12-0!

Feeling guilty in flu season

We took both boys into get their flu shots in October. Zachary was a trooper and all of a sudden we looked at Dimitri who gave a peculiar look and then threw up all over himself in the doctor's office. At that moment everything was chaos, nurses running to get thermometers, Tylenol and juice. Dimitri had spiked a fever and now he could no longer have his flu shot. Later that day, we called to reschedule and the day before his next appointment he began to throw up. Again, the appointment needed to be cancelled and we had to reschedule one more time for good measure. Well, today was the day!

Our poor boy, as mothers you know how hard it is to see your baby in pain or struggle. The sadness, the helpless feeling and the guilt! What do mommies do to help in times of crisis. Think...think...think... Chuck E. Cheese to the RESCUE!

Dimitri takes a drive to blow off some steam!

Dimitri showing Matri how to drive.

Apparently, Matri did not catch on and needed hands on experience.

Yiayia gets in on the action.

Zachary and Mommy having fun!

Zachary loved the merry-go-round.

Look at that excitement.

Dimitri loves to bowl.

And look at that high score in skee ball.

In the end Zachary made a new friend. Both promised another play date in the near future.

How much?

Zachary is SO cute! Everytime I ask him "How much to you love your Mommy" he puts his arms up in the air as if to say "this much". Both of the boys do this but it so cute watching Zachary put his little arms in the air and then trying to dance. Watching mommy melt each time he does this...PRICELESS!

Did someone say promotion?

It all began nine years ago in January when you began your journey. I remember you had an interview, came home and found out that you did not get the job. A week later HR called you and offered you a position in A/P. After spending less than two years in A/P, you moved to the legal department as a Legal Coordinator. The years have passed and you found what appeared to be your calling. You have thrived in the Legal Department and I am very proud of you. I am pleased to announce the promotion of my beloved. You have come so far! From Administrative Assistant & Sr. Contracts Specialist to Executive Administrative Assistant & Legal Compliance Manager. You are a woman with many titles now, Executive Administrative Assistant & Legal Compliance Manager, a wonderful Mommy, a fantastic Matri and a loving Partner that is only counting on one hand. You always been able to balance any and all obstacles that have come your way. We are very proud of all your accomplishments and we love you!

And the award goes to....

The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived-WALL E on DVD! Yep, that's right Matri rushed to the store to grab our copy. Dimitri loves WALL E and several times it crossed our mind to take him to the theatre to watch the movie. Not sure how a movie theatre is with a two year old but we were thinking it is the equivalent to a plane ride, you know confined space with people who just want to enjoy the moment they paid for. Thank goodness we came to our senses.

This is the first movie that Dimitri is really excited about. We own MANY Disney movies and every time one comes out of the vault it seems like we are running off to the store. We have tried many times to sit through other movies (Cars, Finding Nemo, etc...) but nothing captivated Dimitri like WALL E did. Look at the concentration he has...a true nail biting experience!

The excitement of it all!

The award for outstanding performance and for making Dimitri very happy is the one, the only, sweet, loving WALL E! Thank you WALL E for a memorable evening!

Opposites

We as parents have come to realize that our children are complete OPPOSITES from one another. We thought this early on but as they get older with each passing day it is becoming more evident.

Dimitri

Zachary

DCV: Easy pregnancy and short labor
ZAC: Hard pregnancy and long labor
DCV: Had to be induced
ZAC: Came three weeks early
DCV: No jaundice or medical concerns when born
ZAC: Broken clavicle, severe jaundice, bruising & breathing concerns
DCV: Mellow baby only cried when hungry
ZAC: Fussy baby (attention, dirty diapers, hungry, etc..)
DCV: Hated to be cover by blankets

ZAC: Loves to snuggle in a warm blanket from the dryer

DCV: Always alert and up early (5:00 AM)
ZAC: Always slept and continues to sleep in (9:00 AM)
DCV: Loves fruit and disliked vegetables
ZAC: Loves vegetables and disliked fruit
DCV: Hardly ever smiles for a picture
ZAC: Loves to smile all the time
DCV: Dark skin
ZAC: White skin
DCV: Average height (50Th percentile)
ZAC: Tall for his age (80Th to 90Th percentile)

DCV: Loves balls and Wonder Pets
ZAC: Loves wheels and Elmo
DCV: Loves water (showers, swimming & the ocean)

ZAC: Loves warm water (bath or a hot tub)

DCV: Doesn't care too much for "sweets"

ZAC: Can't get enough

These are just a few, even though our boys are young, you can tell how much they love each other and look out for one another. They are complete opposites which was been a learning experience for us however, we wouldn't want it any other way! `

WE LOVE YOU!