March

Happy Birthday Nana!

Fun Field Trip to Ag Ventures

 While the big kids are at school, this guy has all the fun. Painting, and playing with Reese are at the top of the list.

 The days we get to pick up Stellie, I don't know who is more excited, Stella or Lorenzo??

 Library Story time!

 Lorenzo was teaching Hayden all his best faces!

 We thought the Easter Fun Run tradition was going to end. The kids both had baseball games at the same time as the run.  BUT, it rained so much the day before the games were cancelled! The tradition lives on and we all loved it.  G had a come from behind win, passing a boy, which she thought was awesome.  Gino came out of the gate full sprint. We didn't have much faith he could keep up the pace, but he had the short race in his favor and came out on top.  Lorenzo was SO excited to run.  At the end of the race he saw the big kids and broke down.  He ran through that finish line with all the emotions.

 Haggin Museum in Stockton has a Student Art Competition every year. Giada's class had a new art teacher this year who did an excellent job teaching them all different techniques.  The children were invited to the museum to see their work.  So much beautiful art work there, the children all have so much talent. Thank you to the Haggin Museum for putting on this program and encouraging the children through art. 

 Happy Birthday Nonno!

 For Giada's birthday, Nana took her on a special 1:1 day. They attended a Hutchins Street Square performance Catapult, and Sushi dinner.

 Soccer.  Jan/Feb, we had nothing to do so we decided to let Giada do some soccer clinics.  Why we couldn't just take the down time like normal people, I do not know.  Well of course after the clinics she wanted to play a few games with the team.  The next few months may be a bit nutty with volleyball, softball and soccer, but here we go! Go Cougars.

 Round 1 of egg dying. Helping Nana get her eggs ready.

 Checking out Ran's Easter decor. The kids were so excited for an afternoon of fun at Ran's. That is way more fun than doing homework after school!

 Lorenzo was given this Baymax and he was thrilled!! He has taken it everywhere, grocery shopping, sleeps with it, what a hit. Thanks Seve!

 Riverdogs!  This was our first year in Morada Little League and it was a wonderful experience. Coach Sean is always so patient with the kids. Gino is quick and could scurry his way on base most times up to bat.  He also enjoys digging around in the dirt with his feet anytime he plays infield.  So, we are just glad he never got drilled with a ball!  Best part is he had so much fun and is looking forward to next season.

 Happy 13th Birthday to our Sydney Girl.  I was always worried the kids wouldn't get to know her, especially when Lorenzo was born. I am so happy she has continued being such a special part of our family.

 Rare picture of Matt and I. Fun night out with my brother.

NOVEMBER

After a long day of working a special event for Calivirgin, I ran off to meet the girls for Heather's Birthday. I missed Bad Moms Christmas, but sounds like it was a good flick.  "One Drink" led to a long night, with lots of laughs. 

 These two buddies had a great last meet.  Giada had lots of family to cheer her on. Although Cross Country is an individual sport, all the scores work together for a team score.  St. Anne's won 1st place, the kids were SO excited.

 

These two managed to find plenty of things to crawl on while the older siblings ran. They lowered the running age, so next year these guys will be out to run also.  They certainly have plenty of energy they could burn off!

 My mom took the kids to Sandhill Crane Festival and they loved it.

 Taking these crazies on a walk is an adventure in itself! When CC wants a rest, she lets us know.

 Helping with harvest! Lots of lemons for our lemon olive oil.

 Girls enjoyed a little painting play date while the boys painted at a birthday party.

 Always fun running into friends at Gingerbugs!

 Cousins make the best friends. Memory for the win!

 On a rare weekend with nothing to do, we hit the bowling alley. Fun day.

 This guy tries SO hard NOT to take a nap or go to sleep. If we can just get him to rest for a moment, he is out!

 Thanksgiving Luncheon at school. I love that our school does this nice tradition, the kids and families look forward to it.

 I just wanted to share this real life photo. Lorenzo was playing in the back of my car as I was loading everything out of the car and spilled soup!!!!!! It was everywhere!  Such a mess. Spent the next 3 hours cleaning up this mess. Thanks pops for all your help with clean up.  I know it looks like throw up, and I almost wish it was then I would feel bad a kid was sick, instead of wanting to strangle someone!!!  Hope this never happens to anyone reading this!

 G fell in love with the Nye boys.

 Congratulations are in order for Mr. and Mrs. Hilder! So excited for the newlyweds. A fun night hanging out with Stef before she left for Cambodia on a new adventure.

 These two had a day off and were able to head to the ranch with me. We all love harvest.

 Nana took the kids on another adventure to the Crocker Art Museum.

 My mom always does Thanksgiving on Wednesday night. It is a tradition started long ago, and has been nice to not feel rushed running around and be able to enjoy each place visiting.  This year Mike was still milling but stopped by later for dessert.

 Anyone who knows my dad, knows that getting him to sit still for the photos is almost harder than the kids!

 RUN to Feed the Hungry traditions continues on. Giada and Gino both ran the kids run and the 5k. Dad could hardly keep up with Giada.  Lorenzo was so excited...until we got there.  He was very unsure after hearing the loud announcements before the race and the loud buzzer to start the race. He did much better when the big kids came back around to help  him finish the race.

After a quick shower we were off to Thanksgiving with Mike's family. 

I love the Thanksgiving meal and have no problem eating it on day 2.

 

Lorenzo loves Cole and Carter and talks about them ALL day EVERY day! He always says "my friend Cole" the kids try and correct him and say "He is your cousin" and he yells "He is my friend" I tried to explain cousins can be friends too, but that isn't going over well.

Coldani Cousins!

We made it. Our annual trip up to Graeagle after harvest. Something we all look forward to after we have been missing dad for November. The kids are always excited to see Santa and cut down their trees.  We even found a TINY patch of snow; bonus!

Timmmmmber!

When in Graeagle we always take a picture with "the Bear" but the new owners of that unit also have some other fun chairs for the kids to enjoy.

 Visits to Santa. The kids spent a portion of the day working on the letters to take to Santa that night.  He gives each kid a special Santa dollar with his head on it. We sip hot chocolate at the fire station, sing Christmas songs together, then do the countdown for the lights to go on.  You feel like you are actually in a Hallmark Movie, and I love it!

 Gino is becoming an excellent artist, and puts so much detail into his work.

 Lorenzo talked about Santa all day and freaked out once he saw him.  He went up with me but was more comfortable going up with his best buddies.  Best way to kick off the holiday season.

Last but not least "Hilder Hair" Giada wanted her hair like Hilder. After a quick laugh, I knew exactly what she meant.  Everyone that knows and loves Hilder, recognizes this hair do.  Stef AKA Hilder is off on her new adventure, and we love our FaceTime check ins!