COOC, Giants, Snakes...oh my!

Calivirgin heads to the California Olive Oil Council Meetings (COOC)

Always a fun weekend in Monterey with our family and fellow olive oil producers/growers.

AND the new Frantoio won a GOLD! Great start to competition season!

While we were there it was Peter's birthday. We couldn't decide to celebrate on his USA or Australian birthday!? Happy Birthday Peter, always a pleasure to see you and thank you for the treats!  See you in a few months! 

 

While we were there, since it was where the Kerns got married, we decided we should renew their vows. I'm not sure we were as smooth as Mr. Noriega in the original wedding, but we did the best under the circumstances!  Congrats Nick and Nicole to many more years! I'm happy to step in as your dad, videographer, bridesmaid and witness anytime! xo 

Cousin Love!

 Frannie turns 4...or should I say Elsa! Check out that arm move people! Whenever she took a photo she made the perfect moves, it was hysterical and awesome!  Moni should be a professional party planner, no detail is left undone!  Great time, thanks for having us!

 

The kids had a tea party at lunchtime. Every other kid enjoyed drinking from their teacup and refilling as they go....my kid...he is eating his hot dog from the tea cup!

 

Despite her new thing of hiding from all my photos...she loved Elsa! Elsa read the Frozen story, made ice, sang and painted nails! Giada ran into preschool on Monday and said "you aren't going to believe this but I met Elsa yesterday and she painted my nails!"

And.... now it's just back to regular old mom doing it! :-)

  I have always loved Giada's eyelashes; one side never got any color. People rarely notice unless she is sleeping, but I hope she embraces it one day...and if not I guess there is always mascara!

 While we were at the COOC meeting, it was reptile day at the WOW museum. Our snake loving kids were in heaven! Thanks mom and Ran for the adventure! But before they left new shirts from Ran and Buddy.  Giada is all about the Peacock and its "shimmer"

 When we got home from our trip Gino wanted to cuddle and make faces!  Look at his sharp teeth!! This sweet guy is such a cuddle bug, I'll take it as long as he is willing!

Go Giants! So glad I could join in on the full day festivities before the game. Although they lost, a memorable time for sure. Lots of drinks, a rickshaw ride, bobble heads and new friends!

 

 The kids are big lately on pulling down things from our closet and coming downstairs.... "Mom do I look just like you!?"I mean I know I don't have the best fashion sense...and I am known to wear stripes, but with pj pants and heels??? Lookin good G!

 Best dog ever turned 9! Can hardly believe it and sure hope she has another 9 in her! I'm sorry we have rocked her world bringing the still crazy Belle into her life. One day I hope they will be friends too!

Gino's favorite thing to do in the office!

 Soccer is a wrap. The coach said Giada was most improved player! lol! I would have to agree, from the first few games of not even running on the field, to running and actually kicking the ball at the end...success! Too bad it always ends when she has gotten the hang of it!

 Team photo minus Giada .."I can't go over there the sun is in my eyes!" GEEZ!!

 While we were gone the kids went to a pancake breakfast at my old school Clements. Giada seemed excited to see where I went to Kindergarten since it is a hot topic these days!

 Checking out the yearbooks!

 

Catch up! Birthdays, Engagement, Half Marathon & More!

Both Grandma Carol and Grandma Barbara celebrated birthdays recently. Both are doing so well, and we are thankful the kids have been able to grow up with Great Grandparents. The kids love anything that includes blowing out candles and eating cake!

Dub and JJ outdid themselves on a Little Mermaid themed party. The kids had a blast, and tired themselves out, leaving me with a peaceful car ride home. Dub loved visiting with you and hope we can get together soon!

 

Giada has been so excited to move up in gymnastics; beam and bars here she comes!

 Gino and Giada had tons of fun with Matt and Steph while we were working Spring Wine Show. Cookies and Smores...who wouldn't be happy??

 

These are the kind of faces I get for pictures lately...awesome...hope its a phase!

 

Nonni and all the grand kids!

 

Gino was teaching Cole a thing or two. Cole is sitting up now, and starting to figure out crawling. I think to the kids he is way more fun to play with now!

 The saddle in the office, has always been a hit with the kids.

Sully is such a favorite of Gino's. When I did the KCRA segment for Calivirgin, my dad came with us. Always and adventure with Pops. So, the segment before us was about kid toys. My dad tracked this guy down in the parking lot and persuaded him to buy it, after the guy repeatedly said he had to take them all back to the store.  This guy didn't know who he was dealing with, and he was right, Gino loves it.

 Another half marathon in the books! Shamrockin! I do always like to have some goal to work towards, it does help motivate me to run.  Everyone did a great job, and it was a beautiful day!

 Stella and Matt met us at the finish! Not only did I score an awesome sister in law, her friends are pretty awesome too! Great to see you Kyla!

 Congrats on your 1st half Bri!

 Princess Birthday for Kiara. Dress up, and watch Frozen, the party was a hit!



 Baby Boy Pearl will be here soon. So nice to see Marina and John while they were here for a visit and baby shower. Sisters did a great job on the shower, and brunch was delicious. Will be so hard having her SO far away in D.C. Move back soon Neps!!!

 Our little chefs prepping for Nonno's birthday dinner!

 

Happy Birthday Nonno!

 While the boys were having fun in AZ, Nicole and I had a wild night out! Pizza and ice cream with the crazy kiddos!

 Cousin love, our little Stella is growing up!

 It didn't take 2 minutes for the kids to use the pool water to make a mud pit! Good times!

Love is in the air! Big congratulations to Phil and Summer! He surprised her with a weekend that will be tough to top!  Looking forward to all the wedding festivities! Love you! XO

These two are so cute! While the big kids play soccer, they play around on the sidelines, waiting for the day they can run in. They will for sure give their siblings a run for their money.

The Downtown Bear is always a popular stop. 

The kids had a fun outing at the Mud mill with Nana and Ran.

Dress up happens multiple times a day in our house, and when you have an older sister, you think it's really cool to wear dresses! Sofia is always his choice, and accessories are a must.

Last but not least, and in honor of orange Friday, GO Giants!