Elise and the Biggies

Third grade is a big year.  The kids learn to write in cursive and do multiplication and division.  There are field trips and famous American projects and the poem party at the end of the year.  But the biggest milestone of the year is First Communion and Confirmation.  It has been really special to watch Elise go through this process because she is so excited and really seems to have a sense of how important these sacraments are.  As adults we can so easily take for granted our faith, but we get a chance to inject our faith with life and wonder through the eyes of our children.  Elise chose the name Rose for her Confirmation name after St. Rose of Lima and she found the perfect dress that had a rose pinned right at the waistline.  She looked beautiful!

Aunt Les was her sponsor.  She is also her Godmother :)

Elise was very specific about her First Communion outfit and she did not want a veil.  Here she is showing off her fancy hairdo.

Elise's best friend Ella.

They look like little angels.  Pretty soon they will be posing for their 8th grade photo.

More friends.

What a beautiful, blessed day.  Congratulations Elise Zofia Rose Gonzales!

Happy Birthday Paolo Joe!

It is hard to believe that my baby boy is 7 years old.  He is still just an awesome, sweet, fun-loving kid.

This year Paolo was talking about a birthday party for weeks ahead of time.  I kept saying "I can't promise you that we can do a party" but he kept asking and making plans and telling friends.  We hosted Easter at our house and then were out of town so needless to say I did not plan or get invitations out until after his birthday.  I literally printed up a quick invite and sent them to school on Wednesday for a party on the following Saturday!  Well, it turned out to be a great party.  We did not go anywhere, rent anything or spend tons of money.  All that 1st grade boys want to do is be together, eat cake and ice cream and have time to run around and swim and play.

Paolo was so happy - he got his party!  We love you Paolo Joe!!

Easter and Spring Break

Every year on Easter morning I attempt to get a picture after mass when we are all dressed up.  Everyone grumbles and complains but I am always happy to have it.

We hit the ice and the beach over Spring Break.

How adorable are those little skates?

Silly Jules with that crazy "selfie" face.  Diego has been hockey-crazy lately so I was interested to see how he did out on the ice.  I was very impressed.  He and his buddy Connor are trying to figure out a way to start playing.

We were also able to sneak over to the boat for a few days and play on the beach.

We got to spend some time with good friends.

Good times - nice to have a break.