Short and sweet

Here are some more pictures from our visit with Whitney. Thanks Whitney for forwarding them! Glad you are home safely!

Below is Laura (right) who suggested Joe and I start dating a little over 11 years ago

One of Julia's favorite places to eat is Nathans. Since we have to drive by it on the way home from dance class Julia asks every week if we can eat there for dinner. This week coupons came in the Sunday paper so guess where we went. Below are some pictures of Julia wearing the infamous paper hat.

Today we had Julia's parent/teacher conference. Not much new to report. Julia's teacher just reiterated what we already know. Excelling in areas that she needs to and enjoying the 1st grade.

Ok time for bed. Soooo tired. I'll be back soon!

Fun in the sun, The Hansens

Ok the weather this weekend.......gorgeous!!! We spent the whole weekend outside pretty much. It was sooooo nice. I am ready for spring!

Friday night Whitney slept over so Saturday we woke up to donuts and coffee. Joe told me I had to enjoy my bowtie from Dunkin Donuts because that was the last day they were going to have them, forever. I was sad for a moment. But it's just as well because those are really bad for you.

For lunch we drove up to East Hampton and went to Loco Perro. Love love love this Mexican Restaurant and it's Jimmy Buffett themed environment. Even though it's Mexican they have a Cheeseburger in Paradise! I think if you can sing the song you get a discount or something. We sat outside and at lunch. Whitney took pictures and I'm sure she posted them on facebook but because I can't go on facebook I can't look at them. (So Whitney when you read this can you email me the pics so I can post?) We met our friend Laura for lunch and did some catching up. (fun fact: Laura actually told me a long time ago I should date Joe and I told her she was crazy. I could never like him like that...and here we are). After lunch we went back to Laura's so the kids could play for a bit.

We left Laura's and came home and picked up Julia's bike, put some air in the tires, then rode to the park. Joe and I sat on the bench in the park and watched Julia swing, run, climb, jump, and dig all afternoon. So relaxing. I missed the sun and the warmth.

Today we went over to see the Hansens and have a little bbq. Joe brought his glove so he could get some practice in with Rob before the softball season starts. The practice didn't last that long though. I think they need to build up their stamina a little more if they are gonna last a whole game.

Here is a picture of Julia and Katie on the trampoline. I love watching them together, they are so sweet. If we get the house they will live down the street from each other. It's nice to see Julia happy, playing with kids that aren't punching her in the head, pulling her hair, or making fun of her. I can't wait for the summer and all the memories they will make.

After dinner it got a little chilly out so we went inside to talk some more. Joe was cold (he had goosebumps) so Sherrie wrapped him in a blanket.

And then we looked outside and saw it was getting dark. At 7:30!!! I love that it's getting darker later. One last picture of Katie and Julia as we leave.

Off to get Julia washed and in bed. Then Desperate Housewives and Celebrity Apprentice (love my Bret Michaels!). Have a good night!

Maddie, Whitney's visit

First off I would like to introduce Madeline Sophia Lanza into the world. We have been waiting anxiously for her arrival and her she is! She graced us with her presence on Monday March 15. 8lbs and 10 ounces of cuddly baby!. We can't wait to meet her!

Have you ever seen anything so sweet?

Whitney is here!!! We haven't seen Whitney in forever. Well maybe not forever. But Austin is 2 years old and we haven't seen her since before she was pregnant. Joe and Whitney spent the day up at UCONN while I was at work. Then we all went out to dinner at Amici's. Mmmmm I love the bread that's all I gotta say. Whitney was fanning herself after dinner with her credit card after dinner so I captured the moment. I think she mentioned the lighting or something making her hot...but I think it was the wine :-)

After dinner we decided that Whitney had to experience Rita's. Julia is beyond excited that Rita's is open again for the season. Below Julia and I are enjoying our ice cream.Notice the glasses? Yeah I got glasses. You will be seeing them all the time now so get used to them. Not to happy about them. They look a lot better in person I swear.

Well I need to go now. Joe is whining about wanting the laptop if Whitney and I are gonna watch The Bachelor special I recorded. Blah Blah Blah. More to come....full weekend ahead!

Have a good night!

Pillow Fight

Julia started attacking Joe with pillows. So I took out the camera. This is what we do when we are bored at the Laurito house.

I love how she pauses to pose in this last one.

St. Patricks Day, Cousin Beth, and Hollywood Kids

My little star loves to perform, sing, dance. She was a little disappointed that all the St. Patricks Day festivities were canceled at the last minute. But what can you do when all the moms in the school decide not to show up? The good thing was that we found out before we showed up at the locations and didn't have to go out in the windy/rain mix that mother nature bestowed upon us. Joe and I did find ourselves at the Irish Club last night with our friends to celebrate though. So much fun! Julia's dance teacher (one of my best friends Erin), had school T-shirts and sweatshirts made and below is Julia showing her appreciation. The knot is actually a knot that Erin had on one of her costumes when she was younger. The writing you see...The Mulcahy Academy of Irish Dance.

Now on to my cousin Beth. I'm not sure if she reads my blog but I read hers and check it everyday for new posts. Her blog inspires me on what to write on my blog. Beth's blog is real. I love how she posts whatever is on her mind, good or bad. Her blog isn't a huge brag fest. She posts pictures of people and places she encounters throughout the day. It's really a window into her world. Being that she's in LA it's nice to see aspects of her life that are missed the few times a year when she visits. Beth's "hey this is me, this is my life" approach is refreshing. So thanks Beth and I hope you blog more when tax season is over.

The Hollywood Kids! The Hollywood Kids are a group of first graders that entertained at the last Town Meeting at Julia's school. I'm not sure if this is a new thing that Miss Boutillier is doing this year but I never heard of Julia's older cousins at the school ever doing it so I think it is. I captured some video. Notice the reference "ace the CMTs" meant for the older kids that have been taking the tests for the last 2 weeks. So performing their own version of Anything You can Do from Annie get your Gun...

The 2 groups went on to challenge eathother in different subjects. Here is spelling challenge.

Julia and her 2 friends Savannah and Arianna (well for the moment they are friends) We can safely say that the teenage drama bug has hit these 3. Poor Mrs. Paluska!

After the Town Meeting we stopped by AC Petersons for some ice cream. Julia and the cow out front. She tried to convince me that the cow would look great in front of the new house.

Grammy and her favorite little girl.

ok that's all I got for you. I'll see you soon!

Shocking

Now my husband is a smart man. He thinks with logic. Exudes confidence. Is an amazing father and even better husband. We have spent many hours over the past 11 years sitting by pools and relaxing on vacations. I spend that time reading, he snores. It's worked for me. Then he throws a wrench in things. Just when I think I know him. Meaning the last time Joe had a book he was reading it was on our Honeymoon and 9 years later he has not finished it. He does know how to read though because I have the Hartford Courants sports page to prove it. So imagine my surprise, while in Boston, when I see Joe with his nose in a book. Not just once but every chance he got. He carried it around with him! Below this momentous occasion is documented.

A few months ago I started reading the Twilight series. I am addicted, I admit. I have read the first 3 books and am eagerly awaiting New Moon's release on DVD. The books so far have been way better than the movies. I was in Barnes and Noble today and I saw this game. I want it, yes I do. But I can't bring myself to buy it. So if anyone out there reading my blog gets this game I want an invite to come play.

Yesterday was pretty much a wasted day because I was exhausted from my trip to Boston. Today I spent the day with my friend Renee. She was visiting from North Carolina and needed some TLC. This morning I had to go see my eye doctor so Renee accompanied me to be my expert opinion. I hate picking out glasses. But we found some that we all (I had all the staff involved stroking my insecurities) agreed on. I will post a picture next week when I get them.

After we left the eye doctor it was lunchtime. We headed over to The Counter over in West Hartford. They were packed so we went over to Moe's for some Mexican. MMMmmmm. once our bellies were full we walked around Blue Back Square. Finally stopping in Barnes and Noble. I needed to get my princess and her cousin some Easter gifts. And of course a magazine for mama.

Looking at our watches we saw it was time for Julia to be let out of school. So we headed over to the school to surprise her and pick her up. She HATES taking the bus so any chance she gets to not take it she jumps at it. Julia insisted that having Renee in town was cause for celebration so we needed to get ice cream sundaes. Off to Friendlys we went. Later in talking to Julia she said she felt sad for Renee because Renee does not have a Friendlys in NC. Here is a picture...

Well I am tired and I don't have much more to say. Off to bed. Busy busy weekend so check back early next week for pictures.

Lost Tooth

Seriously I don't remember losing so many teeth when I was younger. Maybe because I am dishing out the money with Julia it just seems like she has double the teeth she should. I don't know what possessed me but I was actually like "great 6 are gone...we are all set!" Nope not quite. So today Julia lost another tooth. On the bus. Literally. The tooth is still on the bus. She dropped it. Right now the bloody little sucker is rolling up and down the isle. Disgusting I know but what are you gonna do? Julia was obviously upset thinking the Tooth Fairy would not pay a visit with nothing to put under the pillow. So I did what any mother would do. I called around to find someone that did not have a familiar voice that could call Julia and pretend to be the Tooth Fairy. Auntie Kara to the rescue! Thank you coworker Desiree for being the perfect Tooth Fairy! She called Julia, talked a minute or two then just as she was about to explain that she had a magic wand to find the tooth Julia says "ok bye" and hangs up on her. Arthur was on. The things we do...

Thursdays, Home Show, Book Club

Can I just say I LOVE Thursday night T.V. I love that Joe goes to poker, Julia goes to bed, which leaves me with ME time, and the best shows of the week. Back up for a bit. Julia loves Thursday nights also in the fact that we have named them "girls night". Girls night usually entails some sort of sinful sugary treat, doing each others hair or makeup (or both), and ending cuddling on the couch with Julia falling asleep in my arms. I dread the day she is to old for this.

ok back to T.V.... My favs you ask? (well I guess you didn't but you are reading my blog aren't you?) And in no particular order...Survivor~I love the mind games and the drama. Boston Rob has my vote to the end. The Office~I want a job at Dunder Mifflin. In a way I guess I have worked there because for every character in that show, I have worked with someone exactly the same. Greys Anatomy~McDreamy, McSteamy...and the things that come out of Bailey and Christina's mouth...they are hysterical. Private Practice~Have always been a fan of Addison and I want her and Sam to get married. So there you have it. My guilty pleasures.

So Thursday is done and I have nothing to report for Friday. How sad that the highlight of my day was that Joe went and got Pizza Hut for dinner! OMG I know! It was soooo good. And it didn't take long either. So I guess my freak out post from earlier is irrelevant.

Today Joe, Julia, and I went to the Home Show at the Expo Center. I was a little hesitant because we still don't know if we are moving into the house. But then we figured we will be fixing up the condo if we stay for a bit. We learned quite a bit. Made some contacts. Got to (in a sense) interview the companies and decide which we will be doing business with. A lot of advice that will save us money in the long run. They had a company there that builds custom sheds. Julia decided she would like us to buy her one and it would make a great playhouse. It needs to be big enough to fit a porch swing inside. Julia also discovered the face paining booth they had set up anticipating all the bored children being dragged by their parents. Below is a picture.

After the Home Show I came home, put my feet up for a 1/2 hour, and then was off to book club with the cousins. It was a lot of fun. I had never been to a book club before but it was a good time. Meghan hosted this month so I got to see her and Tim's new place. Super cute.

So here I am sitting on the couch, watching Mean Girls with my husband, and I think I am gonna finish up this post. So tired and nothing left to say.

I'm not sure I will have the chance to blog until next weekend. But keep checking just in case. Busy, busy, busy. Mon and Tues we will be in Boston. Thurs Renee is up from NC so we will be hanging from dawn til dusk. Sat is Julia's Irish Step dancing debut. Don't worry pictures will be posted in regards to that.

nothing much

I feel like the last few days have flown by but I can only think of a few things we did.

Friday was nice because I went out with an old friend for dinner. Julia came with me because they had never met so it turned into an impromptu girls night. Throw in Olive Garden and Barnes and Noble and the night was perfect.

I'm used to not being on Facebook by now. Well for the most part. I had one moment last night when I wanted to log on because I NEEDED, yes NEEDED to chat with Whitney during the Bachelor. But I took a chance and logged on to Yahoo and there she was! Didn't have to bribe the husband to log on and give her a message.

Tonight Julia had dance class. All the girls are getting excited for the parade and their first shows. If you are at the parade in Hartford this year look for The Mulcahy School of Irish Music and Dance. They will be marching with the town of East Hartford (the 3rd town to go out). Wave to my Julia! Pray for a nice day. I remember marching in this parade and freezing my butt off.

I leave you with this picture I took of my nephew. I just want to smother him with kisses.