The Donovan's

Just wanted to give a shout out to our friends, the Donovan's-they moved back to Florida at the end of June. We didn't see them really all that much while they were here because we, like many New Yorkers, taken for granted that our family or friends "are always around". Well, we made sure that we squeezed a lunch date with them before they took off. But still, we will miss them dearly.

The lovely couple, Mike & Sheila.

Me & the kids with the Donovan's.

Sunken Meadow Park

A few Sundays ago, our friends & neighbor, Alek & Aneta invited us to Sunken Meadow State Park for a picnic & also to celebrate their son Olivier's birthday. We've never been to the park before, but it was huge, very family oriented, and it even has a beach with a boardwalk. We would definitely go back to the park someday.

Our hosts: Alek & Aneta-they're expecting a little girl next month!

Serena trying to steal the grapes while no one is watching.

She got some grapes from us anyway which she loves!

The guys walking the trail right behind our picnic area. Devin asked me if there were bears on the trail before he went inside-what a city boy!

Ian, Devin & Olivier pretending to chop down the tree.

Larry & Ruby's Wedding

This past Saturday we went to our friends Larry & Ruby's wedding in Nanuet, NY. It was a fun wedding and the color schemes (brown/copper)fit perfectly with the season. During the ceremony, Devin wanted to stand next to Daddy (Andrew was in the wedding) but I told him only people who are getting married can go up there. Then he started running up to the altar saying "I want to get married!" But I caught him just in time & took him outside. Sometimes he says the funniest thing and he doesn't even know it. I couldn't really take pictures during the ceremony so I only have pictures to post from the reception. Enjoy.  

Ruby looked radiant on her big day.

Devin dancing with the bride.

Ruby teaching Devin a few moves while Larry looks on.

After the lessons from Ruby, time for Devin to hit the floor on his own.

Then he quickly got a partner...

And started to give lessons himself! 

All those dancing wore him out!

While Devin was dancing, Serena was just chillin' with Heather & Pascual.

Breakfast

It was so nice to meet up for breakfast last Friday with Pastor Andrea & her daughter, Brittany along with Madelina, Sophia & Raina. Pastor Andrea & Brittany were on a Mother/Daughter fun trip visiting NYC, so it was truly accommodating of them to fit us into their schedule. As for myself & Serena, it was just fun getting out of the house & have an early start. Then again, Serena was sleeping the whole time so I guess it was just fun for me, actually sitting down with a bagel & coffee, even if it's just decaf...

Serena is hiding in this picture...

A funny expression on Serena while PA smiles at the camera.

In Brittany's arms, still sleeping...

A Tea Party

Last Sunday the girls from church had a tea party for Serena at Alice's Tea Cup. What a cute place. Originally it was meant to be a baby shower, but as we all know Serena arrived earlier than expected. So instead of a baby shower, it became a baby welcoming party. And of course, Serena slept almost the entire time...but I will definitely go back with her when she is old enough to enjoy the sweet treats & tea. A big THANK YOU to Madelina for setting this up and all the ladies for coming, you guys rock!!!

Sleeping Serena...

The lovely girls & me...

In case anyone is wondering why Madelina was hovering over Raina when the picture was taken, well, she really was not. She's not even supposed to be in the picture. She was the one who took the picture but I really wanted a group shot with ALL of us so I "photoshopped" her in. It was a quick job, I know, but if anyone else want to be in the picture, just email me a picture of yourself...LOL

More Soccer Pictures

While Olivier is busy practicing his kicks...

Devin is busy eating Olivier's candies!

"Looking good, Olivier! Yep, don't worry buddy, I still have your candies...for now."

Olivier's Birthday Party!

Devin's little friend, Olivier turned 3 on June 7th, but just had his party this past Sunday. There were an abundant of food, kids humor, & kids tears. All in all, everyone had fun and yes, including the parents. 

Devin riding Olivier's Harley tricycle with Isabella & her mom, Gina in the background

Devin took time out from playing & did a little work on Olivier's laptop

Starting a band starring Ian & Devin 

Olivier giving out tips on potty training to Ian & Devin

Singing the birthday song & posing for the camera

Our Friends...

Our friends Larry & Ruby got engaged at stroke of midnight on Father's Day. Apparently Larry had this planning for a while. And Ruby had no idea! After church, we went out for Indian food to celebrate. We are so excited for them & can't wait for their wedding in November!

Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

Beat the Heat

Thursday was another gardening day for the kids at our co-op complex. This time Devin's buddy Olivier joined him in the fun. But half of the time, they were watering each other instead of the flowers. What better way to beat the heat?! They were so funny...and wet! 

Olivier practicing his aim...

Devin willingly walked right into the spray of water!

A Birthday Celebration

On Saturday, it was Devin's playground buddy Ian's 3rd birthday party. What a beautiful day! All the kids seem to be having so much fun and even us, the adults were enjoying ourselves. Devin did not want to go home even after 2 1/2 hours of fun. But his nap was way overdued...

Happy Birthday, Ian!

Playing & sharing construction trucks.

Hanging out with Olivier.

The boys invented their own game, soapy water in an empty container...

"Graduating" to the "Big Boy" swing!

A Polish Wedding

We went to Alek & Aneta's wedding this past Saturday. They're Olivier's parents,

married by civil service 4 years ago. This year they decided to celebrate their union with their family & friends from Poland. We learned couple of Polish traditions: throwing coins at the married couple and the guests presenting bouquets for the bride. They even have a official toasting song. At first I thought it was their national anthem, because the way it was sung & sounded...then someone explained to me that it was their official toasting song, meaning something like "cheer, cheer, for the next hundred years...". The ceremony & music at the reception were all in Polish. But did that deter our young Mr. Lopez in showing his moves? Nah, he was dancing 95% of the time...We actually got to sit down & enjoyed our meal because he was having so much fun dancing.

All dressed up & ready to go...

(he did not care for the clip on tie)

The beautiful couple.

Ready to eat.

Awww...the Family Dance.

Dancing with whomever is willing... 

In the midst of the congo line...

He even scored a dance with the bride!

Hanging Out

Since the weather has been beautiful, Devin got to go to the playground everyday. Sometimes twice a day, in the morning & late afternoon. He loves seeing his friends there, playing or just hanging out. 

Devin, Olivier & Matthew

Olivier is 3 months younger than Devin and that's whom Devin's learning his Polish from. They've been friends since we moved here about a year ago. Matthew is 4, and he is hilarious! We met him from the Mommy & Me classes. One time he asked the teacher for red cotton balls instead of white for an art project because red is his favorite color. And he disputed an incident between 2 boys in class, saying "Sharing is caring". I just love hearing the kids talk, you never know what's gonna come out from their mouths!

Party Time!

A couple of Sundays ago, we were invited to our friends Kristin & David's daughter, Stella's first birthday party. Stella looked adorable in her party dress. Devin was so excited about attending the party, he didn't want to take his nap. So of course when his favorite part of the party came (birthday song & cake), he was out cold! Oh well, maybe next time.

Stella & her mommy

uh oh! who let this guy in?!