My Kind of H.S. Reunion

The kids and I hosted a pool party for my girlfriends from high school and their kids. We had such a good time. I think it has been about 7 years since we have all been together. So, you better believe that we had lots to talk about. Of course the kids were the highlight of the day. We were all amazed at how well they got along. Which made it nice for the moms to keep the gossip (opps, I mean conversation) flowing nicely.

20 years of friendship and 12 kids later, not too bad!!

Lexi, Michael, Rylie, Hannah, Emma, Kayla, Brianna & Amelia, Lauren & Kate, Alec, Reese

The Mommies

Me, Carrie, Kelley

Courtney, Shannon

See you girlies next month!

XOXO,

Gaby

Happy 7th Birthday Lauren

Happy Birthday Hootie!!!

I think every birthday blog starts with, "I can't believe all this time has past." Well, guess what, I can't believe that you are 7 years-old. What happened to my hunka-chunka baby? She has turned into a beautiful, responsible little lady. I joke that you are a 40 year-old woman stuck in a little girls body. I am always so amazed at how sensible and mature you are - even sometimes more then me. You are such a blessing to all of us, especially when you remind us of our sugar intake. :) You are so quiet, but such an individual. You make my heart sore to the moon!

Happy Birthday to my Pink Princess Lauren.

XOXO,

Mom, Dad & the Kids too!

4th of July Weekend

We are back home after a nice 5-day getaway. I am so exhausted I think I need some time away so I can get some real R&R. I don't think we stopped from Friday until today. I don't want to bore anyone with all the details so I thought it would be easier if I just captioned under some pictures. Besides, it's late and I am so ready for bed and I don't want to leave this for tomorrow.

Every year we start the 4th of July with a good old fashion Independence Day Parade. Here we are waiting for the fire trucks, antique cars, pets on parade, marching bands & the multitude of boy & girl scout troops (seriously, how many troops can one city have?)

I have no idea why a Storm Trooper is at a 4th of July Parade, but he was a huge hit with the kids.



The evening of the fourth we made our way to the Hollywood Bowl for an evening of music and fireworks. The whole Vasquez family was together to celebrate Sylvia's 40th B-day. I love the idea of exposing my kids to different things. The symphony plus fireworks was a perfect mix for them.



Yes, my girls will still match if I ask them to. I usually match colors, not outfits.
However, I think this might be the last year.
The kids where so excited to be up close and in box seats.





Lauren enjoying her 1st Birthday cake.


On the 5th we packed-up and headed to the Hyatt in Huntington Beach for a small Vasquez Family vacation. All 19 of us met at mass then had another birthday celebration at Duke's on the pier. For those of you who don't know, the Vasquez' celebrate birthdays for at least 3 days. Thank goodness for the private room. We where joined by the Armstrong Family and all together we had 9 kids.




Michael Vinny enjoying his 3rd birthday cake.




We spent the 6th at the beach with the kids.
I love the way Michael V. enjoys the sand. He really gets into it.


Lauren, Brianna & Samantha playing in the waves.
What would we do without "Super-sitter" Brianna? I love that smiley girl.

Emma, future SI swimsuit model.
Ya right, over her Daddy's dead body.

One last picture before we headed home. I really need to retire near the beach. I love it there. But for now I'm off to fold my 6th load of laundry. I love my blessed life!!!

XOXO,

Gaby

Happy 10th Birthday Michael Vinny

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG BROWN EYED BOY.

Always making us laugh

Blowing out his candles - a little too close!


Michael Vinny,
We want to wish you a very happy 10th birthday. Double-Digits!!! You are such a sweet boy and you deserve all the happiness in the world. You bring us so much joy with your heart of gold. You are the most compassionate little man we know. Continue to be the leader that you are. Have a great time at your game tonight and remember win or lose, you'll always be our All-star. We are so proud of you.
XOXO,
Mom, Dad, Brianna, Lauren & Emma