Happy Birthday Brianna!!!

Guess who's 12??? We had a great day yesterday celebrating Brianna's birthday. We headed out to The Grove so Brianna could spend the entire day at The American Girl Store. I figure she is not going to want to play with dolls for very much longer. Although she assures me that she will play with her AG forever. What an amazing place. Walking into this store always takes my breath away. I could only imagine what she feels. She kept telling me she wanted to scream. The plan was to let her browse and explore every inch of that place, and boy did she ever. I don't think she left one box untouched.

Dinner at "El Cholo" topped off with birthday flan.

Check out the damage. I don't expect to see my girls for the next few days. They will be hibernating in Brianna's room trying on dolly outfits.

Brianna's AG Bri, getting her hair done and ears pierced at the Doll Hair Salon.

Brianna & Bri - Lauren & Annie showing off their new hairstyles

High Tea @ the AG Cafe. Emma was really trying to be a lady. I kept telling her I was going to have daddy come get her if she did not behave. Notice Daddy & Michael V are no where to be found. MV was not losing his "man card" today.

"Happy Birthday Chocolate Flower Pot"

After 5 hours of shopping I think we were ready to go. I don't know who is more excited about going back, me or the girls.

Happy Birthday Brianna!!!

XOXO,

Gaby

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Yes, the countdown is on! Only 10 days till the kids go back to school. All the supplies are bought and labeled and organized. I can honestly say that they are ready to start back. They miss their friends and they are so excited to be one grade older.

This will be my first time in 12 years not having a baby home with me. Well not Tuesdays and Thursdays anyway. Seriously, who ever invented preschool must not have been a mommy. I don't know about all the other moms out there, but 3 hours, twice a week just doesn't cut it. I can't make it to the mall and back in that time.

So, last night we where sitting around the dinner table and I mentioned that Brianna will be able to attend the school dances this year. Big Mistake. Mike about came out of his skin. He feels she is still too young and that she doesn't need to be exposed to boys and girls slow dancing. (I am really trying not to laugh.) At our school the 7th and 8th graders are considered jr. high, so he doesn't get why 6th graders would be included in the dances. I think what put him over the edge was the fact that parents are not allowed to chaperon. He asked me to PLEASE not argue with him, and starting next year she could go. Is this really something I need to battle or should I just let it go? Advice anyone???

XOXO,

Gaby

I'm Back

Super Emma

Cannonball Michael



Elastic girl Brianna

Jesus Christ Super Lauren

Yes, my child can walk on water!

Where have I been? In headache hell. I don't get headaches and about two weeks ago I got the headache of my life. 12 days of this obnoxious, nagging, can everyone please be quiet, pain. I'm not one to take drugs, so I tried the natural approach. Exercise, acupuncture, massages, sending the kids to grandma's so I wouldn't hurt them. Finally, last Friday I called my doctor, and he told me that it was all STRESS!!! I mean seriously, who stresses out in the summer? I guess I do, I worry if the kids are having fun, am I making fun memories for them or are they going to look back on this summer and say "that was boring." Well I realized that my mom never worried if I was being entertained for 10 weeks. And after asking the kids about their summer they all said they where having a blast and they couldn't believe that it was almost over.

I do have to admit I am a worry-wort. I worry about things and people I just can't control. I think it's my OCD. So from this day forth, you people, whom I love and adore are on your own. However, for preventative reasons I'm going to keep my Monday Massages booked for a few more weeks.

XOXO,
Gaby

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