Exciting news.... summer is almost here!

The school year is winding down....

I can't believe that school is almost out for

the SUMMER.... in just about a month.

Fifi has a spring in her step as she
 skips towards me with exciting school news

I think EXCITEMENT is in the air.....whatever it is...the children are excited!!

The weather is beautiful and smiles are everywhere....

Beaming with PRIDE

Hurray....

It's here... Bam's sacrament of Confirmation....After 2 years of intensive religious classes, volunteering--stewardship, retreats, group projects and social justice projects.
The day is here to honor him...... he's earned it!

He's worked so hard and I'm so very proud of him.
I know he's honored to be receiving his faith sacrament today.

I love my son....

There was plenty of hugs and kisses from his Princess Fifi, Sweetheart, Cookie, Nana and I.
Bam is joyous but I know he's missing his Cheii....who is feeling under the weather and is not in attendance with us today.

 CONGRATULATIONS BAM!!!

--Cuties on the balcony--

Bam and his Nana...... "Please NO pictures" 

 Bam and his Nana....she is his religious sponsor today..... guiding him on his journey.... supporting him spiritually and recognizing his choice.  She is great.... she reminds Bam that she is honored to be here for him today.

A beautiful orb near the cross of Jesus
Perhaps a loved one's who've passed on is joining us on our very special day
....Perhaps

Peace I leave with you,
my peace I give unto you...
John 14:27
Many are the blessings
being wished today for you —
Joy that's deep and lasting,
faith that's strong and true,
Courage if the road seems hard,
guidance on your way,
And Christ's unfailing love and peace
to bless you every day.

el rancho bound mañana........

We're very excited this Friday......

Cookie and Sweetheart are in the van ready to pick up Bam and Fifi from school.

Our plans are to see Cheii and Nana tomorrow at the Ranch.

Everyone is looking forward to getting out of town and heading West.

"Hurray, mummy, hurry, so we may get home so we can pack our bags." squeals Cookie from the backseat.

Sweetheart took this self portrait of her excitement to see her grandparents.

Think Sweetheart loves animal print or what....

So much to do, so little time........ I love our life.

TGIF

My how times flies........

Is it already the end of the week?

This week (unlike many weeks) flew by so quickly!!!

All four of my children have jammed packed schedules; could that be the reason why?

Are we actually getting into the swing of things??

Now hopefully our weekend will not fly by so quickly........

special delivery for............ the Tooth Fairy

SMILE........

While attending a meeting, Cookie's loose tooth came out.

Cookie is happy, but she is not yet ready to debut her new smile.

She is joyous and excited about a visit from the tooth fairy tonight.

Oh that tooth fairy is so kind and generous! 

Tooth Fairy loves shiny healthy baby teeth.......

I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.....

We got up very early this morning; in anticipation.....
We got everything sorted, lined and ready:

Dress up shirt ironed

Dresses steamed

Curlers set

flattening iron on

fancy shoes and tights found

hair gel, hair spray, ribbons, bows, earrings, necklaces 

and LISTS in hand.......

Any guess on where we're headed today???

Can you spot him???

The day is here..........
The day we get our annual holiday portrait with SANTA.
--------

We got up bright and early and hit the mall at the opening hour.

With our attempts to beat the crowd, we were astonished to see the Santa line was already long.

Two hour wait???

Yes! Two hours!!

--That's GREAT

We're happy to have ONLY a two hour wait to see the "Big Guy".

We're prepared for the long haul

In one bag I've made child sized breakfast burritos, juice boxes, crackers, cheese, granola, bottled water and plenty of napkins.

In my other bag I was armed with chap stick, lip gloss, hair spray, hair brush, hair pins, baby wipes, anti static spray, lint roller, hand sanitizer and cellphone.

"Wait, the line is moving!! Ohhhhh.....I think SANTA sees us!" exclaims Cookie as Santa smiles in our direction.

His eyes--how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

"I've been very well-behaved, helpful, friendly and kind all year long. But I don't need to tell you that! You already know....." Sweetheart bashfully announces to Santa.

Double Rainbows and a leprechaun??!

Is it lunchtime yet???

"Mommy, we're out of carrots and granola bars!!"

After hiking throughout Niagara Falls and Goat Island we decided to take a lunch break on Goat Island.
There's a cute little restaurant at the top of the Horseshoe Falls called Top of the Falls.

Do you remember we were at the Top of the Rock a few days ago and today we're Top of the Falls.

(http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Files/top_rest_menu_2011.PDF)

Can you believe this was the view from our table...... WOW!!

After a pleasant air conditioned lunch with a phenomenal view we were up for another adventure, so we decided to board the Maiden of the Mist for a ride up close to the falls.

 It was very reasonable for a boat trip.(about the cost of a movie night)

(www.maidofthemist.com)

"We're ready for our Maid of the Mist voyage"

The Maid of the Mist was a 30 minutes ride on a double decker boat that took us 170 feet below the brink of all the Falls and back. 

They provided us with the raincoats because on this ride you will get wet drenched!!

Click the link below for live webcam footage of the American Falls!

(http://www.niagarafallslive.com/american_falls_live_webcam.htm)

The water hits the rocks with unbelievable force!

Cookie was so excited to see the rainbow and she was sure that the treasure was under those rocks in the water.

Isn't this the most beautiful shot of the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls taken by Bam.

This was probably how our boat looked headed toward the Falls from above.

Double Rainbow by the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Heavy mist and dew on Cookie's camera lens

Unbelievable refreshing! Now where is that leprechaun?

Bon Voyage Maid of the Mist

Cookies thinks she spies a leprechaun!
No Cookie, that is not the illusive leprechaun!!

My pride and joy with smiles on their faces and feeling tired after a long day of chasing rainbows with Mommy.

At days end, we had a beautiful view of Niagara Falls fireworks and full illumination. 

Although, due to full memory card in camera all we can offer is stock footage.

 And believe us when we tell you it was more amazing looking than these photos below....

Can you taste the rainbow? Yes you can!!

Beams of light come from Skylon in Canada
(www.skylon.com)

"Nu Yawk Sitty"

We LOVE  exploring the Big Apple and we'd love to show you a few of our favorite adventures of the day......

10 ft. Solid Lego Apple

China Town / Little Italy

China Town and Little Italy are full of delights for your eyes, your wallet and your tum-tum!
Some of the best exotic fresh fruits and veggies are available for very reasonable rate.
The tastiest authentic Chinese and Italian food you'll ever eat is here.
 We also had the most divine cup of gelato ever.....

FRESH Peking Ducks on display frightens Sweetheart

"Two pounds of Lychee berries and three dragon fruit, please"
--the vendor appreciates my girls attempt at speaking Chinese--

Mmmmm....

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee)

NBC studios / Rockefeller Center
Today show, Radio City, Letterman and Saturday Night Live.......all at Rockefeller Center
(www.radiocity.com) (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30012397/ns/today-toyota_concert_series/t/want-fan-pass-today-show-concert/) (http://www.nbc.com/tickets/) (www.nbcstudiotour.com

Concert ready.......

"This is Fifi reporting live from the NBC News Studio"

"Mommy, can we come back for Christmas to see the famous Rockettes?"

 Manhattan's Fifth Avenue American Girl Store

My girls are absolutely in heaven here!!
(http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_ny.php)
 From the itty bitty babies to the historic story doll collection.
The dolls, clothes, accessories, hair salon, cafe, photo studio and doll hospital are absolutely over the top.....................every little girly girls dream come true!

"I love American Girl, Mommy!!"

"Mom, they all look like me!!"

"Mini me"

"Can Kaya and her pets come home with us?"

Lego Store in Rockefeller Center and Nebulous NYC

Bam loves building with lego (seems like since birth) so a stop to the world's largest Lego Store is a must see.

(http://stores.lego.com/en-us/New%20York%20City/LandingPage.aspx)

Then it was off to Midtown Comics and Nebulous NYC at night.

(www.midtowncomics.com)

At Nebulous, Bam entered a tournament  and got to duel with some NYC guys.
So cooool.....

 imagination at work....

These cards are enormous!!

Cookie scratched at the window and it didn't even break their concentration
-Can you see Bam with the blue backpack?-