Easter Weekend 4/3/15 - 4/5/15

Four months into 2015 and I have yet to post to this blog.  I SUCK!!  Plain and simple hahaha

EASTER WEEKEND

Friday April 3, 2015  --- GOOD FRIDAY
     And a good Friday it was.  No dance or activities for the kids, Myles and Madison had no school, so the kids just hung out during the day.  Madison stayed with PopUp all day since she was planning on going to a gig with him later on.  The little ones came home for a little while and then we dropped them back off to Mama after the play at Church so they could spend the night.
     Damian also had no gigs, so we decided to head down to The Side Door in Old Lyme to see the Ralph Peterson Sextet.  This meant we got to see Zaccai and Luques play also.  Such a nice place.  I had never been before and it was quite the spot.  We also got to see Josh Evans play, who I honestly haven't heard play since Damian and I were dating. UMMM--- Talk about a great performance!!  Ralph OBVIOUSLY put on a phenomenal show and it was nice to see him as well.  The other 2 members of the band were Marcus Strickland (who I had heard of but never heard play-and boy was he GREAT) and Hailey Niswanger( who was also fantastic).  It was such a great show and I had an awesome time.  Tom, Paul, and Yvette also came to see the band and it was nice to have some time to catch up with Yvette who was enjoying day 1 of her and Paul's kid free weekend!!I also got to see Yunie, who I hadn't seen forever.  Do you see the trend-- I never see anyone-- I really need to get out more :)

It was good for Damian and I to get out and do something together, since it doesn't happen often.  Not to mention, it must have been must have been my lucky week because I also got to see Karina..and that would mean that I saw her twice in one week.  Seriously, that is a rare thing.  Between her schedule and Luques' and then Damian and mine with the kids, we HARDLY see each other.  Definitely not as much as I would like.  But we are working on that.  We try hard to stay in touch by texting/ calling occasionally, but sometimes the time lapses between texts makes me ashamed!  We are hoping, well at least I am, to start getting together more often.

Here are a couple of "selfies" from when we saw Karina when she was up for the Passion of The King play at the end of March:

Oh how I love her!!!!!!  I miss her so much and wish we didn't let so much time pass between seeing one another!  She is one of my favorite people!!

Saturday, April 4, 2015
     All the kids were at Mama and PopUp's for the morning, Damian had to work as usual, and me---  well, I was getting ready to run my first quarter marathon or 10K-- 6.55 miles.
I was meeting up with Jen, Whitney, and a few of their friends to run the Greater Hartford 9th annual quarter Marathon at the reservoir in West Hartford.  I was so nervous, did lousy, BUT-- I FINISHED!

My view at one point while I was running... the fact that I was able to take this picture shows that I really wasn't using all of my energy for the run haha

 I had to walk more than I ever would have wanted, and once I start walking, it is harder for me to get my groove back.  I will be running another one at the end of May in Mystic, so I hope to do better then.  I am also starting a new training regiment that I hope will improve my motication, discipline, and pace just a little.
 I will never be a FAST runner but I AM A RUNNER!! I am going to try to embrace that term.  Doesn't mean that I love running, but I do love the feeling I get at then end of the run.  I feel invincible! And I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.
   For the afternoon on Saturday, Madison went off with Lisa to a birthday party at Launch Trampoline Park and the little ones and I headed over to Grandma Virginia's house to hang out and color some Easter eggs (which I stupidly left over there, uuugghh)

Me and Jaida attempting to decorate an egg.. she only lasted about a minute before deciding she didn't want to have anything to do with eggs

Sunday, April 5, 2015 --- EASTER SUNDAY
     The kids woke up pretty early to get their Easter baskets. Well, Mayci woke up them up early because she was crying about a sore throat.  Damian decided not to join us for the baskets because he was so tired, but Lisa Face-timed with us!

Note Jaida's little basket at the far left :).. then Madison, Myles, and Mayci's baskets-- we don't go to crazy for Easter in our household

Myles, was extremely unimpressed with his basket.  Unfortunately the Easter bunny got him a movie that he already had at Mama's house, a lego set thing that he doesn't like, and he has now informed me that he does NOT like M&M's anymore- yet I swear he ate a whole bag the week before, but you know-- kids....  **epic Mom/Easter bunny failure**
Madison seemed to really like the outfit she got and she actually picked out the movie she got in her basket so I know she liked that.  And Mayci-- well, Mayci likes everything- I think her favorite was the jelly beans.  Sadly though, she only ate 1 jellybean and then ended up throwing up shortly after and feeling sick for a better part of Easter morning.

Mayci's set up in the earlier part of the day-- peep the "throw-up" bucket to her right :)

We headed over to Ted and Abby's in the early afternoon and as always, they had cool treasure hunts, hidden eggs and baskets for the kids to find.  Thanks to some interesting remedy that Zaccai gave us, Mayci was feeling pretty good so she was able to participate and have fun with the rest of the kids.  Julie, Justine, Obed, Davian, and Dej all came by also.  So great to see them and the kids had a blast.  Mayci and Dej played so well together and Madison and Davian always get along GREAT!!  I love watching them interact with one another!

I swear I was taking a picture of something here... if you squint  your eyes, tilt  your head to the left and look in themiddle towards the back of the picture, you will see Madison and Davian (they sort of blend in to the trees)out on their treasure hunt  They are just sooo darn cute!!

Madison getting all  up in Dej's face while Dej is trying to look at her Easter basket in peace

They all sang Happy Birthday to Pop Up whose birthday is on April 8th

Dalila and Iliana came by to hang out as well.  It was nice and laid back.  Although the weather was rainy and at one point, there were even some snow flurries, it didn't stop the kids at all from running around outside to look for "treasures" and candy filled plastic eggs!  The kids asked to stay over Sunday night into Monday since Julie, Zaccai, and Davian were staying and because Damian and I are such pushovers **HAHAHA**  we said yes!!

Hopefully you had a fun filled weekend, whether you celebrate Easter or not!!


 

Luques & Karina wedding August 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

So the special weekend finally arrived!! Time to celebrate Luques and Karina as they exchanged vows and came together as one!

 

Friday was quite the busy day.  Madison and Myles headed off to school like normal, and I popped into work for a little while to take care of some loose ends before the long holiday weekend. Damian had errands to run after Myles got on the school bus.  Damian and I had discussed early on that it may be best to keep Mayci home while we attended the wedding. Some people were not so keen to the idea, but we figured the less distractions the better, so Lisa was kind enough to volunteer to keep mayci while we were gone.  She came early in the day so her and Mayci could enjoy some time at the Science Center.  

 

Here is a pic of Mayci that Lisa sent me... I have more form the science center, but I think they are on FB page :)

 

We picked the kids up around lunchtime and then hit the road to Walkill, New York. .well really Middletown NY since that's where the hotel we were staying at was. Upon checking in, we were given a bag that had some special treats and bags for Madison and Myles and even a bag with special treats and nail polish for myself-- how thoughtful!!  We met up with immediate family, friends that were in the bridal party, and the bride and groom.  We headed off to Lippincott Manor so those who were part of the wedding could do a couple of walk throughs for the ceremony.   Madison and Davian (Justine's 12 year old son) caught up and hung out while the little ones rehearsed.  So weird, how the two of them rarely see each other but they catch up and have the best time together! They seem to click and I definitely hope to get them together more often...everyone needs a small group of close family and friends, no matter how far away they are! Myles fit right in with Dej, Justine's daughter, and Anaya, Karina's niece.   This ring bearer and the flower girls played and played until it was time to rehearse and then they would play and play some more! Myles has even asked for them several times since we have left. . And I have heard from Justine,  that miss Dej may have said a thing or two about Myles. Heehee!

 

My all time FAVORITE picture of Madison and Davian-- I can only imagine what they were talking about-- they seemed to have a blast together

This would be the board that you would see as soon as you were entering the venue

Dej, Myles, and Alana

Madison keeping herself busy doing flips

This is pretty much what the 3 of them did ALL weekend

Myles and Madison occupying themselves on our way to NY-- this only lasted for about 10 minutes.. then they either fought or slept

Our goody bags :)

 

We all headed to dinner at a nice restaurant called Cosimos and were treated to dinner.  Everyone caught up, laughed, joked around, and all around seemed to have a good time with some great food!  I didnt do much socializing as I actually spent my time talking with Myles,  Madison,  and Davian..but it seemed like everyone was enjoying their time together.   We were even surprised by John (Ted's brother in law) and his grandson Niko! My how Niko has grown since we saw him last, which had unfortunately been a couple years ago when his grandmother (Ted's sister) had passed away.  But he sat down and caught right up with the kids playing all of their silly games!

 

When we headed back to the hotel for the night.  The kids and I got settled in and Damian went to spend some time with Luques, Zaccai,  and the rest of the guys.  I feel so bad about the lack of time Damian spends with them(more about that in a post on my Makeup of Michelle blog-my more personal blog), and was happy He was able to get some quality time in.

 

Saturday morning was pretty calm as eveyone had things to do in preparation fpr the wwdding that evening.  Since Myles and Damian weren't due at the wedding venue until closer to 330p, the kids had some time to enjoy the pool with Mama and Popup, have a nice breakfast, I got in some time at the fitness center, and Damian slept and did some running around for his brother.  The whole family sort of did their own thing until the 4 of us met up to head to Lippincott Manor for the wedding.

On Friday, Madison also got to see her favorite "Robot Man" aka Christian Scott after about 7 years.   I think the last time she saw him was at my wedding.   She remembered him as robot man, but didn't recognize him at first haha.  And I got to meet his lovely wife..such a blessed couple! On Saturday, I actually got to see several people that i had not seen in what seemed like forever.  Rey and Mia, Richie, Brandee just to name a few. As I am typing this,  I realize that I failed to go up to Brandee to say hello, she probably wouldn't have remembered me if I had, but I need to get better at that!  I also realized that I didn't even get  picture with the happy couple..... I let that whole social nerves thing get the best of me and stay in my little corner as to not get in the way of anyone or anything :)

 

Karina coming down the aisle with her mother and father--  Isn't she the most beautiful bride!!

I love how happy the 3 of them look!!

Getting ready to be handed over to her groom

One of my favorite pictures-- I love this exchange between Luques and Karina's father

Standing together -- looking so in love!!

Karina placing the ring on Luques' finger

Luques placing the ring on Karina's finger

 

 

 

They had just placed their vows in the soil of this birch tree

Adding more soil to cover the birch tree



Sealing with a kiss---- HUSBAND & WIFE

 

Let me tell you, this wedding ceremony was BEAUTIFUL! The officiant spoke about the timeline of Luques and Karina's relationship- to include when they met and when Luques proposed in Hawaii, their kind words about each other, some of their hopes and dreams as a married couple, and the significance of a now VERY important birch tree in their lives.  They recited their own written vows which brought tears to my eyes. The look on Luques' eyes as Karina walked down the aisle to him was pure happiness... Witnessing 2 people that in love is truly magical. .and they captured all of that magic in 1 nights time. 

How awesome is this engraved wine bottle-- I love it!!

This was so heartwarming-- an area to represent all of the loved ones who passed away

Madison and Uncle Luques

Madison and Davian-- not exactly sure what's going on with Madison's pose-- this picture was taken by Myles

Abby and Cathy getting the cake all set up!

PopUp helping Myles with his suit

Uncle Chuck and Paula -- taken by Myles

 



 

 

The reception was just as amazing!  The whole setup represented two of them perfectly. The attention to detail, flowers, purity, rustic beauty encompassed their hearts to a T!  They even had live salsa music, and lanterns that we were able to wish upon and send into the sky to set those wishes to actions. And Zaccai even forced me.to get up from my spot for the evening and dance some Merengue with Damian.  Well, im.not sure if i was really doing much, but I am now determined to take some dancing lessons...well, mainly Salsa.  I mean, I have been a part of this family for 7 years, and still can't do the Salsa!!

 

Here are some pics taken by Myles during the reception:

 

The best man's speech-- Zaccai's speech was phenomenal-- I know Ted got it on tape.. it is definitely a speech that I could listen to over and over!!

Madison and the BEAUTIFUL Dej

Don't ask, Myles told me to smile.. I think that it might be Karina's uncle behind me, but I am not 100% sure

NEWLEYWEDS!!

Ralph Peterson

The "crew"-- Zaccai, Igmar, and Christian-- I think they were going for the hardcore gangsta look haha

Sparklers!!

Their first dance

 



 

Unfortunately Damian and I left with the kids after sending 2 lanterns into the sky..and once again that guilt of having to leave set in.  I knew that most of the overnight guests were meeting up at the hotel to spend some more time with the bride & goom...and once again, Damian was going to miss out on some good times with his family and friends.  I didn't say anything,  but I rode home in silence with it in the back of my mind.

 

We had such a great time and are so honored that Luques & Karina chose to have Myles as their ring bearer!  That is a moment that I don't think Myles will ever forget. .He takes his jobs VERY seriously haha.  I am so happy for my brother and sister as they enter this new journey in life together!!   They hopefully know, by the outpouring of love onto them, that they have so much support so many friends and family!!  And I hope they have a fantastic honeymoon .  I plan on reaching out to Karina  they return home and get settled in again to plan a time when we can get together just to hang!!  We always say we are going to, but we never do!  I'm determined to change that... I mean come on, we are family!! Plus that is all part of the "being a better me" process I am working on.  I can't be a a thirty something woman who stays in the house forever can I?

 

Well, I'm pretty comfident that this was one of the best weekends I have had! I hope you all can say the same about yours!