the Mind of My Gio....

So, this evening, at dinner, my three-year-old had me sing "Happy Birthday" to Darth Vader (a.k.a. "the Hoo Haw"). Here's how it went down: "Mom, go Happy Birthday." So I sang Happy Birthday to Gio. Then he said, "No, Mom, go Happy Birthday Darph Bader." And I did. Three times so far. I'm not sure why....

Wall E

This morning we took Gio to see Wall E in the theater at the mall. This was actually our second successful attempt at taking Gio to a full-price theater (there has been one unsuccessful attempt where he sat so patiently through the previews then completely lost interest once the feature film started). Anyhow, Gio paid really good attention to this film and even told his Nana it's his favorite movie. Wall E was AWESOME! We all loved the film. The animation was AMAZING. The storyline was INCREDIBLE. The whole thing was so cute and actually pretty heart-warming. We give it three thumbs up and are telling everyone it is a MUST SEE!

the Mind of My Gio....

This morning my three year old informed me: "Mommy, I go to boobie parties!" Should I be worried???

Camping

This past weekend we were able to go camping up by Big Bear. It was so much fun! We went with my brother, Jim, and his wife, Amy. Gio was so excited. For at least a week he was telling literally anyone he saw, "I go camping in a tent!" We were also able to go to one of my favorite childhood places: the Super Bear Arcade. It was awesome! We tried teaching Gio how to play ski ball. Unfortunately, he was more successful at tossing the balls into the ski ball machines on either side of the one we were playing at. But he wouldn't give up. That's the spirit!

Remembering Papa Joe

On this day, one year ago, we buried my dad, dear sweet Papa Joe. He was a wonderful husband to my mom (as she will tell anyone who will listen) and the best dad I could ever ask for. Heavenly Father definitely knew what I needed in a father! I love and miss him very much. I am grateful that my son spent so much time with him and still remembers him to this day. I appreciate that people still come up to me at church and tell me how much they loved and miss my dad. He was a wonderful example of selflessness and Christ-like love. His firm testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and relentless service to the Church have left a lasting impression on me that I now strive to teach my son (and future children).

Toy Story Mania!

On Monday (6/9), Giovanni & I were able to ride the new Toy Story Mania ride at California Adventure (part of the Disneyland Resort). Poor Ryan was home, very sick with the flu. I had entered a contest for annual passholders for a sneak peek (it doesn't officially open until the 17th) and actually won!! We were given a five hour window in which we could ride it as often as we'd like. I left that up to Gio and we ended up riding it SIX TIMES. He also really wanted to ride the seahorse carousel and, for some reason, the ginormous ferris wheel so we rode those in between times 2 & 3 and 4 & 5. At least it was spaced evenly. I was completely exhausted by the time we made it home. Toy Story Mania rocks! It's 3-D and interactive. Of course, Gio wore his Woody costume so all day we heard the usual "there's a snake in my boot" & "reach for the sky" comments from cast members and other ride go-ers. It was so much fun!