Summer Vacation!

It is officially Summer Vacation for the Giumarra Family!

Sadie had her last day of daycare on Monday.

I had my last day of "maternity leave" and Colin only time on Monday.

Natalie had her last day of Kindergarten on Tuesday.

Nick had his last day of this school year today

and now we are all home TOGETHER until September!

We are so thankful to be able to do this!

Let the fun begin...

The addition officially began yesterday with a full day of digging in the backyard prepping for the new foundation.

As most of you know, Nick is very talented in handywork and always looking for a job to do. It is kind of like a hobby for him, yet it always has a purpose. This summer's hobby is going to be a big one!

He will be building a room off the back of our house. It will have a wood stove (for winter heating purposes) and pump (to solve our water issues) in the new part of the basement. The room will have a wood fireplace (for Santa to come in) and have a high ceiling. The mud room/ laundry room will be expanded. There will eventually be built in bookshelves and a built in desk. Lots of windows looking out into the back woods. Nick envisions 2 leather chairs in this room and NO kid toys!

So... lets hope for a safe and fun project ahead for Nick and enjoyable single parenting for me!

Kindergarten Celebration

We are the proud parents of a Kindergarten graduate! Today, Natalie's class had an "End of the Year Celebration" and the class sang songs and shared a dream with all the parents. It was very cute and a proud moment for Nick and me. I can't believe that the year has gone by and that we know have a 1st grader, however before our eyes Natalie has transformed into such a bigger kid this year. Not only is she taller, but she is more mature and has a different look about her. She is reading and writing and loving it all!

Natalie's Kindergarten Field Day

Today was Natalie's field day at school. She had so much fun... Nick and I were both able to be there to cheer her and her classmates on.

This is Natalie's teacher, Mrs. Bystrak and her assistant Mrs. Mullen. Mrs. Bystrak (on the left) has been teaching Kindergarten at Queensbury for 29 years! Doesn't she look like the perfect Kindergarten teacher?!

Although Natalie had little experience with hulla hooping, we learned that she is quite talented. We may look into it as an Olympic sport for her. As you can see from the picture, she is able to hulla with 3 hoops! Go Natalie!

Two Months Old

Today Colin is 2 months old and this smile says it all...

life is good!

#1 Dad

We have the best dad around!!

Nick is a wonderful dad to our children and such an awesome man to share parenting with! I once told someone how much I loved co-parenting with Nick because we seemed to compliment each other so well with it and had a similar approach to parenting. She was in awe when I told her this... because so many couples have many challenges when it comes to parenting together. I feel so appreciative to what Nick brings to our family and what he shares with our children. He is such a perfect balance of fun, silliness, security and direction.

I so look forward to continue to learn and laugh with our children together!

We love you Nicky G!

Our 1st Race

Today Natalie and I ran in our 1st Race together! I hope that it is the 1st of many... Today's was called the Spartan Sprint and it is put on by her school... the Queensbury Spartans! Natalie and I ran in the Family Fun Run that was 3/4 of a mile. I was so impressed with her. She ran the whole time and we finished together with a time of 8:47! At the end, Natalie got a medal (as did everyone) and in her eyes, she won!

The run was to support family, fun and fitness - all things that are part of our lives. Part of the reason that I run is to teach my children the importance of being active and fit. It was great!

Real Men Wear Pink!

Yesterday Colin was 7 weeks old and things seem to be going well.

He only has eyes for mom and smiles for me, but he is not yet full of smiles. He seems to be getting closer to a routine and has been doing better at night as well.



I got Colin this pink polo shirt that he wore for the first time yesterday. I think it is super cute and has a little blue bear on it. I think pink looks great on men! Sadie saw him and said, "ewhh, him have pink on him." So, I guess my taste might not be universal in our household!

This week I feel like I have not been appreciating my other children. I feel like I tend to just go through the motions of the day with them (get up, feed them, dress them, off to school, dinner, bath, bed), yet not take the time to really enjoy them. I admire my friends who let their children really be part of their days and really enjoy what they have to offer... like letting their 3 y.o. help make dinner, or spend time playing a board game with their toddler and going out of their way to be silly with their children. I have so many great role models as mothers for friends, that I can learn how to do this better in my own life. So, here is to enjoying the craziness of my children!

Isn't this picture so sweet.... Sadie was trying to teach Colin how to play with the toys. She was showing him each one and as always, she is always interacting with him right up close in his face. Wait until he gets older and bigger....

Colin has been GREAT!! I don't want to jinx myself, but he has had 2 really wonderful days. Totally different baby... so content and peaceful. Still only a smile or two a day. I am hoping for more smiles soon.

Yesterday, Sadie and I were home alone with Colin for the day. It was great weather and we all spent the afternoon outside. I thought it would be a fun idea to have an ice pop as a snack. Sadie agreed... but it was a super mess. I actually cleaned her up by hosing her off! That turned out to be just as much fun as the pop!