The most wonderful time of the year!

Grateful for a wonderful December leading into Christmas morning! Everyone was happy with the decorations, festivities and of course, gifts. Even Chicco.

 

Chicco's excited for Christmas!

 

Mario's First Reconcilation

 God Bless Mario Luca!

Tis the season

 

Mario's first lost tooth!

He has been so patiently awaiting the losing of his first tooth! I love milestones!

a purrfect afternoon

 

Waiting on the kids

 

2nd Grade means it's time for the Saints Project!

Mario as Saint Leo the Great

One of the many sweet traditions at our children's school is the Saints Project that happens in 2nd grade. 2nd graders are asked to pick a saint to complete a small presentation on and dress up as their saint in the annual Halloween parade at school. It is beyond adorable and just makes me so happy. Today was finally Mario's turn, our last little saint to go thru the project and he was incredible! 

Sofia as Saint Claire when she was in 2nd grade

Olivia as Saint Sophia when she was in 2nd grade

Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday Nonna Lisa!

So excited that the girls and I were able to celebrate my mom's birthday with her this past weekend! Zio Antonio made a surprise visit too!

 

First Day of High School!!!

First Day of School for Olivia and Mario!

 So grateful these two were so happy this morning to start their 2021-2022 school year! As our car got closer to the school, you could feel the excitement radiating from them. It was so sweet. Bittersweet as my 7th grader and 2nd grader head out for another amazing school year! KNOCK ON WOOD!

Last day before school begins

Kids and I enjoyed a day around the house and neighborhood today. Tomorrow begins school for Olivia and Mario, Sofia doesn't begin until Monday so a couple more days with her around the house. I love these last day of summer photos and need to spend some time going through all of the ones I've taken from past years. 

It's bittersweet, summer ending and the new school year beginning. I love to see them grow and change, but I can't stand to see them grow and change without me. Do I sound like a sappy mom? Yes, yes I do. 

 

Weekend in Bethany Beach

We spend a few days with my parents and youngest brother in Bethany Beach leading into Labor Day weekend. It was a great escape before the school year begins this next week. 

Summer went too fast. Time flies when you're having fun.

 

The sweetest place on Earth!

The Pitocco cugini take on Hersheypark! Lots of fun, smiles and roller coasters! Happy grandkids!

 

A visit to New England

We had such a fun time on our recent trip to Newport, RI and the surrounding area. Cool weather, beautiful spots and lots of good food. So much to take in, but we built in plenty of chill time too. 

Chatham, Mass - the Eastern tip of Cape Cod and such a gorgeous quaint town with a cool lighthouse and beach too. No dipping our toes in the water as there was a huge sign advertising seal and shark waters! 

A trip to The Breakers - Vanderbilt Family home and so much to see here! We toured the home and grounds, grabbed a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Cliff Walk. 

We loved all the wharfs right outside our hotel, adorable boutiques and each meal we had was better then the one before. Kids were happy to see some new towns and didn't complain too much about all the walking and sight-seeing. I mean, there was ice cream everyday, so how much could they really complain?!

On our travels back home, we stopped in the town of Watch Hill located on a Narraganset Bay and it was so beautiful! Nice walk to the lighthouse to stretch our legs and then back on the road again... 

for MYSTIC PIZZA in Connecticut! They showed the movie on repeat! 

 

About last night's Full Moon

 

Sofia graduates 8th Grade

Our big girl graduated 8th grade ending 9 wonderful years at the sweetest school! Couldn't have been happier with both her education and the support of the amazing families and friends. It was a busy past few months getting in all the 8th grade activities with a twist due to the COVID situation, but the best was made in everything and we were happy to be in-person for many events. The graduation night was beautiful and yes, I did tear up. 

Sofia was fortunate to have the same teacher for BOTh 7th and 8th grades, she was exceptional and made such an impact on Sofia's days at school. And this class of amazing students (and their families) will always hold a special place in my heart. 

And oh, the family photos that followed the mass and graduation! Cheeks were hurting from smiling but I am so grateful to have these photos. 

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