Vacation Recap

The first week of May my family took a Disney cruise to celebrate my Dad's 70th birthday.  I have to admit I was nervous and apprehensive about cruising especially with a 22 month old.  However the trip was amazing and the smiles on the kids faces are imprinted in my memory forever.  As my Mom said, it was exactly what she had hoped for - everyone got along, each family was able to do their own thing if they wanted, and oh yes we all had a little bit of fun!!

I have been wanting to recap our vacation and put together a slideshow video but cannot seem to get it to load.  Therefore I have decided to go the simplier route and just share some of the pictures and memories.

(sorry in advance for the picture overload!)

This might be my favorite picture...

Enjoying a sunset with Nana

Our day at sea consisted of unlimited drinks, ice cream bars, sunshine, and more water slides!

The cruise had two stops at port - one in Nassau Bahamas and the other the Disney private island Castaway  Cay.

In Nassau we took the kids to the Atlantis on an excursion.  While it was more money than we should have spent, we all had a blast enjoying their amazing grounds and water parks.  Did I mention how incredibly beautiful this place was, wow!?!

Stopping to check out one of the many many fish tanks 

The sixty foot water slide into a shark tank and YES that is ME!!!

The next day was Castaway Cay, equally beautiful but much more of a relaxing day.  

  The whole crew 

 Our little beach bum 

Nothing beats a nap pool side after fun filled days!

And because nothing is more magical than fireworks out in the middle of the ocean.

We cannot thank my parents enough for such a magical trip.  As the Disney crew told us when we departed " Until next time!" and we certainly hope we are fortunate enough to experience this again.

First Holy Communion

 On Sunday May 4, Reece celebrated his First Communion.  It was such a special day and we could not have been more proud of watching him grow and mature in his faith.

While milestones are emotional, to watch Reece receive his First Communion at the elementary school and Church I grew up going to was very surreal and made the day that much more special.  There was one moment in Mass where Monseigneur Tocco asked the boys and girls why today was so special,  Reece was called upon and answered with confidence, "because we are receiving the body and blood of Christ." 

At that moment I couldn't help but think back to all the Mondays after school when in route to Catechism, Reece was full of excuses because he didn't want to go, however sometime around November, we noticed a change in him.  Catechism was no longer like pulling teeth, in fact he started to enjoy it!  

Many times as a parent I find myself asking myself if we are doing "this" because we want it for our children or because they really enjoy it.  As far as Church and religion, we have always told Reece that it was a non negotiable, he would be going, as it is important to our family.  And believe me, there were many arguments.  However, to listen to him on Sunday and see the pride in his smile receiving his First Communion, I knew that Reece has also come to understand the importance of our faith as a family!

 A very proud Nana and Papa

 Reece looking so grown up!

 Running down his Big Brother...

After Reece received his First Communion we had a small celebration at my parents' house.  Reece really wanted to serve Mexican food which proved to be a bit challenging with the colors we decided on but it was a big hit especially considering Monday was Cinco de Mayo:) 

Here are a few of the highlights...

I had a banner made with pictures from Reece's Baptism and Reconciliation his prior sacraments received.  It served as a nice focal point for the party. 

A Mexican fiesta is not complete without a salsa bar...

The main meal consisted of a taco and burrito bar and all the fixings:)

Like any smart party planning, Reece found a cake first;)  As a result we went with a grey and light blue color theme for the decorations and invitations.

And no party is complete without cookies. 

 It was a beautiful day complete with celebrating with our closest friends!

 And as we celebrated Mother's Day yesterday I can't help but feel incredibly proud of who Reece is, in his faith and as a person.  I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to be his Mom.