Pizza Party

What better way to welcome Papa's Italian cousin to the Wild & Wonderful West Virginia, than with some Panera Pizza? (Leftover MOPS Panera bread, that is...) We all know that's the babe's favorite way to celebrate... that and inviting a grandpa over, of course!


Alexander had so much fun meeting his 3rd cousin, Alessia; and of course, she fell in love with the little cutie-pie instantly (note the Italia hoodie)! Like all of our extended family, it seems, Alessia is an extremely hard-working intellectual, and came to the U.S to celebrate receiving her Pharmacist license in Venice! Congratulations!

After an awesome week with his Carlisle Grandpa last week, Shurik was pumped at the promise of his Brooklyn'd Grandpa's arrival. And grandpa didn't let him down. Grandpa chased the boy, pushed the boy, laughed (hysterically) with the boy and even gave the boy sugar.

And Grandma taught Alexander all her favorite Russian & Romania words; and interestingly enough, Alexander seemed to understand her and repeat the terms! If only we could get Papa to speak Russian to Baby Boris!

It wasn't the most exciting weekend for Alessia, but we really enjoyed our mini- family reunion! Grandma chilled on the porch swing while we all watched Grandpa play with his recently renamed grandson, "Shurik." I kinda hope it sticks... you will too when you hear Alexander say it!

I hope they come back soon (or we reconvene the reunion in Italy next summer:)!

Delirium

Nothing beats the evening playdate with Papa...

2010 Fall Carlisle

Alexander's third big show was a great success; nobody got hurt, the fake cops didn't yell too much, and there were no arguments... now, parking, that success is debatable.

We didn't take any pictures of the 4.8 inches of rain, but just know that it happened. Luckily, after 30 years, Grandma quickly accepted the reality that closing the lot during the monsoon would make for a mud-less, easy weekend.

Alexander had a very hard time chillin'. He saw Mama out on the street flagging, and, for goodness sakes, he's got flagging in his blood! He even started to get the hang of Mama & Uncle Jerry's old parking lot chant, "Paaarking, Paarking. Park here!" So cute!

Since Mama banned the boy from having too much un-restrained fun during car show, he was pretty relieved when Aunt Jenn & Norah came over to rescue him.

Alexander has taken to calling all dark, delicious drinks coffee; and he particularly likes drinking his coffee (ie. water) out of Mama's cup (thanks JB).

Alexander was a huge help when we filled up Friday & Saturday mornings; he was an awesome "Fool" sign holder! Grandma taught him well!

Maia, of course, was mostly interested in the free coffee offered for those parked in the yard. We let her slide, although she didn't actually "park" in the yard!

The best thing about the show? The Grandpa/Alexander bonding. The first morning at grandma's house, the kid woke up, and his first word was "Grandpa?" And when I told him Grandpa was sleeping, he decided he could settle for an early-waking, "Grandma?"

And then we had cake... of course! Aunt Jenn finally turned 30, so we finally decided to have her make her own cake... Yum.

Maia took the kiddo into the show, for his first time, and you know what the kid did? He re-named the Farari. Yep, he thought it would be much more appropriately called a "horse." Take note...

Coin Slot

Alexander got a little creative at Grandma's house last week while we were all stuck inside during the car show rain-fest.