A Piratey Parrrrty

For his friend birthday party, Zack wanted to have a pirate party.  I had to get a bit creative, but finally planned a fun time for the boys.  We started at our house and each boy had a treasure map and a paper bag.  Then we headed off through the neighborhood to the woods.

Sister Sadie giving the boys directions

Pirate Debriefing

Arrrrrrrg!

Once they got into the woods, the boys had to find things like treasure (rocks, acorns, etc), a leaf for an eyepatch, a sword (stick), etc.

Eye patch and sword?  Check!

Wyatt found his sword!

Sadie and Sydney are having fun!

Isaiah too!

When we got to the park, they had to go find the treasure chest that was hidden in the grass.

FOUND IT!!

Not sure why Sadie is carrying it...

Time for pizza!

And presents  :)

Happy Birthday, Zack!

Ok, now that was FUN! 

Zack Turns 9

It is so hard to believe that 9 years ago, little Zackary Fiore was born into our family.  Really, really hard to believe!!  He was as darling, sweet little baby who didn't like to sleep much.  As he grew, his mellow, sweet personality starting showing itself.  As soon as he could sit up, he was happy and content sitting on a blanket with a pile of toys in front of him.  He began to surprise us with the things that he retained, too.  When she was 4, Sadie regularly watched a video, The Letter Factory, so that she could start to learn her letters and their sounds.  Zack, at 18 months, learned his letters and all their sounds, too.  I have it on video.  :)

Today, Zack is sweet, mellow (most of the time), but all boy with his love for Legos and sports.  He is cautious and sometimes nervous about new things, but once he tries, he usually loves.  Take, for instance, Space Mountain at Disneyland.  The first time he went, it kind of freaked him out.  But he thought about it, went again, and ended up loving it!!  Zack is an absolute joy and we are so thankful that God has entrusted us to be his parents and family.  :)

For his birthday this year, Zack decided that he wanted the family to play softball together, like we did last year.  The weather was a little iffy, but stayed dry just long enough for us to play a game, and we had a blast!

Gavin, Zack and Jackson.  Game on!!

 The Teams

Back at home, we had some delicious BBQ, opened presents, and sang Happy Birthday!

Gift time!!

We love you soooo much, Zack!  Happy 9th Birthday!!

An Anniversary and a Birthday

July 1st is a very special day.  On this day in the year 2000, Tony and I were married!!  We had a simple wedding at my church in Des Moines, WA, and then our reception was at Tony's aunt's house in Puyallup.  

Wow, we were so YOUNG!!  I was 23 and Tony was 22.  Twelve years of marriage have just flown by.  We have had many ups and many downs, but we are still going strong.  We are definitely our own people, but we also have many similar likes and tastes, which makes things really fun!  I love you, Tony, and I hope for many, many more years together!

On July 1, 2003, Zackary Fiore was born.  We were so thrilled to be having our first boy, and Sadie was very excited to have a baby brother!  Zack wasn't the easiest baby - he didn't like to sleep much and couldn't drink anything but breast milk.  But today, he is one of the sweetest, most calm, loving kids I have ever met.  Zack has an engineer's mind (he gets it from my dad, I think!) and Legos are pretty much his favorite thing in the whole world.  His imagination is incredible and he is a fantastic artist.  He is idolized by his little brother and greatly loved by his big sister.  Zack, we can't believe that you are 9 years old!  We love you so much and are so proud of the wonderful young man that you are becoming!

 I have been greatly blessed with such a wonderful husband and an amazing son.  I love you both!!

Showcase

 This was Sadie's first year of dance at New Vision, and she loves it!  At the end of the (school) year, they put on a big dance showcase that lasts for several days, highlighting each dance class.  Sadie took one jazz class, so she had one performance.  She loved dressing up in her costume and getting makeup on and performing on stage!

I had fun with a little photo shoot of my girl :)

And as usual, Sadie had lots of family support!

Grandma Marie and her friend, Joyce

Sadie and her classmates, they did awesome!

Papa Paul and Grandma Jacque

Mom and Dad of course!

After the showcase, we went to Red Robin to celebrate!!

We are so proud of you, Sadie!  You are such a joy to our family.  :)