Fourth of July

For the Fourth of July we decided to head to the local park at the last minute. While we were waiting for it to get dark Diego and Christian decided to play volleyball over the fence at the baseball field.

When volleyball lost its appeal, they headed inside the field to play baseball but instead played kickball when another family wanted to join in.

Anthony had a harder time with the rules. He didn't quite understand being "out." Once he was hit he just kept on running. He didn't care. It was too funny. Thankfully these nice people didn't care. (Yes, we didn't know this family. The parents were nice enough to be the outfielders the whole time)

The dad of this family had me laughing. Christian had been stealing bases and the dad was determined to get him out. The video doesn't do it justice but the dad tries to peg Christian as he goes to third base. Thankfully it was a soft ball!

It was now time for the fireworks. Anthony was probably the most excited of the three boys.

Diego's camera work of the fireworks.

Anthony

This kid makes me smile.

Kings Dominion

I have been wanting to take the kids to Kings Dominion for some time now and I finally decided to make the decision and do it. Prices were cheap and time was right. The day ended up being beautiful and the park was not crowded at all. Wasn't sure how the boys would like roller coasters but thankfully they loved them!!! This makes me so happy!! Now the old tradition of going every year can continue on. Leaving Anthony (too young and small) with Nana and having an extra ticket, Aunt Kelli happily agreed to go with us. This was all a surprise for Diego and Christian. In the morning we got ready as if we were going to school but telling them I had to take them to the doctor and then take them to school. After dropping Anthony off I handed the tickets to Diego and asked him to read it. When he did and I said "that's where we're going" it took a few moments for it to register. He kept saying "Today? We're going there now? Are you kidding?" It was too funny. With the boys never riding a coaster before we decided to start out small. We started with a water ride, "The log ride,"not the official name but that's what we call it. Just easing into the water Diego exclaims "this is the best day of my life!" It was going to be a good day. After that we headed over to the kidzville section and they saw a mini-coaster and wanted to try it. Here is the video. Notice the hands up at the end. It was there goal to keep hands up.

Here we are waiting in line for the "Scooby-doo." Notice there is no one else there. Yea, we were able to just walk right up for a lot of the rides...and then ride again without having to get out.

I love this picture. Christians eyes say it all about what he's thinking as he awaits his first real roller coaster!

Bumper Cars!

Lunch

Christian loved getting hit with the mist. He needed to "cool off."

This was another hit--the old fashioned cars.

Getting a little hot we headed to the White Water Canyon. Sticking a wad of toilet paper into Christians shoes helped boost his height just enough so he could get on the ride. This is a definite soaker.

Christian was short by a couple inches for most of the bigger roller coasters. (we are hoping for a growth spurt by next year...Diego too. He wants to go on the ones that go upside down!) I think we rode these cars at least 5 times.

Back at the Scooby-doo these two were feeling pretty adventurous and wanted to sit in the front car! No fear!

Let me explain this video. I was trying to capture their first attempt at sitting in the front. You can hear my sister Kelli trying to scare them but then the roller coaster stops mid-flight up the hill and over the loud speaker you hear "Put the camera down!" I was even watched the next time around. The kids did great by-the-way...even keeping their hands up the whole time!!

At the top of the Eiffel Tower. Notice Christian...he had burned out by now. Walking the park several times and being bummed that he couldn't ride some of the rides finally took its toll. He didn't even want to try a funnel cake! It was such a great day. I'm a happy mom since I have roller coaster loving boys!! We shall see Kings Dominion next year for sure!

My 3 Sons

Yes, I'm a week overdue with a Mother's Day post. It was a good day. The boys made really cute presents at school and church. They each bring something special into my life. I'm so thankful that I get to be their mom.

At Anthony's preschool they had a "Mother's Day Tea." Always a cute little program and the kids are way excited to show off in front of Mom. (Sorry about the red eyes...they really aren't possessed little kids!!) Gotta a little teary-eyed when they sang their little songs. Anthony actually tried to sing!! He can always make me smile.

They grow up so fast...

Me and my man!!

Here we go again!

The sport season has been in full swing now for at least 4 weeks. Life has been crazy for the Salinas household as we have Diego playing baseball and Christian playing soccer. We usually have a practice or game at least 4 days out of the week. Thankfully they only overlap once this season.

This is Diego's second season playing baseball and this year it is coach pitch. He is doing really well and likes to play. I was really nervous that he'd get upset if he struck out but he has taken it well. The games have been really entertaining. One game there was a home run, a double play and one team member thinking you could get a kid out by chucking the ball at the runner! (and yes...he actually got someone!!)

Here is Diego playing catcher. It is funny to watch the kids try this position. I don't know how much they can see with the helmet on (I'm thinking not a whole lot). He isn't too fond of this position.

Christian...the soccer player. He was pretty excited for the season to begin. He loves this game and is fast with good skills. He loves to score but he really likes to defend too.

Always a highlight of the game...half-time snack and end of the game snack!

Oh yes...and then there is this guy. He can't wait for his turn to play. Next season, Anthony, next season!

Fun day at the park

After school the other day we called up a classmate and friend of Diego's and headed to the park. It was a beautiful day and some much needed energy was needing to be burned. The mom of Diego's friend was a little worried that I'd be taking 4 boys to the park but I said it was no biggie....and it wasn't. The boys spent the whole time building a fort. While there were girls screaming in their high pitched screams and running around the park, my guys were busy building a fort! Again, who needs girls?... I'll keep my guys!!

The boys started to draw attention to their creation. Some kids came up and said "hey that's pretty cool." They even helped gather sticks at one point.

Here are the boys and the finished fort. Diego was so happy. This was just a few sticks when it started and they managed to find more sticks and leaves to make their cozy fort! Yea for beautiful days!!

Growing up

So my little guy is growing up. He has come to the ever independent stage where he wants to get dressed by himself, put his shoes and coat on, brush his teeth, get his own snacks/drinks...all by himself. Most of this is great except when we are in a hurry. Last night he surprised us by saying the family prayer all by himself!! Usually he wants help but last night when I tried to help he said "Noooo mom! I can do it myself!" And he did and it was precious! The picture above is of him holding his cousin Autumn, whom he loves a lot! Here they were watching tv together and she fell asleep on his lap. What a great big cousin! He is constantly making me laugh with his expressions and out-of-the blue comments. I'm glad this cutie is mine!!