Gobble Gobble Day ~ 2006

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas will be here before we know it. It was another great day with fabulous food, wine and family. We anticipated a tough time as this was the first Thanksgiving without Carlie's grandpa Maynard. It was different and sad, but everyone was in good spirits. I think knowing he is at peace and in a better place made it a bit easier. Christina wanted to sit where Grandpa normally sat which was sweet and Gracie had to sit right by her. I guess we really know when our little ones are growing up with it is not completely necessary that they sit right next to you. However...she did manage to get a "regular" coke when she was out of my sight.....DANYELA??!! :) I think Gracie thought she was really grown up because of that. Here are some pics to share ~

We've hit a Milestone!

For those that know us, we all know that Gracie is "petite" to say the least. With that said, yesterday was Miss Gracie's 5 year check up and she has finally hit 30 lbs. Yee-Ha! We have been waiting for that number FOREVER and it has arrived! Granted she is still only in the 3 percentile for heighth and weight, but Dr. Jimeno is please with her growth. She is definitely height/weight proportinate for "Gracie". She grew 2 1/2 inches since her last appt. which is what they look for. However, one thing about her weight/size is she has a bit of low blood pressure ~ nothing to worry about though. Gracie also had her hearing checked -- all good. Her eyes checked -- 20/30 (may need to have them checked by an eye dr. before school starts). Her back was straight. She did beautifully through all those checks. However....the peeing in a cup, getting her blood taken and the 3 shots did not go over real well (McDonald Chicken nuggets and an ice cream cone made it much better!). The good news is, no more shots until she is 11!
Hope everyone else is well and has a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Love ~ The DiOrio's

"the Boy"

So have I mentioned lately how proud we are of Aaron? I have not been able to talk to him as much lately due to several factors, so now when I get a call I am extra excited. He called me yesterday and in talking he mentioned that he is again going to be studying quite a bit. Appearently he has obtained all of the materials, books etc. to begin studying to become a Staff Sargent. This is a big deal especially for his age and his current ranking. Aaron is currently an "E3" Airman 1st Class. In February he will an "E4" which is a Senior Airman. A bit more $$ but not much. If he passes the testing for the Staff Sargent ranking, it would be even more $$, but more importantly he would be one of the youngest Staff Sargents. What impresses me is that he is doing this all on his own. We don't know what the future holds for Aaron or if the Air Force will be his forever career, but he is sure taking steps to do so. I guess it is about time for us to stop calling him "the boy". Okay, maybe not...HA! We love you Aaron - miss you and are so proud of you!!!
Side note: He is still scheduled to be in South Dakota as of January, but we don't have a specific date yet.

It's Official...Gracie is 5!

Well, our little baby is now 5. Guess "baby's" gotta go (sniff). Gracie chose Red Robin for her birthday dinner. Why? Because they serve cantalope with her meal of course! She was extra happy when Aaron's best friend Nikki was working and got to stop by for a hello. Made Gracie's night. Uncle Dean, Aunt Kelly and cousin Cody joined us for dinner too. Food was yummy, Gracie loved them singing to her and she got the great desert. Can't ask for more than that. On the way home Aaron called to talk to his sister. It was 4:30am his time and he was at work -- Gracie was so happy to talk to her brother. Then, a big surprise when we got home. Aaron sent his momma flowers and Gracie a birthday bear and balloon. All was waiting for us on the porch. We sure miss him but he made Gracie's birthday extra special. We had a few more presents for her at home too. She has been obsessed with convertable cars all summer so I had to get her one and she loved it! She had advised me that "when she is older she is getting one and will be able to go where evere she wants". She then advised me "when she goes somewhere, she is going to go to McDonalds AND Burger King"...HA. If only life were that simple. Happy Birthday Gracie!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Gracie's 5th bday party 11/4/06

Thanks to everyone for joining us to celebrate Gracie turning 5. She had a great time - so much fun that she immediately fell asleep on the way home. Pics are a little out of order, still figuring out how to format the pics on the blog. I do have to say that the slide was a big hit!

Happy Halloween 2006!

So this was the first year that Miss Gracie did "REAL" Trick or Treating and boy did she have a blast! She was Tinkerbell this year which was perfect. As my Mom noted "Tinkerbell is a sweatheart with a little mischief" -- sounds a bit like Gracie. Started the night out stopping by Grandma and Papa DiOrio's then off to Aunt Kelly and Uncle Dean's for a picture with Cousin Cody as a Ninja. Then headed towards the Hayes' to Trick or Treat with Cousin Maddy. The girls started out a bit slow on going up to the doors and such, but after a few houses they got it down. Alot of running and giggling from house to house reminding each other whose turn it was to ring the doorbell. They were having so much fun neither of them even complained about the cold night (35 degrees....brrrrr). Fun was had by all and great memories were made.