Gianni's Jingle Bell Jam

Just an FYI, I collect snowmen (only one a year...) and I bought one last year that sings Jingle Bells, well.... Gianni and he have become great buddies! Gianni likes him so much that I am not sure if he will get to go back in his box when it's time to clean up our decorations. I can't complain, who wouldn't want it to be Christmas all year long?
Along with this snowman's fun rendition of Jingle Bells, Gianni created a dance and it is so adorable that I needed to share it with everyone. I hope everyone is well for the holidays and cheers to a wonderful New Year!

From Green to Negative?

So, apparently those crazy Minnesotans weren't kidding about the weather around here!

We are officially shut-ins this weekend, with 8 inches of the pretty white stuff and 20+ MPH winds to blow it around...no one from AZ or MN for that matter, is going outside! We are currently getting creative with things to keep the kids entertained inside...

Introducing.... Cinema D'Arpino --"We pop our popcorn fresh from the microwave"

Of course for now, they are loving the Christmas movies we are showing, because they are very excited for the visit from the big guy in the red suit.

But what is most bewildering to me is that...I must admit, I am actually enjoying this...a little too much...which brings me back to those crazy Minnesotans...I think I am going to be a good one!

Then it got me thinking about displaying a progression of our view from our back porch since we have moved here...ranging from the green we were welcomed with, through the -3 we are enjoying today....WISH YOU WERE HERE!?

Our 2 Minutes of Fame

So, Dominic Jr, Gianni and I had a play date on Friday morning and ended up with our own little 2 minutes of fame! We were on TV...of course I dorked out, but you decide...

We met our friends at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and planned on playing in the snow that fell over night and continued for most the day. As we were walking we were asked if we would allow them to film the kids playing in the snow and also interview us. Of course when Sherri told them I had just moved from Arizona, I knew they would make it a point to interview me about what I thought. So, it was that simple...a five minute interview got condensed down to two minutes and began the 6pm news on Friday night! Too cool! Hope you watched the whole video to see Jr help pummel the camera man with snowballs.

Ode to My Sister

Well...it's been a month since I last sat down and did this...I have so much to share!

But first I begin with an Ode to My Sister Teresa

Teresa came to visit the new D'Arpino home for a week from September 27th-October 4th and I have to say it ended too soon.

Have you ever had an experience where you had something planned to happen and you wanted it so bad to happen...but then you start to think that something would inevitably go wrong, so you start to freak that your plan is not going to happen...(does that make any sense???)

Well that is what I looked like on September 27th. No matter how much I tried to contain myself about Teresa's impending arrival...even though I was sitting waiting in the airport and the plane had touched down in MN 10 minutes before...I was sure I was never going to get to see her! So, there we stood, me and my little family...staring into the glass doors waiting for TT to come down the escalator...and she wasn't coming. Truth be told, I had already been crying because the anxiety was too much. I kept asking Dom..."Are you ABSOLUTELY sure that these are the doors that she is going to come out of?"

"Yes, Shan, this is where your Dad and Shelia came out of and it's the same flight!" (annoyed by the way...most likely because he was very excited to see TT too.)

Well, after 10 more minutes, I wasn't buying it...so I turned and looked at the baggage carousel where her luggage would be coming and people were gathering there...people that hadn't come from the doors we were staring at like puppies waiting for a new home with TSA agents. What the heck! But in true Shannon & Teresa fashion, I could feel her coming from the other end of the airport, not from where my husband was insisting on and sure enough, I turned, I saw her beautiful face and hair in the crowd, she was looking around lost and perplexed because we had texted her that we were waiting at the door she would be coming out of and we obviously weren't there. I swear in that moment I felt like I was in one of those dreams where you can't run...you're physically unable to do it...man that's a terrible feeling! But then Jr saw her and screamed "TT!" with little Gianni doing the same and then both of them having no problem running to her. She smiled her beautiful smile and then when I finally got to her and hugged her, we stood there crying like babies! Thank you God!

I felt I had to start the Teresa visit with that story because that is trully how much I miss and love my sister. Tomorrow I won't be able to be with her to celebrate her birthday with her, like she was here to be with me, this first birthday away from home...

While she was here, we adventured! We took an amazing walk on the "new" regional trail that leads to many little cities around here. That's TT & G, smiling for the camera after our walk! Aren't they so cute together? What an AMAZING Tia!

We also went to the Minnesota Children's Museum, where we had LOTS of fun with the boys...Dom was even able to take a half day and join us! The first picture is Teresa & Jr looking at the turtles in a huge tank the Museum had. The next picture is Teresa wearing one of the little kid fox costumes, doing an a-la-Garth, Foxy Lady!

As the week flew by WAY to fast...my birthday was quickly approaching and so was the arrival of Ambrose (my father-in-law) at midnight on October 2nd. Well, I am not going to lie, I was a little sad...so I told my husband that for future reference there would be no overlapping of visitors because it wasn't fair to take time away from the other person. It wasn't that I didn't want Ambrose to come, I was excited for him to see our house and the boys, it's just that I wanted to have my sister all to myself for the rest of the time that I had her here in MN. So, needless to say, I went to bed instead of accompanying my husband to the airport like he kept insisting. But just as I was coming to say a final goodnight, I caught he and Teresa smiling and giggling...I had that feeling something was up, but I had NO IDEA what that was!!

"SURPRISE!!!" I was jolted awake to find my Mom and Jon standing in my bedroom, smiling from ear to ear....that's what Dom and Teresa were giggling about before I went to bed!!! I couldn't believe it...what an AMAZING birthday present, my family with me for my first MN birthday!

So, the rest of my time with Teresa was awesome! We went apple picking for my birthday, Jon & Mom's first experience, and celebrated with a chocolate cake.

I want to finish this Ode to My Sister by saying....

God blessed me with you as my sister because he knew that we were soul mate siblings (all the cruelties growing up was just my way of making sure you were just that). You are a special woman that is both beautiful inside and outside. I see strengths in you that put many others to shame, I just hope that that is a gift you treasure because it's going to take you far! You are one of the many lights in my life...thank you for a great week of memories! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY....with that being said...everyone say hello to my new favorite group....(recorded at the MN Children's Museum).

First MN Field Trip

Off to the farm we went little Dominic & I....

It was our first official field trip in Minnesota! We spent a few hours with Dominic's preschool class at Gale Woods Farm.

The question of the day..."Have you ever milked a cow before?"

Now Dominic can say YES!

Of course it wasn't a real cow, but it sure looks like it.

It was a beautiful farm, nothing like us "old" Arizonans had seen before! One complaint...they had really mad turkeys, I got nipped and then further intimidated by the big Tom and I couldn't help but wonder if he sensed that I don't eat Beef! I am sure it didn't help that Farmer Tim was telling us that they were looking just right for good Thanksgiving eats. After leaving the crazy birds, we roamed through the garden and sampled spinach, arugula, raspberries, sugar beet & green tomatoes...everything was yummy...although Dominic didn't quite agree...I think there was a "disgusting" in there! We then got to feed the sheep and headed inside to enjoy the chicken poop...oops...I mean coop. Pee Yew! We finished out the day making a wool puff necklace that Dominic is proudly displaying for all to see. I definitely love how much my little guy is loving Minnesota!

Pedal Faster!

On September 20th, our little family ventured out to Minnehaha Falls and rented a bike and toured the park for an hour. We really enjoyed the amazing weather and had a picnic, afterwards, to make it even more fun!

I couldn't help but laugh at our cuties once the bike helmets were on.... Gianni, of course, had to have one that matched brother's! We had to be patient and wait for the next bike to come in and I was sure that Dominic Jr. was going to spontaneously combust because we had to wait for a four person bike, not the six person bike that they had plenty of to taunt him with! But finally we did indeed get a bike and it was blue just like Jr. wanted! I don't think Gianni had an opinion, as long as he could climb all over it.

So, once we went through the 30 second "training course" we were off, with a hand drawn map of the perimeter of the park. Of course it was a very busy day at the Falls, which made the ride that much more fun...let's just say if we were counting points for taking out feet and people...we did well! But, don't you worry it was all worth it because we were making our "front seat drivers" very happy, because all they both kept shouting was "Pedal Faster!" I think they were also our saving graces from making some of those injured bystanders get really mad at us, they were just sooo cute! Gianni's smile can melt anyone's heart! Along the way there were also some close calls and of course, we got a little bit lost, but Dom and I were completely surprised, when we realized we needed to hurry back to return the bike. So, we returned the bike, ate our lunch and enjoyed watching our boys sword fight with large sticks they found under the trees.

I can handle this, oh yeah, I can handle this...

Getting into MN Life

In the weeks since our big drive to MN, we have been crazy busy getting boxes unpacked, adjusting to the different "state" of mind and also enjoying hosting GG, Uncle Pete, Aunt Barb and then my Dad and Shelia too! I think that we are really getting in to the Minnesota life...enjoy a video from our first beach outing, just 5 minutes from home...AAHH! Oh yeah...Jr wants a boat...and still has yet to go fishing...but we've got time (a few weeks at least ;)) Will be LOTS of fun next summer!

Road Trip--Day 5

August 7, 2008--500 Miles Travelled
8:30am Getting on the road to go to our new home! Wow! We are all getting VERY excited-not counting the fact that we are very done with being in our car! But I must admit the boys have been very good sports.
BTW-Nebraska is VERY serious about her Huskers...that doesn't surprise me because there is not much else out here... I hope Iowa has more to look at!
9:36am "The People of Iowa Welcome You, Fields of Opportunity"
11:20am We are in Des Moines and stop for gas & pee--I'm not feelin' Iowa! I have officially changed my child's poop diaper on the dirtiest bathroom floor I have EVER seen and that was the best of the bunch! OK--I definately judge them for not being part of 2008 by not having a baby changing table in 4 of the restrooms I looked in! I can't wait for Minnesota! WAIT! Iowa may have one thing going for it, it's got a "convenience" store called Kum-N-Go...Do with that what you want..I thought it was funny! OK, road life is getting to me!
3:30pm We are HOME! Minnesota Welcomes The D'Arpino Family! Here we go...

Road Trip--Day 3 & 4

August 5, 2008--No Driving Today
Get up late thank goodness! We finally get out & going!
9:45am going to spend the day visiting with the Tator Family.
8pm we return to the hotel and a sleeping baby is sleeping no more...guess it'll be a bit before we get to sleep.
10pm time for sleep--off to Lincoln, NE tomorrow...Sweet Dreams!

August 6, 2008--542 Miles Travelled
9am fed and out the Holiday Inn Express Door. Gianni drying after spilling most of his apple juice down himself!
It's been a nice break from the car, but I must say my butt is already yelling---NOOO!
Oh well, only 2 days to go. I have to also say that I am a little excited to be over the hill of our 5 day excursion. I can't wait for the boys to see the house we picked for our little family!
8:53am Now entering Wyoming...Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam....OOOO there's one or 100..at the Terry Buffalo Ranch. Too Cool! Jr says he wants to ride one. This is exciting, no one in the car has been to Wyoming before now!
9:34am Nebraska..."The Good Life, Home of Arbor Day". Wow, new state now and what a state sign!
9:50am Police lights #2--R. Jackson-this time Dom's taken to the cop truck with a service dog...UGH! Let's see...he's coming back...Warning #2! You know what they say about the third time...
On the road again...
Update--about half way there--Just stopped for gas & pees all around..except Nica--load up, get on the road--only to smell a toxic aroma from the back seat...Well, it gives us a chance to see Roscoe, NE. Which we feel is fitting since that is one of Dom's many nicknames, thanks to Les!
WooHoo, Lincoln, NE!

Road Trip--Day 2

August 4, 2008--532 Miles Travelled
Ring-Ring-6:30am and the wake-up calls begin--that's right--calls! 4 to be exact!
Up for lots of time during the night with Gianni, whose teeth are fighting to come out. But he disses Mom for the big shoulder of Dad to soothe him. Needless to say not much sleep again and we are up and organizing bags to get back on the road.
9am (NM time) we are on the road straight to Starbucks and then off to CO.
OOPS..forgot one adorable thing, since we didn't get much sleep last night, Dom asked Jr if he would drive, Jr said yes he would drive! Well after we pack up the car and go get some continental breakfast, we go to leave and Jr has the keys, he unlocks the car and walks right up to the driver door. When I told him to jump in his seat, he started crying and saying "No seat, Daddy told me to drive! I'm gonna drive!" He was very disappointed that he couldn't drive...So was Dad...
1:06pm Now entering Colorado-storm is a brewing...lightning and everything good about a storm without the rain. Watch for falling rock...will do!
4:30pm arrive Casa de Kleinman, Chuck E Cheese here we come. Great time catching up with Aly, Gabby & Noah, while boys stretch their legs!
9pm arrive Holiday Inn Express-cluster is an understatement, but get to room and boys in bed and Nica pees in the room of course....Good Night!

Our Road Trip--Day 1

So, I am finally sitting down to begin our blog! And, we will begin with my journal of our road trip to our new home....

August 3, 2008--504 Miles Travelled

Wake up at 3:15am, only to go back to sleep for 15 more minutes.

Out of the hotel at 4am, with much chaos--only to head back to the "old" house to unload extras that just won't fit...& grab the roof storage bag that we forgot.

4:44am-the time of the angels-we pull away from our little house waiting to take care of it's new tenants. But I know even though it's hard to do-it's the best thing for our family. Mental note..Thank you God for sending us our angels to guide us & reminding us by having me look at the clock.

5am pull up to Dad's and just like normal they don't hear me knock--UGH! Dom starts the task of figuring out the Stow & Go....

5:45am we begin the long trip--officially only 2 hours behind...but goodbyes were said and kisses given, so...here we go!

5:55am strap of Stow & Go starts beating the roof--WooHoo Albuquerque!

9:10am Dom's 1st ticket?... 84MPH according to Lt. JT Henson with AZ DPS-all we can do is giggle about the typical luck of it all! WooHoo Albuquerque! Survey says...only a warning & a buddy that got shot in the hand and arm in Iraq but just got sent back over (with no feeling in his arm)-so keep doing the good work out there in Minnesota--Thanks JT!!

9:27am Jackrabbit, AZ?? AND NO bathroom--we got a few pictures though. Jump back in and continue New Rules by Bill Maher on CD, giggles resume!

11am Now entering a construction zone--also called The Land of Enchantment? OH, this is New Mexico....oooo I see a teepee & a yellow horse & the casino ad says "You could win a Semi"...hum..I'll skip that one! "Look boys, we're in New Mexico!" Well, there wasn't much excitement from that...Dog seemed to be excited though! She's proving to be a very good traveller. AND, In 5 more miles we can buy Fireworks--GO New Mexico!

4:30pm we are here in our hotel safe & sound. One day down and 4 more to go. So far it feels like we are on vacation, when will it become a reality for me? I talked to my sister and it made me cry. I tried my Mom & it went to voicemail, bummer! Oh yeah, as I write this a fly bugs me and Gianni beats me with a bowl---aahh this the life--on the road that it! Until tomorrow....