Top 10 of 2010

As we enter the final days of 2010...I realized that this has been a year full of joys and deep sorrow for we D'Arpinos.

I am also making a new commitment to this blog in 2011, so I sit here today with the need to count down the 10 Best Things that happened this year in order to move into 2011 with a fresh look into our wonderful future!

Number 10

We returned to MN in January to 5 feet of piled snow, so what did we do? We made our first official snowman! With rocks for eyes, and an icicle nose...or at least that's how our song goes.

Number 9

New Orleans Love Affair

March brought a dream vacation to New Orleans. Unfortunately Dom had to work most of the time, but I took the opportunity to explore everything that I could possibly fit into the week. My Mom flew into MN and watched our boys, while we headed down to the Bayou.

It's official, I am smitten!

I have never been to a place where I felt like I actually stepped through time...that was what New Orleans was for me. The history was captivating, the architecture was breath taking and the food was AMAZING.

Viva Binets!

Number 8

Celebrating a BEAUTIFUL Life

Undoubtedly the worst occurrence of the year was the loss of my amazing Father-in-Law. But, what helped us make it a little less painful, was celebrating his life. We all joined together at the Oracle Inn and shared stories, pictures, Taps and prayers to send him over to his beautiful Kathy. We love you Ambrose and miss you more then words can express.

Number 7

Finally the WHOLE house is potty trained! In July Gianni got a visit from the Potty Fairy because he officially became the chony wearing boy that he was meant to become!

Number 6

Family Church Camp

In August we joined many of our other Church families in Wyoming, MN to rough it and spend quality time with each other. Although I grew up camping, this was the first official D'Arpino family "roughing" it experience and the little boys LOVED it and look forward to doing again next year! (I might have to drag Dom Sr back kicking and screaming!)

Number 5

Minoqua, WI

It's hard to believe that this August we celebrated our 2nd year in MN and hadn't been to WI to spend time with our cousins. So, when we heard that GG would be here with Aunt Sharon & Uncle Mike, we made it a point to make the trip out and see her while she was in our neck of the woods. It was a great time for all!

Number 4

Second Place at the MN State Fair

September brought us a wonderful experience of celebrating Dominic Jr's beautiful artwork. We were happy to find out that Dominic won a second place ribbon(over his left shoulder) for his artwork entry at the State Fair, so we all loaded up and headed to St. Paul to see and eat our way through the fair. Food on a stick and lots of rides were taken in and we were all so proud of our winner!

Number 3

D'Arpino Theme Party Makes an Arrival in MN

This year Dom and I moved the D'Arpino Theme Party to it's new place, our new home, MN. The 10th Annual Party was Kentucky Derby bound! We had horse racing and prizes, of course, and our MN friends came dressed to impress!

Number 2

Jamaica Mon

For our 10 year Anniversary Dom whisked us away to Jamaica in November. Luckily we left the morning after our first snowfall, so it made it feel especially decadent! We flew into Montego Bay and spent 6 days and 5 nights at a beautiful all inclusive resort. Here we are at the Managers dinner. It was gorgeous and we can't wait to go back!

Number 1

Surprise Vow Renewal

Unbeknown to Dominic Sr. I had been planning a surprise vow renewal on the evening of our 10th Wedding Anniversary, December 2nd 2010. Even though the stomach flu threatened the ruin the beautiful evening, we were able to pull it off and capture our beautiful family wedding.

Here is to many more beautiful years together!

We Welcome 2011--Happy New Year!

Family Day at the Track

What a better way to spend a warm August, Sunday, then at the Canterbury Downs..

This particular day was family day and so the boys got to enjoy the ponies for free.

Of course, this might be a mix of a little person horse and a donkey...but just the right size! Gianni...the horse whisperer!

The animals LOVED him...maybe he was less intimidating for their size.
After waiting and waiting for the free ride on the ponies...it was time!

The gates were opened and in flew our D'Arpino boys...Dominic Jr heading to the tallest one, so his feet wouldn't drag on the ground...and Gianni heading for the first available...all of the other kids were left with the remnants!

Here is Gianni, enjoying the fruits of his labored waiting in line.

And here is Dominic...after he calmed down from the anxiety of wanting off the horse as soon as he was plopped in the saddle. AND, after MANY questions about how to jump off the moving horse and the trainer's urgings not to do that...he settled into the saddle and actually began to enjoy the ride...as they were pulling to a stop. I am sure next time he won't waste the whole time worrying...maybe...

Once the ponies were rode and the kids were talked out of waiting another hour for a 30 second ride, we all headed inside to purchase a bag of mini donuts and test our pony picking skills.
Good news...we left with winnings!
What a great day!

Pop the Champagne!

Introducing the newest BIG BOY in the D'Arpino House

Good-bye Landfill waste..

Good-bye Diaper Champ...

Hello Super Heroes & Disney Characters...

We welcome you with open arms!

Here is a little video I took of Gianni getting his present from the Chonie Fairy...

They Grow Up So Fast

What do you do when you are told by your 6-year-old that he can't wait to "get" some kids and have a family?

I will tell you...you listen intently...because it only leads to a better story!

Yesterday morning, I was blessed with a morning conversation with Dominic Jr while I was getting ready for an appointment and I will remember it for the rest of my days.

It went a little something like this....

"Mom...I can't wait to get some kids and have a family of my own."

"Well bud, what has Mommy told you...you will have a family of your own one day, after you go to college and get married to the woman of your dreams." (He's been a bit obsessed with the topic lately)

"Mom...do I only get two kids?"

"Well..you can have as many as you want...one, two, three...."

"I want three...I think...one boy...NO! Three girls." (My heart squished, by the way)

"Wow..three girls...that's gonna be a LOT of work. But I know you will be a good Daddy, so you will be able to handle it."

"Yeah!"

"So, what do you think you will name my three grand-daughters?"

"First....I will name the first one the most beautiful girl's name ever.."

I have to admit the narcissistic side of my was sure it was going to be Shannon.

"...it's going to be Bubbles."

"Bubbles...(straight faced, mind you) that is beautiful. What will you name the second girl?"

"Hmmm, I don't know....I have to think about that...maybe.........OH, I know! I will name the second girl Rain! And the last girl will be Sun."

"Like Sunny?"

"No, Happy Sun...but Sun will be her name."

"Wow Dom..those are beautiful names, I will be very proud to have Bubbles, Rain and Sun be my grand-daughters and I will spoil them with all my love."

"Thanks Mom...now can I go play?"

So, there you go family and friends...that is what I get to look forward to and I have to say it's looking like a BEAUTIFUL future!

New Years Theme

Welcoming a New Year...Theme Party Style

CHEERS!Everyone knows...good drinks require a pinky's out attitude!

2009's Theme...Black and White...
Everyone came dressed to impress and had lots of fun...a few attempted to walk on water even.
Below is a picture of true sibling bonding...The big sister teaching the little brother how to play beer pong...He will be light years ahead of his college roomies ;)Me, Getting Poppin' in the New Year!

While the poppers were coating the room in confetti, these two were ringing in the New Year Paris style!

Resolution #1 for 2010--Loving the heck out of these peeps!