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!