8th Birthday Excitement

For the past week, Joshua has been excited to know what his "surprise" was for his birthday. Seeing as Dominic was with me when we picked it out, he was even more excited (or maybe I was) that he was able to keep a secret this long. Unfortunately, poor little Dommy thought that Joshua's gift was a "family" gift and that he got to share. Needless to say, Joshua is not the sharing type when it comes to his 5 year old brother. Words cannot express just how excited Joshua was when he opened his gift and found a Nintendo DS!! "FINALLY" he shouted. And since he didn't ask for one it was fun to watch his eyes light up.

Jim was nice enough to take both Joshua and Dominic to see Dispicable Me in 3-D....thank goodness because I probably wouldn't have gotten sick! We finished the evening with a special party at our local Sushi place (of course the boys ate Pizza from next door) accompanied by Uncle Jake. Thanks to everyone who called and sent cards to my big boy. He is so proud to now officially be 8!

Poor, poor, Dominic. He straightened up quickly!

Jake and Matty

Happy Birthday, Joshua

Eight years ago today, something great happened....the Riggio's officially became a family with the birth of our oldest son Joshua. As we celebrate the Big 8 today, we relish in not only Joshua's 8th year of life, but our 8th year as parents. Happy Birthday Joshua. Words cannot express just how lucky we are to share this special day with you!

Playing like a Pro

Last weekend, Jim got to fulfill a dream of his that has been on his "bucket list" of sorts for many years. Jim plays on a local baseball team and was invited to play a game at Giants Stadium and Joshua went along for the ride. It was not a "free" trip by any means, but the cost was not an issue since the opportunity to play on a professional baseball field was a priceless experience for him. Joshua was able to play bat boy and for me, as a mom, I am so happy to see father and son get to share this experience together. They both had a blast!

To top off the experience, Jim provided the walk off hit that scored two runs and ended the game.....at the bottom of the 9th Inning with 2 outs. How special is that?

It's Fair Time

Ah, the Mid State Fair. A treat that we all look forward to each summer. Normally the fair brings in the heat, but this year was the opposite.....and thank goodness for that. The boys and I joined our friends Cynthia and Daniel for fair food, farm animals, and fun rides! And the best part is mommy got to ride a few too since Matthew was below the height limit. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the mid week visit provided optimal wait times on rides. The boys and I had an absolute blast and cannot wait until next year!

The boys were smitten with the sheep

....especially Matthew

A Family Photo opp

Matthew was thrilled to have the opportunity to ride a bear. He roared the whole time and kept saying, "go, bear, go!"

Mr Dramatic - he certainly plays the part

Matthew and Daniel

Daniel and Matthew ride a daddy bike

My two hams

The coaster is always a hit

This one made me sick just watching it

Mommy and Matty took a few extra spins on the Merry go Round

Who'd have thought....the SLO Sheriff has a Viper!

Officer Hoops enjoyed visiting with us...and even turned the lights on for the boys