the Paladinos

Father’s Day Walk & Potty Training

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Leslie Paladino

Last weekend Papa Dino came in for a visit as well as Gramma and Grampa on Saturday.  We had a great time and the kids were in heaven.  Gabby actually stayed with Papa Dino at his hotel Saturday night which I think was quite an adventure for both of them.  I don’t think Papa Dino slept very well but Gabby felt like such a special big girl staying at a hotel.  On Sunday we showed Papa Dino the Compton Gardens trail and I of course had to take advantage and get some pics of the kids.  You would think I would have gotten a few more with Michael and the kids since it was Father’s Day but it never occurred to me for some reason. 

This week we’re experimenting with potty training Peter Michael.  It’s hard to imagine that I could have two kids out of diapers some day but it doesn’t look like that’s going to be anytime soon.  He’s done very well with going once he’s on the potty and seems to understand the muscles to use but we’ve had trouble making it to the potty.  On the plus side at least my house is pretty clean from all the constant mopping and carpet cleaning. 

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My favorite two pics from the walk with a little digital enhancing from Picnik. 

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Showing Papa Dino something.

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There’s that “picture smile.

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Just a funny pic from last week.

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Father’s Day card we sent out with Hugs & Kisses from the kids.

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Gabby’s kiss pics.  We were just going to do kisses from the kids but then I changed my mind.  
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How sweet would this picture have been if someone wasn’t holding a stinking mermaid and absolutely refused to put it down!!

Silver Dollar City

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 by Leslie Paladino

Last Friday afternoon we made it to the opening of Kids Fest at Silver Dollar City.  We got to meet Dora and Diego, ride rides and the train and Gabby got to make a fish candle.  We fit a lot into a few hours and closed the park down but it was well worth getting home late that night.  We all had such a good time and since it was Friday the park was much less crowded.  We’ll have to remember that for future trips. 

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I always make the kids stop at this spot for a picture as we’re going in. 

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Waiting in line for Dora and Diego.

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One of my best memories of SDC growing up is their frozen lemonade.  Not the Minute Maid stuff but the real deal lemonade.  It’s still one of my favorite things and apparently Peter’s too.

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My…what big eyes you have. 

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Peter’s first ride. 

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And yes, his 2nd ride was on a butterfly.  Poor kid. :)

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Gabby getting ready to start the roller coaster.  She loved it and rode it 2 times in a row.  She is really starting to surprise us with how adventures she is.

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Big eyes again getting on the train.  When she heard that there might be bad guys along the way she immediately traded seats with me and hide behind my arm the whole way.  So maybe she’s not that adventures. 

Happy 2nd Birthday Peter!

Sunday, June 5, 2011 by Leslie Paladino

We celebrated Peter’s 2nd birthday Saturday in Berryville.  We decided to keep it simple this year and just let Peter enjoy it instead of doing a big party here.  We all had such a great time playing and eating then eating some more at Papa Mike and Mimi’s.   Then we headed to Gramma and Grampa’s to celebrate with more family.  It was a truck theme this year because this boy is seriously into trucks.  We all had a great time!  I can’t believe my baby boy is 2!

Always on the go.
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Mimi made Peter’s Cars cake.  Too cute! 
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Mimi let Peter run his finger through the icing…a few times.  :)
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Gabby getting in on the action and Peter going back for more.
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This was my brother’s old toy horse.  It might be moving to our back porch soon. 

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And Uncle Rob’s old Tonka trucks.  Peter’s a happy boy now!
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Cousin Arleigh and her friend found all these toads the night before.  These kept the girls (including Gabby) busy all day.
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Back for more icing. 
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Blowing out the candle.  It took a couple of tries but he finally got it.
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He’s reading his card here. 
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He had this smile all day.  Such a happy boy. 
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Cake #2.  This is from Shelby Lynn’s in Springdale.  They do such an awesome job!
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Eating his “dot dog”.
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Crazy faces from cousin Curtis and Devin.
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Cousin Kale watching all the action.
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Blow out #2.
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After party Gator ride with Gramma and Grampa.
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Meme and Papa Garrett.DSC_0890DSC_0891DSC_0896

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