the Paladinos

Birthday Weekend

Monday, April 29, 2013 by Leslie Paladino

My birthday was this last week and since I’m a lady I won’t tell how old I am but let’s just say it rhymes with shmirty pour. Smile My actual birthday was a pretty normal day but Michael did send me beautiful flowers and I got to have my traditional birthday “Death by Chocolate” cake from Rick’s. It may seem weird to have to have a whole cake every year for my birthday but it’s been my thing for at least the last 11 years and I love it! And thanks to my wonderful parents we were really able to celebrate this weekend. My mom offered to take the kids so Michael and I could get some very needed down time. I definitely feel like a new person now and am ready to take on my mid shmirties. Smile

We ended the weekend by meeting my parents at Crystal Bridges to get our little turkey’s back and enjoy the beautiful day outside. Their grounds are so amazing right now with Spring finally in full swing.

DSC_4497_thumbDSC_4495_thumbDSC_4498_thumbDSC_4502_thumb
If you saw my last post then you know Peter is saying something like “I’m tired and it’s too bwight” in this picture.

DSC_4507_thumbDSC_4509_thumbDSC_4515_thumbDSC_4522_thumbDSC_4526_thumb
Gabby insisted on doing this pose for the picture. With the first picture she said “Did you get my legs?” which I didn’t so we had to go back and do this one the right way. Love my diva!

DSC_4528_thumb
Here Gabby is with an artist who they had stationed by one of the trails. She had things set up so kids could stop and draw a picture and Gabby of course wanted to do it. She gave Gabby some great tips and some tips for us too on how to encourage Gabby’s artistic nature. Love that they do things like this!

DSC_4529_thumb
Peter is giving me a lesson on how to draw an A in the dirt.

DSC_4534_thumb
Gabby with her finished masterpieces.

Peter’s Safari Field Trip

Friday, April 26, 2013 by Leslie Paladino

Yesterday Peter’s class took a field trip to the Drive Thru Safari Zoo.  It was a beautiful day and perfect for a field trip. 

DSC_4451DSC_4445
DSC_4447
”It’s too bwight mom!”

DSC_0093
And just for total randomness I found this picture of Peter playing in the same goat pin when he was just a little guy. 

DSC_4454
Throwing bread to the ostrich.

DSC_4460DSC_4462

DSC_4467
”It’s too bwight mom!”

DSC_4471
Mom’s glasses finally fixed it for awhile.

DSC_4476
DSC_4478
Peter tried to run up the hill to the pile of rocks but he gave out after about two steps.

DSC_4482DSC_4484
DSC_4488
Peter with his big picture smile for the class picture at the end of the trip.  Oh, wait…no that’s Peter stomping his feet yelling “I’m too tired and it’s too bwight.”  Let’s just say next time, I’m going to be taking his sunglasses and maybe an energy drink. 

Art & a Show

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 by Leslie Paladino

Last Friday Gabby’s school had their annual Art Auction.  Each class had to participate in an art project that was later auctioned off to support the school.  I coordinated the project for Gabby’s class and after a little research came up with the below project.  The kids drew pictures on plastic plates with sharpie’s then I baked the plates in the oven for a few minutes which melted them into interesting shapes.  Then I hung them from a wire wreath form to create…well, I don’t know what it is exactly but it’s some sort of art form.  I have to confess though that I was so disappointed that the piece only went for $50 which was the lowest item of the few that we stayed to see.  Sad smile  Oh well!  I thought it turned out pretty cool for some plastic plates hanging from a wreath form.   Gabby’s class also did a cute little performance at the art auction.  They did such a good job!

On Monday their class was also in charge of the morning assembly.  Gabby was so nervous because she had to memorize a line and read it with her friend Kole.  But she did such a good job and was so darn cute up there.  I love her little personality!  She also received a t-shirt for completing all of her AR testing (reading tests). 

Art Auction Performance

Art Auction Mona Lisa
Gabby’s interpretation of the Mona Lisa.  So proud of my little artist! 

DSC_4399
DSC_4397
The finished art piece

Monday Morning Assembly



P1060465AR Shirt