The LaGreca Family

This past Sunday afternoon, our friend’s from church took us to the El Cajon Fire Station so NCL could see a REAL firetruck up close and personal. If you haven’t seen the video of Nicholas watching firetrucks – you are missing out. He loves them.  Joe took this video one morning after breakfast — thank you YouTube for having many video clips that make our little boy say “WHOA!”

“Lots and Lots of Firetrucks“

And, I made my first iMovie to document our visit to the fire station. (I am officially addicted. I have tons of pictures, a million video clips and a huge music library…..time to make some movies!) Now, NCL can watch a video of himself….with firetrucks!

Isn’t this the “summer life” you remember as a kid?  Eating a fruit popsicle outside after dinner.

We dropped NCL off at his grandparents’ house last night, so we could go check out our local gym.  As soon as we left, they did the unthinkable!  Gave him SUGAR! (Knowing that we would be picking him up in less than an hour…ha ha).  It must be so great to be grandparents

Another orange popsicle…..history.

Random Thought: It’s often that I feel like a really bad Mom since I haven’t taken Nicholas into a place to have his pictures taken professionally. But then, I always ask myself why in the world I would put myself AND NCL through that torture (I remember lots of crying/throwing fits — messing up the clothes—not wanting to smile…it wasn’t so much me, but I remember my little sisters putting on a show at JCPenny’s when we were younger).  After thinking about that and adding in the sitting fee and the “per sheet” cost to order the pictures…I don’t feel guilty anymore.  I honestly think that the series of pictures that Joe’s Dad can take in a matter of minutes (evidenced above) is a million times better than going to a professional photo shop.  There is no stress involved. And the best part, you always get the “real NCL” in the photos.

(Disclaimer to Random Thought:  The above was not to bash on professional photography – I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.  I, personally, have issues with the immediate and overwhelming stress that follows with the thought of taking my child to a studio for pictures. I am lucky enough to have a few incredible photographers in the family that snap pictures nearly every time we are around.  If that wasn’t the case, I am sure I would find the courage to walk into JCPenny’s and have NCL’s pictures done.)

I was on my way to the kitchen the other day, and passed the sideboard in the dining room…and this is what I saw.

I had to take a picture. I know, it’s kind of a strange picture  – but, I wanted to remember how I felt when I saw these cars lined up along the edge of the desk.  Of course, I was smiling: this isn’t the first time or the first location in the house, that I have found a bunch of little cars lined up.  It also crossed my mind that it wasn’t that long ago that NCL had no idea how to line cars up in a row (although, he has been making the “car noise” for most of his little life).

Nicholas is almost 21 months old. That means we are coming up on 2 years with the little man.  I am reminded of his presence in every single room in our house.  Some rooms have very small “hints” of NCL, like our bathroom.  There is mini-wash rag and kiddie soap in our shower.  And some rooms have been completely taken over with “NCL stuff” – like the livingroom!  I feel like I am constantly picking up toys that are scattered all over the place….but they are simple reminders of his presence in the house.

I really try to take notice of the simple things – especially when it comes to Nicholas.  He is such a gift to us — I actually feel like I get a present every single day: when I walk in his room first thing in the morning and he smiles at me, it’s a perfect present.  When I see pictures of him on this blog or videos that Joe posts throughout the day, that is a present.  When I ask him to give me a kiss and he runs over to me with his little lips puckered up, I feel like I just got the biggest, most expensive gift in the world! (It’s even better than Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups….that’s right, I said it!)

It’s getting late and I am getting tired. Time to take a shower…but first, I am going to enjoy one of my VERY favorite things to do….stand at Nicholas’ crib-side and watch him sleep.  It’s so simple…..

Have you ever said to yourself – “I need just a few more hours in the day…” It’s pretty unrealistic to think that we can add hours to an already packed 24 hour period….BUT, what if I told you that you could save 10-30 minutes a day? (I am beginning to sound like an info-mercial…..Don’t Worry, I am NOT trying to sell you anything! I promise!)

I have been wanting to post this video for a long, long time.  I think it’s one of those “life changing” things….for your technological life   (Thanks Sean, for sending this to us).

If you are like me, you probably have a few (or MANY) friends that have blogs.  I use to have them all bookmarked and when I had time, I would go to each of them (one at a time) and see if there was an update.  And, I was always bummed if it had been a few weeks and there wasn’t an update..especially after clicking on 10-15 different links.

This video is less than 4 minutes and it will teach you everything you need to know about managing all of the websites you like to keep up with daily/weekly.

I have been using Google Reader for a long time (yes, Joe made me to do it. And once again, he was right….the guy knows a thing or two about technology).

I highly recommend Google Reader (although I know nothing about the other websites the guy mentions in the video). Since I use Gmail for my email, and Google Calendars and Google Groups for my forums…it just makes sense to use Google Reader. I know some of you are already using it and you totally love it (of course, you will be the first to read this post and the last group of people that need to read it…ironic?)

Keep in mind that you can’t use an RSS feed for blogs that have been made “private” – so you still have to manually go out to the site and check for updates (as of right now, I have 3 blogs that I have to manually check — and I have to admit, I forget about them since they don’t automatically refresh in Google Reader).

(I know you are laughing at me, Joe. This definitely isn’t my normal post to the site.  But, I also know you are smiling from ear to ear..and when I get home, you are going to say, “Honey, I have turned you into a little geek.”)

Oh – and a few more hints. Not only can you set up all your friend & family blogs, but you can set up an RSS feed for your favorite News website (read the news a million times faster!), AND if you are looking for something specific on Craigslist (ie. tickets to a concert, or a children’s toy), you can set up an RSS feed for that specific search.  Joe even showed me how to set up RSS feeds for Status Updates on Facebook…..yup, I am a geek.

Let me know if this simplified your life and made your time on the computer a million times more efficient

There is no doubt that the “LaGreca Summer” is always busy (as is everyone else’s, I am sure).  We find a way to plan lots of outings, gatherings, day trips, parties, etc. on the weekends (and sometimes, during the week days).  And, now that we have the RV, we have to squeeze in as many weekend camping trips as we can.  (After our first road trip in the RV, Joe and I were both so sad to park it for over a month).

Last weekend, we joined 2 other families for the weekend at the La Jolla Indian Reservation.  You might think from the name, it was near the beach (since La Jolla is a very posh city on the beach), but this was just the La Jolla Indian tribe’s prime location next to a little river about an hour from our house.

As soon as we parked and got everything situated with the motorhome, Joe rented a tube and headed down the river with Ryan and his son, Parker.

Dani and NCL wait by the water for the boys.

Trey finds a cool stick to play with on the shore. (Once NCL saw Trey’s stick, he had to have one, too.  And, of course, a “sword fight” was inevitable.)

Little Ms. Berlin wades in the water with her Mommy. (This is the most “chill” kid that we know. If I could be guaranteed all my children would be like her, I would have 5 more.)

FINALLY, the boys made it down the river. (Yes, it’s VERY rocky!)

Nicholas found something he really, really liked back at the campsite.

Our folding picnic table was super handy for the little boys.

I guess one of the best parts about camping is the fact that the kids can get as dirty as they want..and parents can feel ok about it because “you are camping, after all.”  I have NEVER in my life seen a dirtier kid than Nicholas on Day 2.

Look at these hands!  Sticky watermelon hands meet the dirt.

NCL tries to steal someone’s food.

Berlin hangs out alone, by the “Balls be Danglin” game.

And, a camping trip is not complete until SMORES are made.

The BEST part about camping…..it WEARS the BOY OUT!