The Spezz Family

The Latest

2012-01-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

My Little Nugget

2012-01-17T14:10:00.001-08:00

Yes, you can believe what you're seeing. That's Vanson putting a fish nugget in his mouth, chewing it, and swallowing it, several times. It was a proud day to say the least.

Spy Glasses

2012-01-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

They boys and I decided to spice up MLK day this year by asking Morgan and Micah to join us. The creativity and laughs were in abundance as the kids played, pretended, and created. My personal favorite part of the day was when they each made a pair of spy glasses. They took them so seriously - even if the eye holes were lopsided and they could only see out of one side. Check out their sweet, and very spy like little faces.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Something tells me this is going to be the best one yet...

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T10:21:00.000-08:00

We Heart Christmas

2011-12-20T06:56:00.000-08:00

All my boys dressed up and ready for the Singing Christmas Tree at church

Opening V's gift that he kept secret for a whole week!

Making gingerbread Star Wars cookies with Papa

School program...he sang like an angel!

All 4 grandparents came out to show their love!

Opening gifts from Gram and Papa

The best gift of the season...Angry Bird

The Polar Express made another apperance this year!

Another "Spezzapini" Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

Another amazing Thanksgiving courtesy of the Papini Family. We had the best time! Thank you so much Mark and Francesca for all that you did to make our holiday SO special! Of course a great trip means LOTS of pictures. Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

Roasting marshmallows by the new outdoor fireplace!

Turkey Trot here we come!

The whole Spezzapini crew

A few of the various ways Jules travelled during the Turkey Trot

Vanson got tired of riding too and ran the last mile and a half!

Tired and proud...but finished (and 8 minutes ahead of the rest of the family)!

The rest of the group at the finish line

The beginning of our sad attempt at family Christmas pictures - you'll see what I mean when you get your card from us!

Sigh...almost

Santa!

2011-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

What a Turkey!

2011-11-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

What would a Thanksgiving feast be without a few songs and a pilgrim hat?

Lucky boy...Thanksgiving Feast #2

The Boy's Got Moves!

2011-11-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Papa's House

2011-11-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

It was almost the perfect trip. All the yuumy meals, playtime on the floor with Grammie, running around outside, time with cousins, and of course PAPA!! If only it wasn't for losing my phone, buying a new one, breaking it, and then finding the old one just moments before leaving. Even so - it was still one for the books! Thanks Mom and Dad for such a great time. We LOVE you so! On our way!

Playing on the iPad with Grandma Anna

Passed out at Gma Anna's

Me and my favorite nephew Elijah

Flight home...never as fun

My Partyin' Pumpkins

2011-10-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's been nothing but pumpkins at the Spezz house this October. V has actually had 5 different events to wear his costume to this month. Lots of dressing up, lots of candy, lots of fun.

Passing out candy at Nonna's

Trick or treat Nonna!

Won't Nonna be surprised!

Trick or treating with the Shrums!

Like a pro!

Dylan, Micah, Vanson, Morgan, Ethan

Pre-trick or treating pics

Mater never looked so good

V's MWF pumpkin party

Gets hot in that costume!

The MWF class

Costume parade MWF

Costume Parade for T/Th class

The T/Th class

We Love you Mrs. Wallace!

Something Sweet

2011-10-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2011-10-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the sweetest guy I know. You are a boy of few words but each sound and look you send my way melt my heart. I love you more each day. Here's to another great year. Much love Buddy!

It was a great night with wonderful people, and good food. Thanks for all the fun and gifts and laughs. Here are some pics of the party for those of you that couldn't make it and for the rest of you that weren't invited. : )

Franco (one of Ethan's favorite people) and Leo

Hunny, Nonna, and Carmen. Thanks for always sharing your birthday with Ethan, Carmen!

Present time!!

Gifts, trampolines, and cake are great...but there really is NOTHING better than an iphone.

Baby Calvin

2011-09-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

My cousin Emilee just had a baby on Labor Day. I was so excited to meet him and offered to come over and take some pics of sweet, sleepy Calvin. Here are some of my favorites.

Ethan's First Day of MDO

2011-09-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Not a single tear shed today on Ethan's first EVER day of school.

Thanks so much for the U.S. Open shirts Nonna!

Vanson was super excited for Ethan! He reassured him that he would always be just down the hall if he ever needed his big brother.

New school shoes!

A quick stop at the fish tank. Truly his favorite part of school.

He ran straight in and got right to business

We kissed goodbye and he went back to work. What a brave little guy!

What a great day! So proud of you buddy!

I Heart Calvin!

2011-09-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

My Boys

2011-09-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Just a Couple of Super Heros

2011-09-06T16:01:00.001-07:00

Micah and Vanson.

These are going to be just as embarassing as the pictures of them in the tub!

First Day of Preschool...4 Year Olds Class

2011-08-29T10:36:00.001-07:00

More Great Times with the Spezzapinis

2011-08-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Chillin' at Nonna's

2011-08-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you Nonna for always welcoming us into your beautiful home. There is no place else these kids would rather be! Vanson and Emma

Jules

Ethan

They've both mastered diving down to the bottom. So fun to watch them collect diving toys!

Surprise!

2011-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Talk about the BEST surprise ever! In honor of our 20 year "Friendaversary" and in true Erin fashion, she showed up on my drive way as a complete surprise! We had so much fun catching up and looking at old pictures from our countless childhood adventures. Erin, you are a wonderful friend and I love you with all my heart. Thanks for the great surprise. Now...how about another 20 years!

Chef Vanson preparing pancakes for Erin

Life's a Beach

2011-08-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Best. Vacation. Ever.

Beach House Bums

2011-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mama Got a New Camera Part II

2011-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is some video from my new camera. Oh yeah...and my kid is adorable : )

Mama Got a New Camera!

2011-08-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yeah for new cameras! Here are the first pics I took on my new Nikon D5100 at breakfast. I have ALOT to learn with this thing...but I think I'm going to have a lot of fun practicing. Especially with these gorgeous subjects!

All Aboard!

2011-08-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

All aboard Thomas fans! That's right - we opened up the attic and dusted off the engines. Thomas and all his Sodor buddies are back and they have completely captured these boys' hearts.

And of course one really random picture of Vanson and Gram in helmets. Love ya Gram!

Cousins

2011-07-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yellow Belt!

2011-07-12T07:49:00.001-07:00

Vanson has worked so hard for the past couple of months at Tae Kwon Do. Every week we see improvement. I guess Grand Master saw it too because after proving themselves with their forms and breaking a board with their feet, Grand Master gave Vanson and Tanner their yellow belts. Oh and don't forget about the trophies! Vanson doing his "forms"

Tanner breaking a board

Vanson and Tanner

V getting his yellow belt

First trophy ever!!

Tanner's turn to get his belt and trophy

So proud of you Tanner!

Vanson, Grand Master, and Tanner

Coolin' Off

2011-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Just one word to describe Houston right now: HOT!! Here's how the Spezz's stay cool.

Great Night at the Greatest Show on Earth

2011-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Get ready circus, here we come!

4th Of July Bike Parade

2011-07-07T07:50:00.001-07:00

Just like last year on the 4th, we hit the streets of Bay Forest for the annual Independence Day Bike Parade. Ethan was NOT feeling well and fussed with every pedal, but we didn't want to disappoint Vanson who had his bike decorated a week in advance. He did such a great job (he's come a long way since last year when Leo had to go home and get the car to bring us home). Great riding buddy and Happy 4th of July!

This 4th of July was especially sweet for our family because Leo officially became a U.S. citizen this week! We're so proud of you!!

It was so nice to be able to ride my own bike this year and not have to push a stroller!

We had quite a ride just to get to the parade

At the starting line, deep in patriotic thought

Hating every second of this

Riding beside one of his best neighborhood buddies (Mattie) who was the 2nd place winner of the bike decorating contest! V was more than a little jealous of her $10 gift card to Marble Slab

Don't miss the kid who ran beside his bike for the entire parade. He KILLED me!!

OUCH!!

2011-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Poor little buddy...hasn't mastered going down stairs yet. He tends to use his face as a crash pad.

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Oh how thankful I am to have Leo as my baby daddy! You are an amazing father and a wonderful husband. Here's to you Leo!

We had so much fun celebrating Father's Day with Leo's family at Cullen's. The only thing that could have made it better, would have been having Mark and my dad there. You were both missed. Lots of love to all my favorite Daddys!

We tried for a group shot...maybe next year. Thanks Zia for the awesome shirts!

We love you SO much Nonno!

A Play Date in Pool Heaven

2011-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

We were so excited for Jack, Hayes, and Baby Kate Fisher to come over to play and swim. Emma annd Jules were there to splash along too. The kids and moms all had a great time!

Swimming and Crying...We're Almost Done!

2011-06-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Ethan has worked so hard at his daily swimming lessons for the last 5 weeks. He cries and screams all the while he's learned to swim, roll, and float. He tested this week in his summer clothes (including a diaper and shoes). He did so well and we're confident that he could save himself if he were to fall in. We have one more week to wrap it all up. I love his instructor and it will be bitter sweet to say goodbye. Until then, enjoy the swimming pics.

Mike and Heather Visit

2011-06-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Spezz house was full Memorial weekend because of a special visit from my brother and sister-in-law. We had a great time with Mike and Heather and got to catch up while we painted, swam, grilled, ate out, and shopped. Thanks so much for coming out. We love you guys!

Ethan's Swim Lessons

2011-05-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

This is the end of Ethan's 3rd week of lessons. He's doing really well but isn't quite there yet. He HATES his lessons and cries and screams every time. I know that being able to save himself if he were to ever fall into a pool is worth every tear...but it's still hard for both of us. If your interested in ISR the website is: www.infantswim.com Lenie Stroh is his instructor.

Spring Sing!

2011-05-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my boy! He did such a great job at the end of the year Spring Sing. I couldn't be more proud! Sing on little man!

HI-YA!

2011-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

V's first week at Tae Kwon Do was a success! It took 3 tries but he finally earned his uniform. It was such a proud moment for us all. Grand Master helping V put on his new duds!
V and Tanner...best buds

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:15:00.001-07:00

I had no idea what motherhood would be like...I certainly didn't know that I could ever love like this. These two boys have changed me and I can't imagine life without them. A kiss for Vanson for his energy and joy and a smooch for Ethan for his sweet cuddles and curious spirit. I love you both with all my heart. Thanks for letting me be your mama.

Go Daddy Go!

2011-05-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

Another day at the track. So fun, so dirty, so hot! Basically...your perfect track day

A Proud Day

2011-05-08T14:56:00.001-07:00

There's something about a boy's first bike ride that makes a parent swell with pride. This was that day for us. Just look at my boy!

Vegas Baby!

2011-05-01T12:01:00.001-07:00

Off to Vegas to have some fun with our friends Chase and Heather, Cory (poor Summer had to stay home with sick babies), and Amy and Kenneth. Such a great time even though Leo was pretty sick. He was a trooper and our friends did the best job of showing us rookies the Vegas ropes. So excited!!

First slot machine of the trip!

Yumm...Red Square for Vodka and appetizers.

The Strip

Pool time!

Chase at Excaliber

She'd drink salsa for 10 bucks. It was REALLY good salsa at TnT inside Luxor

Cory at a poker tournament. Check out that poker face.

Best mojitos EVER at Rouge inside MGM

Cory, Chase, and Heather

Dinner inside Planet Hollywood

YUM!

Playing at Hard Rock

Our night at the best hotel on the strip...Cosmopoltin

Leo stayed in sick that night so Cory was my date

Bus ride back to the airport. Bye Vegas!

Easter

2011-04-26T11:42:00.001-07:00

V's First Sleep Over!

2011-04-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be an absolutely great sleepover if there wasn't:

Popcorn,

Grammie,

Forts,

Fudgecicles,

Chasing,

Papa,

One really fast wagon ride,

A good movie,

And not one,

But two great bedtime stories!

I think you could officially call this the greatest sleepover EVER!

An Extended Visit with Gram and Papa

2011-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

We came down for 4 days for a wedding but stayed 3 weeks instead. Thanks to ear infections and wheezing we extended our stay and enjoyed every sickly minute of it!

Last big family meal at the old table

Poor baby...so sick

Here comes the new table!

We were so tired of being cooped up in the "sick house" so we attempted to venture out to the zoo.

It sure started out fun!

Let's just say we headed directly back to Urgent Care after this.

CFeeling better after a second round of antibiotics! Play time with Chloe.

Erin's Wedding

2011-04-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Erin and DJ. We had the best time helping Erin and DJ celebrate at their wedding on April 9th. It was a beautiful night filled with great food, lots of laughs, some happy tears, and of course dancing! You never would have known that it was a crazy cold night because all that love made it so warm and cozy. Best of luck you two!

Bruce and Teri

2011-04-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my Uncle Bruce and Aunt Teri came down to Houston from Alaska. They'll be moving here this summer and came down for a few days to check out the new digs. Thankfully, we'll be alot closer. We had a great time getting re-aquainted and hanging out at Kemah.

Vanson and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2011-04-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

That's right, it's my boy's first time on a school bus! We had a great time riding the bus, sitting next to V's best buddy, and watching "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" at the Main Street Theatre. But really...it was all about the bus!

Tanner read the book to V on the ride there.

Snuggle Fest!

2011-03-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Leo!

2011-03-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Leo has been working SO hard and really deserved a fun and relaxing bday weekend. We kicked it off with gifts and his fav french toast. Then we headed out to the galleria so he could return/exchange all his gifts. Next, we met up with the gang at The Cellar for pizza and vino. Finally, we all laughed our butts off at a comedy club. Great night celebrating Leo and the awesome man that he is. We love you so much, happy birthday babe!

Rachel, Leo, Cory, Summer, Kenneth, Amy, Chase, and Heather

The comedian...I'm STILL laughing!!

Heather, Amy, Summer, Me

Spring Break!

2011-03-20T06:38:00.001-07:00

Park, park, and more park. What a beautiful week!

Hannah, Tanner, Vanson, and Ethan