Meeting Derek Jeter!

I have no problem acknowledging (and am quite happy to) that it's now a three-way tie between the happiest days of John's life--our wedding day, Lola's birth & Saturday night's Sox vs. Yankees game. I would say this picture speaks a thousand words, but in case you don't know, that's us with Mr. Jeter! Any of you who know my husband knows just what this meant to him :) Mr. Jeter was kind enough to stop for a quick picture with us on his way back to the team bus.
And if that wasn't enough, Mr. Posada and Mr. Cano obliged us, too :)
Mr. Pettitte, quite the gentleman, stopped to pose with Lily as well!
So how did this all happen?! THIS GUY! Mr. Freddy Garcia--starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. Ron, John's good friend from Miami, owns a sports medicine/physical rehab center in south Florida and Freddy is a client of his. Ron & Lily came in town for the weekend and shared the tickets Mr. Garcia gave them with us.
The night was capped off with meeting the Yankees outside the player's clubhouses under the stadium. But it started off as awesome as it ended with a GREAT dinner at Rosebud on Taylor! Since Ron, Lily and even John had never been, I thought it would be the perfect spot--and it's near the park. I asked them to seat us near Frank.
Yes, that's me holding a class of wine. Don't worry--I don't make it a habit while pregnant. But I did have a few glasses while pregnant with Lola and she turned out o.k. :) By the looks of what John's holding, he obviously had a bit more!
Ron and Lily

We stopped for a quick pic outside the stadium before entering through the player's entrance (what?!)
Headed to our seats!
Outside the Sox clubhouse.
Me & a little silver from Tiffany & Co.
Couldn't ask for better seats, Thank you Freddy!!!
C.C. warming up.

Yankees dugout.
How we celebrate home runs on the southside--loved that since I was a kid--a tradition carried over from the old Comiskey park.

Park by night.

Oh, what a night!

Pool Party!

A few weeks ago, Tiffany invited us over to her Dad's for a swim--and it was one of the most fun afternoons we've ever had. You know those just perfect days--this was one of them! The kids had so much fun and we played for hours--literally! We left at 3 pm and Lola passed out before we could even get out of the neighborhood :)

Tiff made a great lunch for the kids and for us.
Being silly & funny, as usual.




Love this one of Tiff & Preseton-sweet kisses.
Preston shared the love with his girl Lola, too. I think his mom approves :)

Um, looks like I already posted these--oh well! Too hard to delet on Blogger!

After a few hours pool side, they still wanted to play some more indoors!

+ Loving Mary +

Yesterday, we told Lola that she was going to be able to bring Mary flowers before Mass. Lola visits with Mary every Mass, but today was extra special. August 15 is the day on the Church's calendar that we celebrate Mary's Assumption into heaven--body & soul. We wanted Lola to bring her something special as a symbol of our love for her.

Last night, while we were laying in bed talking about how she was going to bring Mary flowers, she was quick to add: "I give her kiss. I give her hug." And then, when we were getting out of the car this morning and said: "Ok, we're going to go see Mary now." she was quick to also add: "I see Jesus." It amazes us that at such a young, tender age, she is already able to connect the two. I do not recall "learning" about my faith so much as since I can remember, I've know it. That is our hope for her--that she never recalls a time when she didn't know the love our faith provides.
The "kiss"



The "hug"

Our sweet girl.
She wanted to make sure she said hello to St. Francis as well.



As always, we run into Papa at some point during 10 AM Mass. What a blessing to still have him, so full of life. That OUR grandparents know Lola and she knows them is something we treasure.

Brats & Corn

Just a simple meal on the grill tonight--Brats & Corn on the cob--but it always tastes better when shared with great friends :) And to top it off--Ice Cream at Sam & Jake's for dessert! Thanks Tom :)

Ellyana & Lola--sometimes sharing isn't easy at 3 & 2 years old--but they usually do a pretty good job!
A beautiful mommy & a sweet, precious baby--Alissa & Kyleena.

She is perfect--hardly ever makes a peep and they can take her ANYWHERE!
Got to get used to holding a baby again!
Lola in motion--super fast!