More photos 2.16

Photos 2.16

Hugo.  A ham with the front facing camera.

A day in the Valentine life...

PEP BOYS Adventure

As a boy, I can remember winter-time visits to my Grandmother's (Nana Val) at her old house on Rebecca Street in Oakville.  She used to live just down the road from Hopedale Mall, where during particularly snowy winters the plows would created HUGE mounds of snow, piled up around the edges of a large parking lot.  I used to love playing on those huge hills--I would climb to the top and roll down, throw snow-boulders from the top of the mountain, or dig tunnels into them.

These memories came to mind yesterday when Jen and I brought our boys to our local PEP Boys and while they were working on changing our oil, we got Hugo and Dash out into the parking lot to play in the "NO!" (as Dashiel calls it).  We were a bit worried that Hugo would protest, but he took to the adventure and both boys truly had a ball!

SNOW!

The snow came and conquered Queens.  Blizzard 2013 brought lots of snow.  Dash is really loving it, making it impossible to get him in the house without a full-scale-alert-the-neighbors TANTRUM. 
The garbage bags in this photo, you can't even see right now because folks shoveled big piles while digging out their cars.

Jen took this shot Saturday morning at 3am just as a cab spun out in front of her in midtown.

This was the kids first real look at snow since last year... and Hugo got into it!

Hugo! Making Our Day!

Expressive language is a challenge for Hugo so it is heartening to see him identify words, objects, and numbers, and place them in the right order!  What a bright little boy you are, Hugo! Your parents are so proud of you!

A few recent images

Another friend having a baby

Hadas is due on Valentine's Day. In Philly for her shower. Good times!

Taking the celebration to class

Last Friday, Mommy had a great idea!  Let's bring the party to Hugo (his birthday is always over the holiday break so he never gets a special day in class)!  So, we did. Thanks also to teachers and friends who made Hugo's afternoon special.

An addition to the Grande Family

Lifelong friends Samirah and Carmen had their second son Tuesday, January 1st, 2013!  We are so excited to welcome Zinedine Giovanni Grande!  He and Hugo (12/31) will shared birthdays close together, just like lil' Carmen(7/9) and Dash(7/7).  Make that FOUR BOYS to also be longtime friends.

Happy 4th Birthday to Hugo!

This year we learned that our little man really enjoys a quiet gathering best.  He doesn't ask for much, just a small group of the people he loves and chocolate cake, which he can ask for as clear as day!  As parents this year we saw Hugo go from toddler to boy.  And while he still may not say much, he can deliver one powerful "I LOVE YOU!" at the end of a long day.  Hugo works hard and is learning how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet and continues to practice writing his name.  He makes us hopeful and so very proud.

Merry Christmas from the Browns!

Mommy and Daddy were both home from work Christmas week which made for great playtime. We also spent quality time with our friends Jocelyn, Gene and their son Justus. Many of our amazing friends shipped gifts to our boys. It was wonderful to see Dash and Hugo understanding the joys of Christmas. The giving and receiving, the holiday cards, the sweet treats and all the carols, even Hugo was singing "Jingle Bells."

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This winter we've been hitting up different McDonald's Playlands to pass the time.  
French fries seem to be unavoidable.

Saturday Afternoon in December

Our Little Elves

Unpacking the Christmas decoration boxes...the boys were loving the elf hats.