a day at the park

Van Saun Park is one of our favorite parks even though it is about 45 minutes away. There's a great path for bike riding, several play areas for the kids to choose from and, of course, the train that goes around the zoo. Yes, there's also a zoo just perfect for the boys' age. It was a hot day but the kids didn't mind. Dylan rode his bike for a couple of hours before we finally had to tell him it was time to go home since they were closing. Logan loved being pushed around in his little car and followed Dylan wherever he went.

going over the bridge and heading over to the playground

Dylan feeling very comfortable riding around on his own. In fact, he was way too comfortable that even for Daddy couldn't sit still. From way across the park, you'd hear him yelling, "Dylan come back", "Slow down Dylan", "Hit the brakes"!

Nothing better than having Daddy push him on a hot summer day. As soon as Daddy takes a break, you'll hear Logan say, "Daddy push. Let's go."
walking/riding along the path next to the playground.

Logan's trademark look - cheeeesssseeee
He's current obsession is a choo-choo. He's beyond excited!

There are only a few things that will get Dylan to look and "smile" for the camera - airplanes, trucks, trains and food. All aboard the choo-choo train!

Birthday Fun!

Pictures from Dylan's week long birthday celebration... from lunch with Lolo and Lola Mia to a day at Frog Falls with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with our 4 year old!

His super cool boarding pass invitations... Thank you Ninang Tessa!


After Dylan went to bed, we sneaked into his room to decorate. We wanted him to wake up surrounded with his birthday surprises. Mommy and Daddy searched everywhere for the perfect beddings for him - decked out with trucks, airplanes, buses, cars, and bicycles. He loved his legos from Logan too.


Lolo and Lola's treat! Since Mommy and Daddy had to work that day, Dylan went to lunch with Lolo, Lola Mia, Ate Cece, Logan and Ninong King. The best part - they had sushi. Dylan was stuffed!


For dinner, Grandma, Ate Cece and Ninong King joined us for dinner at Joe's Crab Shack where we discovered how much Dylan loves lobster and crabs. Who doesn't, right?!?!


The next day, Dylan enjoyed his birthday with his school friends. (here with Elijah and JP) They had a "Make Your Own Sundae" party.


Friends and family enjoyed their flight to Frog Falls at Dylan's airplane themed party.


Daddy created this watermelon airplane to go along with our theme. Very impressive!

Mommy spend hours over these 100% homemade sugar cookies. Who knew these were actually time consuming and labor intensive?! They turned out great. The best part is that Dylan was extremely excited to have them at his party. (notice the luggage box - just a little touch to go along with the theme of the party)

The perfect cake for a kid obsessed with airplanes!

Brothers!

We actually got him to take a family picture before he lost him to the pool for the day.


birthday boy just having a blast


What's even better than an airplane themed party? "PRIZES"!


five minutes later, he tore open every single present and took over the family room


Even Logan got to enjoy Dylan's birthday gifts.

Dylan turns 4!

To our dearest Dylan,

We are so thrilled to celebrate your 4th birthday with you. In honor of your birth, we've made sure you are surrounded by those who love and adore you. Your day (or should we say your week long celebration) is filled with things you love the most: trucks, airplanes, cars, legos, swimming, movie night, dip-dip, pizza, ice cream, and cookies. You've earned and certainly deserve it!

In days of you turning four, we are amazed with how you’ve come out of your shy and quiet shell. Your talkativeness, charm, and sense of humor is heart-warming and uplifting. You have quickly turned into the big brother Logan looks up to.

Your favorite food is mac and cheese (must be orange and not white), you love to sing "You are my sunshine", and you enjoy eating watermelons, strawberries, beans, and cheese. Your favorite color is purple. Santa Train (Polar Express) is still your favorite movie two years in a row and your liking for mow-mowing is strong and growing. Trucks, cars, and trains continue to be your obsession with the addition of airplanes.

We are so proud of you! We are eager and excited what this year will bring you. We wish for you to continue to flourish and develop your individual personality, to keep on learning and imagining great things, and to experience a childhood filled with fun, loving memories. Most of all, on your birthday, we wish for you to always know how much pleasure and bliss you bring into our lives.

Happy 4th Birthday, D!

We love you always.

Mommy and Daddy

Random Summer Fun

One of the things we absolutely love about summer is the time were spend with all of our families. Our calendar is filled with birthday parties, BBQs, food, get-togethers, halo-halos, laughs and fun. They kids look forward to the weekends because they know they'll spend it doing something fun and exciting.

Ate Odette's family visits NJ - SOME of the Valdez clan.

A train ride at Jenkinson'sone of Dylan's favorite rides

"swimming" at Grandma and Uncle Tommy's

Even baby Jaden joined all of the summer fun

Bike riding with Ate Cece

The kids love Grandma and Uncle Tommy's backyard where they can ride their bikes and cars all day long

slip and sliding at Lolo and Lola's house

Three Monkeys in a Tub

Having Ate Cece with us for the weekend is always lots of fun. Today, we decided to have a bubble bath before bedtime and the kids were thrilled. An hour later, we finally had to drag them out of the tub, into the shower then off to bed. Within minutes, they were knocked out!

Heat Wave

With the weather reaching above 100 degrees, the only way to stay cool is to jump into the water. After Mommy and Daddy's work, we'd drive to Frog Falls and let the kids play in the pool. Although it is hot and humid, by about the 5pm, the heat isn't as bad and the water feels great!

This week Dylan also decided that he no longer needs his swim bubble/vest. He's become overly confident with his swimming skills which makes Mommy and Daddy very nervous. Dylan is now fully enjoying swimming, jumping into the water and swimming on his own. Although we are proud of his progress, we wish that he'd be a little bit more careful and cautious in the deep end.

Six Flags Great Adventure

Not sure what possessed Lolo and Lola to take all the kids to Great Adventure, but they did along with Tita Nikki and Tito Raymund. Not only did they see giraffes and monkeys as they drove through the Wild Safari, but they also rode all of the kiddie rides. Dylan rode his first ferris wheel with tita Nikki and Ate Cece. Logan also got to ride several of the little kiddie rides with Lola Mia and Lolo. At about 5pm, Mommy called them and asked what time they were coming home. Apparently, no one wanted to come home and Dylan begged for them to stay longer. They spent the whole day there and tired out the oldies. Finally, at 8pm, just almost closing time, they all packed into Lolo's "airplane" and went home. Or should we say, went to Lolo and Lola Mia's house because the kids were not ready to part ways from Ate Cece. So as an added bonus, they got to sleep over at Lolo and Lola's house which was a first for them!