Colfax Dean McKown

I'd like to introduce you to Colfax Dean McKown. Born June 8th, 2009 weighing in at 8 pounds 9 ounces. Yes - I did say - JUNE! We've been busy. I'VE been busy, so I am not going to apologize about taking almost 8 months to get to this point. Here are some pictures of our family of four!

Pucci's Farm with ITT

Lori asked us to help out onthe farm since the base ITT had organized a trip to the farm for the day. Jack obviously took care of the tractor. Each time we go to the farm - where there is a tractor - Jack can be found! He especially likes this old Ford tractor that pulls all the hay around the farm. He calls himself a "worker man" or "the farmer" depending on the task at hand. The other day Matt and some of the guys were hanging out with Jack and started up the tractor for him - he DID NOT like the tractor when it was turned on...TOO LOUD. He just loves to quietly play in his own make believe world.

We helped folks pet the horses and we were in charge of the grill too. We cooked hamburgers for the tour group along with a ton of italian sausage. This sausage was VERY FRESH since the pigs were all there last week....and they are no longer there this week! We did not specifically ask - but Lori confirmed that she had seen the sausage hanging in the barn.

We're planning on having Jacks fourth birthday over at the farm. It is Jacks favorite place to be and there is tons of space and its easy to grill out a bunch of hot dogs too! We'll have pony rides and a hay ride. I do not think we'll invite a ton of kiddos - but just our regular Motta kid play group and maybe a few folks that we're closer to from his daycare and our school and their children. I know many of our adult friends are curious about this farm we dissappear to all the time. It will be fun to show them how beautiful and tranquil a day at the farm can feel. I think mid-April is also a perfect time of the year for the event.

Enjoy the pics! Miss you all and love you tons!

Bandar and Belly Dancing

Amber's husband Bandar was in town for a few weeks and we all went out to a magnificent restaurant called Casablanca to celebrate his birthday. Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Cous Cous...so many yummy foods! We ate straight from 8 through to 11:00! The belly dancer was great and even came over to our table towards the end of the evening and got the majority of the folks from our table to dance for the final song.

You'd better believe me when I tell you that three hours of eating followed by an attempt to wiggle ones pregnant belly and hips is a very fast way to major heart burn! So worth the pain though...

DL and the Mrs make it to Sicily...

As Dave pointed out on my Facebook account I have been remiss in posting anything from our visit last September. SORRY guys!

We had a wonderful time and terrific weather.

- We went out to Taormina and enjoyed a lovely day on the beach before hitting the town for some lunch and some shopping. Unfortunately the greek theater was closed.

- We were able to make it to the greek theater in Syracusa followed by a tour of the Ortigia.

- The weather was perfect for a day in Agrigento as well.

- Catania tried to evade us but Tara found a neat seafood spot that served us some very yummy plates on one late night out.

Jack travelled along on most visits and behaved very well. About once a month he'll ask me when Dave and Tara are coming back for another visit.

Hopefully you'll all enjoy a few of my favorite pictures from our time with Dave and Tara. Tara - We need another lunch date with an amazing view! Dave - Close your eyes in salt water. We miss you guys. Looking forward to seeing you this summer.

Fancy Pants...

Jack has decided that when we go to any house, at any time, it must be for a party. We were invited over to the Corey's house the other day and Jack was sure to be in his propoer party attire. He HAD to wear the tie on the outside of the sweater...always the trend setter. This is VERY much his Uncle Kurt circa '84.

Holiday break at Pucci's

We spent the afternoon at the farm the other day and just walked around and explored. We wondered off through one of the orchards and ended up in a field of clovers that were well over a foot tall filled with blooming yellow flowers. We felt like we were in our own little world and took turns being the leader through our own personal jungle.

Santa comes to Sicily

Christmas morning was wonderful! Not only did Jack sleep in until about 9 am - but we took our time opening gifts and really enjoyed the day to its fullest. I was shocked that Jack did not come running down the stairs and start ripping into gifts - but instead he really enjoyed picking one from under the tree and taking it to the owner and "helping" them to open each gift. This year he had a few more complicated gifts that need some assembly so after opening we would take a break while we put it together and we'd all play a while. I am sure that these long - quiet days of Christmas are limited... I cannot imagine two little boys being quite as calm! After a few hours of opening and playing Jack said he was "all done with presents for now" and we read some books and he took a long nap in his new sleeping bag even though there were still many gifts left to open. It's the firt of January today and we are still opening a gift here and there.

Jack LOVED his sleeping bag and his hungry hungry hippo game!!! Those were the two biggest hits this year. He has taken his own photos of each of them and I'll download some of his pics for all to see soon.

Merry Christmas to all and I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday!