Let's Play Catch Up!!!

It seems as though it has been forever since I have posted on our Family Blog. I am trying to post updates on a more regular basis, but, as we all know life gets busy and before we know it, the day is gone. The last few days at the Alcala house have been busy, but SUPER FABULOUS!!! Mimi and Papa are visiting from Illinois and it seems time goes by even quicker when they're here. This just proves that "Time flies when you're having fun." It is times like this where we wish we could "slow the clock down." Luckily, we live in a beautiful city that has bunches to offer and tons to do. It seems we never struggle to find things to do and truly enjoy spending time together, whether it be lounging on the beach, watching a movie, going out to eat or playing a game of cards while enjoying a cocktail.

They arrived last Thursday, April 15th and depart this Saturday, April 24th. Since their arrival we have been to the beach, played in the water fountains at the marina, shopped, gone out to eat, Rico and Papa have gone golfing, Papa built Avery a sandbox, Mom and I did some more shopping, and last but CERTAINLY not least, we went to Orlando for 2 days where we ventured to Disney World (that's an ENTIRE post of its own.) Needless to say, there are tons of pictures (to be posted soon) and tons of memories that will carry on forever. Cheers to GREAT times with family.

The rest of the Birthday Party Pictures.....

Here are the rest of the pictures from Avery's birthday party. Slowly, but surely we are getting these uploaded to the computer and on the blog.





Our happy, little family pose together for a picture with the birthday boy.

Carol and her 12 month old Chloe Belle relax on the swing and enjoy the festivities.

And.....the birthday cake....Thomas the Train theme.....what else?

......still "taking it all in....." Chloe Belle hittin the bottle.

"Wait, you need more tattoos, Becca. Hold still." says Avery.

Avery cheers on Shayla while she eats her pizza. "Go Team Shayla, Go."

The kiddos all "swimmed out" and ready for pizza....and cake too!!!

Ivette serves pizza to all the chitlins.

Triple A turns 2!!!

So, after we met Thomas the Train and spent the day with him, we had to go home and rest up as we were having a party at night to celebrate with the rest of Avery's friends. 4:00 came around and he was rested up and ready to PARTAY again.



Eating pizza and chicken wings with all my friends. Being 2 is tough!!!

Avery and Becca pose in between bites................. say CHEESE!!!!

Some of the daddies enjoying "The Masters."

Becca, Brianna and Arrianna pose for a sassy picture after a water fight.

Avery FLIES down the water slide while Camdyn wets her slide to FLY down her slide.

Miranda and Camdyn engage in a water fight
Avery takes a break from the party to mow the lawn....we have him trained well!!!

Here is Camdyn (pre-pool) sporting Avery's swim shirt and swim trunks. She said "the flowers on her outfit were just lovely." I think so too!!!

Janelle and Ivette swing along with birthday boy. This boy gets more female attention than ANY MAN OUT THERE.

Thomas the Train!!!

Sunday, April 11th we celebrated Avery's 2nd birthday. His actual birthday was April 10th, but we had the big bash on Sunday. We started off by taking him to meet Thomas the Train in Parrish, Florida. He is a HUGE "Thomas" Fan and thought he would LOVE to meet him in person. We brought along Avery's 2 big sisters (our neighbor girls Rebecca and Brianna and their mom, Ivette) These girls are literally, like big sisters. They have watched Avery grow up since day one. We had a great time. We took a ride on Thomas, played mini-golf, ate TONS of healthy, carnival food, played in the sand, bounced in the bounce house and listened to great music. It was a fun filled day had by all.







Watch out Phil (Mickelson) here comes your competition. (notice I didn't say Tiger Woods)





This sandbox was PURE enjoyment for him. He would have stayed here for HOURS...if we let him.

Up close and personal with Thomas.

Family Photo.......yes, Thomas is part of our family.

Avery and his 2 sisters walk between the trains. "Avery, you hold their hands the whole way." As if he would let these girls out of his sight.

Riding on Thomas. Avery watches as we ride down the tracks.

All of the group, minus Ivette, on the train. (somebody had to take the picture.)

Still on the train....................

We were given an UNLIMITED supply of temporary tattoos. Avery took it upon himself to apply the tattoos to everyone. By the end of the day, Rebecca was COVERED in tattoos.

"Daddy, you still need MORE tattoos, the 20 you already have isn't enough."

The Whole Gang on Thomas the Train.

There he is........the one and only...........THOMAS THE TRAIN!!!!

Truckin along the tracks.........

After our visit with Thomas the train we headed home for nap time. At 4:00 we had a party with the rest of my friends. Stay tuned for pictures from that fiesta.

Easter Day

Easter Bunny found us!!! Yes, he did. Last year, Avery's birthday fell on Good Friday which meant Easter was 2 days away from his birthday.... so, it all kinda blended together. This year Easter was 1 week before his birthday, which made it nice to enjoy Easter alone and have 1 week to look forward to his birthday/party. However, this is the first year in 8 years (we have now lived in Florida for 8 years) that we have spent Easter WITHOUT Mimi and Papa. So, it seemed odd to wake up Easter morning without their great company. But, we made do. No worries, Mimi and Papa will be here in one week. We'll make up for it then.


Avery finds what the Easter bunny left him....of course, he goes for the shovel first.

Avery and mommy at his Godparents house. We spend Easter with them where we had great food and an exciting Easter egg hunt.

Avery looking for the "Golden" egg.

Jamie comes around to help him while mommy films. (she knew where all the GOOD eggs were hidden)

Still on the lookout. "Son, you've got tons more room in that basket, keep lookin"

"Whoa, an egg in the gutter??? I GOT IT!!!"

Avery and Jadyn help one another. "Ill give you one of mine, if you give me one of yours," says Avery.

Time to eat. The hunt is over and there were some hungry folks.

Spring Training Baseball!!!

A great day at the ball park, yes it was!!! Sarasota is now where the Baltimore Orioles hold their spring training. All the years past it has been the spring training home of the Cinncinnati Reds, who are now in Arizona. Lucky for us, we lost one team to gain another team, who has in fact FILLED the stands at Ed Smith Stadium. Anyhow, last Tuesday while Rico's cousin and his girlfriend were in town, we went to one of the games where the seats were full, the sun was shining, the beer was cold and hey, who can beat first base seats, 3 rows up from the field???

Johnny, Kristin, Rico and Jessi pose in front of the stadium, but behind our own Triple A. "Relax, Avery, put your feet up."


"Thirsty Son? How 'bout an ice cold Pepsi?" (for those that REALLY know me, know that I would NEVER let Avery drink soda....it was water) But this makes a cute pepsi commercial, right?

Johnny and Kristin catching some rays and drinkin' a cold Bud Light....hey, it was a rough day at the ball park......somebody's gotta do it!!!

Just a view............ Clear skies, palm trees wavering in the wind.....

Say Cheese!!!

Well, Avery is almost 2. WHAT??? 2 years old, already? Boy, do kids grow up fast? This means its time to get MORE pictures taken. In the past, we have always gone to Sears for pictures and for the most part, I have been satisfied with the pictures there. However, the last few times they have been terrible pictures. (I won't babble on as to why they are terrible). Anyhow, a very close friend of mine has recently purchased a fancy camera that she can do all kinds of fancy things with. She graciously offered to come along to the park yesterday and snap some shots of our little toddler. Below are some of the proofs. She did great. We have some cropping to do and then they go to press. Thanks, Carol for an easy, stress-free, successful photo session.....oh, and our little model cooperated too!!! Take a look and enjoy.