Family, Fish and Four-Footed Friend

It's been a busy weekend! My oldest son, Paul, and his beautiful, sweet girlfriend, Nicole, came down for a visit Thursday night. Paul had to come over from the western slope to Denver for his physical exam ~ He's getting lined up for Officer's Training Camp (I think that's what it's called...) for the Marines! So we had the pleasure of their company for a couple of days.

I know, I know, I'm a a biased mom ~ but I think they're jut a gorgeous couple...

It was a glorious, seventy degree day here in Colorado yesterday! And, since we knew there was a snow storm coming today ~ And, ohboy, is there ever a storm! It's about two degrees out right now with forty-mile-per-hour blowing snow! That's Colorado! If you don't like the weather, wait a while or walk a mile... Anyway, since Paul and Nicole had to get back for college classes on Monday, we had to adapt and celebrate our traditional Laetare Sunday bash on Saturday.

Ever since the Big Kids were the Little Kids, we've split up Lent with a blowout on this day ~ Pink Sunday. Rejoice Sunday! We're over the hump! Hallelujah! Half Way Through!

This year, in celebration, we took the children, including Paul and Nicole (but minus the four children in Omaha), my two sisters and my youngest brother out to an Italian restaurant suggested by Paul and Nicole. It was awesome! Great food! A great time (only dimmed a bit by a cranky two year old).

Here's the gang:

L: Cathy, Paul, Nicole, my brother, Dave R: Sis, Donna and Gabe

L: Aunt Nina and Anna R: Theresa

Daddy and William (As close to a smile as Yuyum got for most of the day!)

Then we all went to the Denver Aquarium.

Most of us had never been and we were all very impressed.

L: Gabe, Cathy and "Bruce." R: Theresa in diving gear.

Had to get a shot of my oldest and youngest together!

The Littles loved this ~ the "Finding Nemo" tank.

Uncle Dave and Gabe enjoying the reef. This crabby guy just looked like

dinner to us!

Check out this neon magenta guy and this shark was the

fellow that Gabriel came to see... Mean looking!

L: Jellies! R: This is the frog that cheered Yuyum up finally!

And then we went to pick up our puppy!

And here's the name we decided upon: Giabella!

It's a combination of suggestions. A little bit of an unusual name, maybe, but here's why: Gia, for St. Giavanna Bonomo, whose feast was yesterday. And Bella, because she's pretty, of course, and everyone really likes that name for her! We'll call her Bella for short. She is so cute and so mellow. We are totally in love with her!

You might remember we had wanted to get a little boy and a little girl puppy. In fact, the original plan was mainly to get a boy so we could name him Grigio, after St. John Bosco's miracle dog, and then to get the little girl as a companion for the boy. But, well, you know... "the best laid plans of mice and men!" The little boy didn't work out. Doggone! But, we're very pleased just to have Bella!

Now, we have two toddlers in the house! Mamamia!