Ramos Family Adventures

It's Pinewood Derby Time!

2012-02-01T11:46:00.002-05:00

Joe helped Manny build his Pinewood Derby car down in the "man cave". For which special new tools were purchased just for the occasion. Manny's friend Ethan was here to watch:

And of course Kenzie had to be right there with the boys:

Woohoo a Visit with Uncle!!

2012-02-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

Christmas with the Mosley's

2012-01-31T16:45:00.004-05:00

Christmas Memories...

2012-01-31T16:14:00.000-05:00

Our Little Dancing Queen

2012-01-26T14:58:00.001-05:00

Kenzie took ballet lesson at Calvary Chapel with Mrs. Elisha and loved every minute of it. She was the youngest (and often most well-behaved according to Mrs. Elisha...hmmm...Kenzie has worked her spell again, haha).

The girls put on a Christmas performance at church and did an amazing job:

A little pre-preformane prayer:

Picking out the tree!

2012-01-09T10:16:00.004-05:00

Advent

2011-12-30T17:47:00.002-05:00

We decided instead of and Advent calendar this year, the kids would take turns opening a book each night before Christmas. The kids were very excited. Some of these books were already in our collection and some were new books.

What you look like when you are allowed to pick the first book (I put their names in a hat and drew Manny's as the first name.)

What you look like when you are over-tired and you are not allowed to pick the first book:

Just to be fair, here is Kenzie picking the book for December 2:

Veteran's Day Parade

2011-12-30T17:33:00.001-05:00

Kenzie and I hung out with some of her friends at ABC Preschool to watch the Veterans Day Parade. Kenzie is second from the right:

We saw a lot of Veterans (who were VERY excited to see all of the little kids waving their flags!)

And then, look who is making his parade debut as Tiger Cub!!

A little education for the parents

2011-12-30T17:22:00.002-05:00

Manny's class recently spent 2 months studying Native American cultural and history and did a museum-style presentation for all of the parents. Manny was our tour guide as he led us around the room to each exhibit.

I, Manny, promis to do my duty...

2011-12-30T17:10:00.000-05:00

...to be a very proud Cub Scout!

It's a good thing we have a Tiger Cub in the house...

2011-12-30T17:04:00.002-05:00

WAY too much information, but too funny not to share

2011-10-10T19:07:00.001-04:00

Manny and I were discussing his new school and I was asking him if he liked having brand new bathrooms with automatic hand warmers (it's the little things that impress a 6-year-old).

Manny then says he doesn't poop (can't believe I just typed that) at school because the toilets are "WAY too loud and you know what? Sometimes they flush when I haven't even finished! Can you believe that?" Then he goes on to explain to me how he stands to the side of the toilet when he urinates so that the sensor doesn't go off before he's finished.

(I apologize to anyone who is offended by the grossness of this post, but come one, he's a funny kid).

Kenzie says...

2011-10-10T18:54:00.000-04:00

eye lacks=eye lashes

lumberjack cheese=colby jack cheese

The other day Kenzie was reading to me from her book, she stopped and asked, "Mama, what is this upside-down i and how come it is at the end of my sentence?" She was asking about the exclamation point.

Breakfast with the cousins and then a morning of fun

2011-09-26T20:17:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a busy day! We started the morning by having breakfast with the cousins at Denny's.

Grace, Makenzie, Richelle and Manny had their own table...no adults allowed! They were all very well behaved and had a great time.

Then we headed to Build and Grow at Lowe's where I need to remind myself NOT to try to help the kids with their projects. When I help we always have to remove nails and re-do at least a few steps.

Then to the fun part. Lowe's had firetrucks, ambulances, an army truck, and a game warden boat there for the kids to see.

Manny was so excited that the man let Manny try on his helmet...

...and the sunglasses...

...and let him in the truck...

...AND let him start the truck....

...can you tell he was a little excited?!

Trent is four!

2011-09-26T19:47:00.001-04:00

What do the rest of us do while the big kids are at school?

2011-09-26T19:09:00.002-04:00

We go to the gym, of course! Where Christine and I have finally convinced Heather to join us!

Reed, Kristian and Makenzie at Bagel Central (is there really any other place to have lunch?):

After they have lunch it is the tradition to go pick out a petite-four, which is no easy task.

Safety first as we walk down the street!

Kenzie's first day of Pre-School

2011-09-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

Makenzie is attending ABC Pre-School again this year on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.

She was very ready to go this year:

First day of 1st grade

2011-09-02T15:52:00.002-04:00

How do we start first grade? With chocolate chip pancakes, of course. Manny woke up early and was ready to go to school...he was a little sad to have to wait a couple of hours for the bus to come.

First Grade Already?

2011-09-02T11:25:00.001-04:00

To say that Manny was excited to go to the open house at the new Brewer Community School was a bit of an understatement! One of his best friends, Ethan pulled in right next to us, which made Manny even more excited.

Running around in the Pre-K through grade 5 gym:

Sitting at his desk. Manny was super excited to have desks and not tables this year.

Checking out their mailboxes:

and he even has a locker in the hallway!

The cafeteria (quite an improvement!)

"Hey, Mama, we have a REAL library!"

Saying good-bye to Summer

2011-09-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

We ended the Summer with our best friends at Sandy Point Beach.

And then, it was time to go home!

...but first one more picture.

Last day of swimming lessons!

2011-09-01T18:07:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday GG!

2011-09-01T17:49:00.002-04:00

We spent the morning with GG for her 88th Birthday! I don't know who was more excited, GG or Manny and Makenzie.

On the way home on the interstate we saw the strangest thing. We thought it was a horse sticking his head out a window...turns out it was:

Playground time

2011-08-31T04:26:00.002-04:00

Apparently it was a kissing kind of day:

Just another day at the pool

2011-08-31T04:18:00.001-04:00

A little geocaching in Orono

2011-08-31T03:47:00.005-04:00

Manny signing the log:

Seriously, how awesome is this tree?

The kids "always need" walking sticks when walking through the woods...or whenever there is a stick on the ground...

A beach day with Josh and TT

2011-08-30T21:32:00.003-04:00

They dug a hole...and hit the water table:

Kenzie decided that Daddy should be included in the beach day:

Grampa and Manny: Dudes Day 2011

2011-08-30T21:22:00.002-04:00

Grampa took Manny on a "Dude's Day" for his Birthday.

Boy was Manny surprised when Grampa came to the house "all dressed up":

Grampa changed into his regular clothes and they headed out to the movies and for lunch:

Grampa and Kenzie:
Grampa and Manny:

A visit to the farm

2011-08-18T06:56:00.002-04:00

This is Penelope. We met Penelope last year when she was only a couple of hours old! She is huge now!

Feeding the one-year olds:

All the kids:
And their Moms:

A day at Old Town Splash Pad

2011-08-17T06:28:00.003-04:00

An afternoon in Dexter

2011-07-25T11:53:00.004-04:00

Lot of love for GG!

A little dance party with Mom (on the fireplace stage, of course)

Manny impressing everyone by his reading skills:

And of course root beer floats:

Mom was trying to teach the kids how to play three-handed cribbage. This is a very difficult task when she didn't really know how to play three-handed cribbage.

A ride in Grampa's cool "no roof" car
and a little time to water the blueberry bushes

More fun at GG's

2011-07-25T07:11:00.002-04:00

Yummm..watermelon:

GG let Kenzie put very glittery makeup on her:

Manny decided to try salt on his watermelon, just like GG:

What did we do with those strawberries?

2011-07-25T06:55:00.002-04:00

We took them to GG's for some strawberry shortcake!

Yes, I believe this stand mixer came over on the Mayflower! GG recieved this mixer on their first Wedding Anniversary from Gramp (so it's 72 years old!)

Strawberry Picking

2011-07-25T06:45:00.002-04:00

The kids and I went to Corinna to pick some strawberries. The kids had a great time and were very excited at the thought of picking strawberries (for about 5 minutes and then it was all me haha).

Mini Golfing at Pirates Cove

2011-07-25T06:39:00.000-04:00

Fourth of July Fun!

2011-07-12T06:28:00.004-04:00

Pool day with friends

2011-07-11T07:16:00.004-04:00

We spent the day at the pool with McKayla, Roman and Reed (we missed Kristian and Christine...but a lesson had to be taught, haha).

McKayla giving some last minute instructions for the very involved game they were playing:

Jump Manny!

Double Jump!
Jump McKayla:

Enjoying a little snack:
Starting another game:

Track Star!

2011-07-11T06:57:00.003-04:00

Manny joined the Brewer Rec Track team this year and is having a great time. His friend Colin is on the team and they love hanging out all week.

All smiles BEFORE they start running:

Doing some warm-up exercises across the field:

Sandy Point Beach!

2011-07-08T05:51:00.003-04:00

Corinna Union Academy Reunion

2011-07-08T05:24:00.004-04:00

Recently I had the opportunity to take Gram to her 89th High School Reunion (89th!!) at Corinna Union Academy. It was really interesting to see where Gram went to High School and to go through the museum. They had copies of year books from just about every year! I really enjoyed my night with Gram and I think she did too.

Gram and Marion Collins, the only two students remaining from their class and still great friends:

Gram on the steps of Corinna Union Academy (that is now a museum)...can't you just picture her standing here 89 years ago?

Gram's Senior Yearbook photo and statistics, big surprise, she was involved in a lot of activities:

Gram on the basketball team (holding the basketball):

"One Who Has Done Most for the School":

Yearbook Staff (5th from the left in the front row):

Holding a picture of her brother in his graduating class:

Look how hot my date for the night is:

This is the way we wash the car at the Ramos house...

2011-07-07T06:11:00.002-04:00

A Walk in City Forest

2011-07-07T05:44:00.002-04:00

We decided to take the kids on a little 3 mile walk through City Forest. It was a gorgeous day and we all had a great walk.

Of course, they had to pick up walking sticks and reference "Master Yoda"

Kenzie had to stop and examine several different kinds of flowers:

Joe showed the kids different kinds of trees:

Manny found a friend from school:

Manny's 6th Birthday Party!

2011-07-05T08:56:00.005-04:00

Manny chose Lego Star Wars for his Birthday Party (was there any other choice?)

The three amigos, McKayla, Manny and Roman (with their best smiles, of course)!

Most of the kids...I can't believe we could get them all to sit still!

Awesome Uncle Louis entertaining the kids with silly string!

Kenzie's last day of preschool

2011-07-01T18:37:00.003-04:00

Kenzie finished her last day of preschool for the year at ABC. She had a great year and is excited to go back next fall.

Mrs. Chelle
Mrs. Charlene:
Mrs Jeanie:
Mrs. Cheryl:

Last day of kindergarten

2011-07-01T18:27:00.002-04:00

June 15, 2011 was Manny's last day of kindergarten and now he's an official first grader!

Manny and Ethan (who have been in pre-k, kindergarten and will be together again in 1st grade with Mrs. Higgs...they were a little excited!)

Manny and Mrs. Bangs, his kindergarten teacher

Manny, Brianna and Kenzie playing after school:

At the Farm

2011-07-01T18:23:00.002-04:00

For an end-of-the-year performance, all the kindergartners put on a performance titled, "At the Farm". They spent the whole year learning how to square dance and learned the words to 10 songs. Manny loved square dancing and they all did a great job!

Manny and Grace, his dance partner:

Michael, Manny and Colin:

Playdate and lunch? Yes, please.

2011-06-13T20:39:00.003-04:00

Kenzie and Kristian had a fun morning at the park.

And then we headed to lunch at our favorite spot, Bagel Central. The kids know if they behave during lunch and eat their fruit, they can each have a petite four.

Deciding what kind they were going to have:

Placing their order:

Comparing the insides (which were different colors):

Kid Central Festival

2011-06-13T20:18:00.003-04:00

Bangor held its First Annual Kids Central Festival and of course we were in attendance.

We went to The Central Street Farmhouse to learn how to make root beer. Manny was very excited about this and even brought home the recipe. Each of the kids were able to bring home a bottle of root beer after learning about the long process to make it.

Then it was on to Giacomo's to make cannolis. The kids waited in line for quite a while to make their cannoli:

and it turns out that they were WELL worth the wait:

Little Sluggers

2011-06-13T20:06:00.002-04:00

Manny started playing Little Sluggers T-ball and he loved it! They had games on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Of course he was joined with two of his best friends:

Manny, Ethan and Kaleb:

Easter Egg Time!

2011-06-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

chocolate, sprinkles, frosting, and candy...OH MY!

2011-06-13T19:45:00.003-04:00

Ethan and Addison came over to play so we decided it would be a good idea to make cupcakes!

The kids had a great time making the cupcakes, and decorating them. The hard part? Waiting for them to cool so they could decorate them!

A Visit to Westbrook

2011-06-13T19:22:00.005-04:00

The kids and I decided to visit Uncle John, Aunt Carol, Sarah and Chris over April vacation. The kids pretty much think their house is the best place ever!

Kenzie had some bonding time with Remy...

...and with Chris:
The kids had a great time running around the Old Port and were convinced there was a geocache at every lamp post and landmark.

jumping on the bed with Chris:
Angry Birds!
Hanging out at LL Bean

Lucy!

2011-05-23T15:30:00.001-04:00

Both Manny and Makenzie love when Lucy comes to visit. Manny likes to remind Becky when he has vacation so we can schedule a play date!

Visit with Josh and TT

2011-05-23T15:23:00.002-04:00

Once again Josh and TT traveled from Boston to visit us for a weekend. Josh participated in the Kenduskeag Canoe Race as he does every year, however, this year was so cold! The kids and I did not watch the canoe race, but had a fun visit with Josh and TT.

Wake up Uncle Josh!

Kenzie convinces another victim to play Candy Land:

Kenzie and TT:

Healthy Kids Day

2011-05-22T18:10:00.002-04:00

Roman turns 6!

2011-05-01T19:28:00.002-04:00

A date with Manny

2011-04-20T09:21:00.005-04:00

I had the opportunity to have a Mother-Son date with Manny. We went to John Bapst to see their production of Beauty and the Beast.

Manny decided that we should dress up for the event, so we went to the store because Manny wanted to wear a shirt and tie. He wanted a bow tie, but we couldn't find one.

We had great seats in the balcony. Manny was very excited to see Beauty and the Beast.
A standing ovation:
Manny was so impressed with the play and said that he liked the play better than the movie and wanted to go see the show again.

Manny and Gaston:
Manny and Belle:

Kenzie's in the kitchen

2011-04-19T14:53:00.002-04:00

Kenzie loves to cook. If she hears someone in the kitchen she runs out and asks if she can help.

Kenzie recently got to help Grammy make apple crisp...yum!

Playdate with Lucy.

2011-04-19T14:34:00.002-04:00

Two crazy kids!

2011-04-19T14:26:00.001-04:00

Diva Day!

2011-04-19T13:32:00.002-04:00

For Makenzie's 3rd Birthday Grampa took Kenzie out for a Diva Day. She chose where to go, where to shop, where to eat, everything.

Kenzie was very excited to get to spend a whole day with just her and Grampa. She decided that she wanted to ride the escalator at Macy's, go to Wendy's for lunch and have a "white ice cream cone at the mall". Mission Accomplished.

Manny's Current Fashion Accessory

2011-04-19T13:28:00.001-04:00

Manny doesn't go anywhere without his belt...even to bed!

Yep, snow, we've had a lot of it!

2011-03-14T20:03:00.004-04:00

Kenzie Says....

2011-03-07T06:18:00.002-05:00

"I don't really like my body, Mama. It's almost gray colored. Maybe I should paint my body a different color like pink and add some sparkles. Then it would be really pretty. Wouldn't that be neat?"

Inuntating=Irritating
Roseberry=Raspberry
Race-offs=erasers
Walkie Hawkie=Walkie Talkie

Kenzie recently had a Diva Day with Grampa. A few days before the Diva Day Grammy was asking Kenzie where her and Grampa were going to go for lunch.

Kenzie replied, "Wendy's".
Grammy said, "well what if Grampa would rather go to a more special place than Wendy's?". Kenzie thought for a second and said, "Well, Grampa hasn't been to Wendy's in a long time and it will be special because he will be going to Wendy's with me."

When Kenzie grows up she would like to be a jump house so that all of her friends can come over, take their shoes off and jump. I try to clarify with her that she wants to own a jump house, but no she actually wants to be a jump house (this has gone on for at least a year).

One day I covered Kenzie in kisses. She looked at me all disgusted and said, "stop it! I can't move now those kisses are too heavy. Take some back!" She proceeded to wipe the kisses off and throw them at me.

A little arts and crafts with GG

2011-02-27T19:03:00.001-05:00

Makenzie's Birthday Party

2011-02-25T07:05:00.002-05:00

Kenzie had her third Birthday Party at Bangor Brewer Bowling Lanes. The kids got to bowl and we had pink cupcakes (with "sparkles", of course).

Guess Who Came to Visit?

2011-02-24T13:11:00.002-05:00

UNCLE! Uncle came to visit all the way from Arizona (in the winter...how crazy is he?!). He flew into Boston and then came into Bangor on the bus in the middle of a blizzard (welcome to Maine!) The kids loved having him visit even if it was just for a few days.

Making a house out of gum packages and oven mitts:

Coloring:

Playing Lego Star Wars:

Spending time with Grammy and GG!

2011-02-24T12:55:00.001-05:00

Everyone enjoys a good cup of coffee in the morning!

2011-01-25T19:50:00.000-05:00

Someone had a Birthday!

2011-01-20T16:18:00.002-05:00

On January 8, Makenzie turned 3 years old, and what a (multi-day) event it was! Makenzie decided to make pumpkin cupcakes with pink (of course) frosting and lots of "sparkles" (of course) to take to school:

Happy Birthday McKayla

2011-01-12T11:58:00.002-05:00

McKayla turned 6 and decided that it was time to celebrate at McDonald's!

Christmas Morning

2011-01-12T11:44:00.002-05:00

Christmas morning was spent at home, just the four of us. It was a nice relaxing morning and we all enjoyed each other's company (okay, and the presents!)

Manny wanted a Colonial Boy costume (like from Age of Empires) and was so excited to open it up Christmas morning:

Makenzie was so happy to have a Peppermint Patty in her Christmas Stocking...

...and some Princess band aides:

Manny had some Star Wars cookie cutters:

A nice family picture (I might post the out-takes another day...there were a lot!)

Christmas Eve Part Two

2011-01-11T15:45:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve Part One

2011-01-11T15:30:00.002-05:00

We spent some time in Fort Fairfield with Nana, Papa, Josh and Kristina.

Kenzie telling Papa that he should look at the camera:

Kenzie was very excited to give TT her presents that she had picked out for her:

It was getting late and Kenzie loved to snuggle with Lady:

TT, Josh and Kenzie!

Art Museum

2011-01-08T13:57:00.003-05:00

One Saturday before Christmas Manny, Makenzie and I headed to the Museum of Art in Bangor to participate in some more Christmas Crafts.

Inside the museum they had about 10 stations set up with a different craft at each table.

The kids made Christmas cards:

They did a weaving activity:
They painted a snowy still-life picture:

They made ornaments:

and they made "stained glass" pictures (sharpies on tin foil-who knew?)

Of course after such a long day of crafting, we had to go to lunch:

Getting Ready for Christmas

2011-01-08T13:42:00.002-05:00

Manny and Makenzie participated in Christmas Crafts at the Library the week before Christmas.

An afternoon of painting with The Three Amigos

2011-01-08T13:29:00.003-05:00

After having a rough start to the afternoon (which involved several parrots, an empty bottle of vodka, a lady covered in glitter and strange smells), we ended up having a wonderful time at Paper and Clay in Bangor.

Manny, McKayla and Roman picked out a snowman cocoa mug and Kenzie picked out a dragonfly to paint.

McKayla trying to communicate the exact shade of each color that the kids needed:

Of course, after the kids put the first coat of paint on they were done...so the Mom's stepped right in and took over the painting!

Visiting the Museum

2011-01-07T19:02:00.003-05:00

Decorating for Christmas...

2011-01-04T19:44:00.003-05:00

Playdate with Kristian

2011-01-04T19:33:00.002-05:00

Kenzie has been having a great time having playdates with friends. Kristian and Kenzie are very close (and have been since she was born). I have heard a rumour that Kenzie may be the only girl invited to Kristian's Birthday Party...what an honor!

Playdate with Lucy

2011-01-04T19:20:00.002-05:00

Kenzie and Lucy had the chance to have a couple of playdates recently. It is very cute to see how they play together (or play next to each very territorially as young girls do). Kenzie does enjoy having "my friend Lucy" over to play!

Christmas Photo

2010-12-01T20:39:00.001-05:00

Simply Scarlet Snowflake Christmas

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Nick's Birthday Party

2010-11-19T05:32:00.001-05:00

It's Pumpkin Carving Time!

2010-11-12T19:16:00.001-05:00

A trip to Treworgy's

2010-11-08T19:45:00.000-05:00

What do we do when Daddy is home on medical leave?

2010-11-08T19:08:00.004-05:00

Kenzie catches up on a little paperwork:
Manny and Daddy build a shelf:

Kenzie gets a story read to her:

Manny beats Daddy at chess:

Kenzie beats Daddy at Candy Land:

...and of course there is a lot of Lego playing:

2010-09-14T19:25:00.002-04:00

I happened to walk by Makenzie while she was laying in bed reading. I should mention that I had a dark chocolate Hersey Kiss in my mouth and that Kenzie can sense chocolate from at least a mile away.

She looked at me, and asked, "Mama, what are you eating?"
I said, "a snack"
Kenzie: "What kind of a snack?"
Me: "a snack"
Kenzie pondered this for a few seconds and then said, "I think I would like to have a hug please".
Knowing that the end was near, I leaned down to give her a hug.
Kenzie pulled away, thought for another few seconds and said, "Mama, I smell something brown, do you have chocolate?"

Guess who else got a dark chocolate Hersey kiss?

Build and Grow at Lowe's

2010-09-11T13:05:00.001-04:00

A little dirt never hurt!

2010-09-09T20:30:00.002-04:00

A little Lego Time

2010-09-09T19:39:00.001-04:00

It's Apple Pie Time!

2010-09-09T19:26:00.002-04:00

Look who else went to school this year!

2010-09-08T19:39:00.004-04:00

Kenzie started preschool this year at ABC Preschool in Brewer. She attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-12:30pm. She brings her lunch to eat with her friends.

Balloons!

Everyday the teacher writes on the board a message for kids:

Makenzie' cubby and her cup:

All ready for school:

What does Kenzie do as soon as Manny is on the bus?

2010-09-06T21:03:00.005-04:00

She runs home:

She paints:

She plays with play doh:

When she is done, it's 9:30am and we still have a good 6 hours before Manny will be home, what to do with the rest of the day?

At first she repeated, "Mama, let's go get Manny from school", "Mama is it time for Manny to come home yet?"

and then we made macoroni and cheese for lunch and all was right in the world:

Kindergarten!

2010-09-06T20:48:00.002-04:00

Manny started kindergarten at Capri Street School in Brewer on August 30, 2010. He was ready to go to school and loved the fact that he got to go to school ALL DAY!

We started the morning with our traditional chocolate chip pancakes!

We took the posed pictures in the backyard:

One last hug before the bus came:

And there he goes:

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten...

2010-09-06T07:45:00.003-04:00

...and Manny requested lobster and mussels for his "last meal"