Nicholas is 16...SIXTEEN

OK...I have to say it because I say it every single year.  "I cannot believe my boy is another year older."  Who told him it was OK to turn 16???  And who told him he could get his PERMIT today??? OK. I helped him study and Danny took him to the test.  I literally cried when he sent me a text with the picture of his learner's permit. There were just no words...just tears. My baby boy is turning into a young man right before my eyes and will be on his own driving a car in just six short months.  Oh my heart.

No literally...my heart was in my throat as I let him drive me around our neighborhood about ten times and then I actually let him drive us to Subway for lunch. I was having a panic attack inside as I'm a total control freak, but honestly he did really well for his first day behind the wheel.  I think boys are just natural drivers. I don't imagine it will be this easy with my girls.

For dinner we went to Federal Hill in Providence for some delicious Caserta pizza...

Then back home for birthday cake, ice cream and presents...

Of course a birthday around here wouldn't be complete without a bag full of candy...

He's such a good boy and truly the love of my life.  Happy 16th birthday Nicholas!!! I love you to the ends of the earth.

Uncle Franny said something to make him laugh...but I'm not sure what...and I'm not so sure I want to know...

Puppies

Gianna in her glory holding and playing with a litter of puppies...

TYT camp Twister

Gianna spent a full week at theater camp and today they showed off all their hard work!  The play was called Twister. It was a spinoff of the Wizard of Oz and Wicked. All the kids did a great job. Gianna got to sing a solo part in the song "Popular" and did amazing as always!

All the NEDA girls who were in the play and other NEDA girls (including Julia) who came to watch and support their teammates...

Gianna's solo...

Gianna's the first one to flip...

Pool party

Julia had a pool party today for her friends on her 8th grade team "Liberty". They had a blast!!

Starpower Nationals 2017

It was quite the busy week at Mohegan Sun. We left on Monday for Julia's solo and Gianna's duo.  Then Tuesday was Julia's trio, all the large groups for both girls were on Wednesday, both acro teams and production were on Thursday and the Battle was on Friday.

Julia gave it her all for her solo "Cry Witch".  She was awesome! 

Gianna and Victoria also gave a fabulous final heartfelt performance of their duo "Papa"...

Both Gianna's duo and Julia's trio placed in the top 10!  Big accomplishment as there were so many beautiful routines.  Both finished in 7th place in the junior and teen categories.  How ironic is that? 

1st place "Pop Drop and Roll"...

1st place "Via Della Rosa"...

1st place Acro "One if by Land Two if by Sea"...

They were all on fire for the competition!!  What a tremendous performance!!

Gianna's crazy hair at the end of a long day in a bun.  She had me laughing so hard!

My gorgeous girl. She does all her own make up now and she does it so beautifully...

Walking through the casino after dinner...

12 and over GRAND LINE VICTORY CUP CHAMPION

"One if By Land Two if by Sea"

Gianna in "Pop Drop and Roll" her favorite dance...

Julia in "Via Della Rosa"...

I thought the picture above was great that was taken from the first performance. Then the photographer got the same picture of Julia at the Battle so of course I had to buy it again...

What a week!!

Backstreet Boys for the 8th time!

Yes...it was our 8th time seeing the Boys and at Fenway Park of all places!!  It was my first concert there and it was fantastic!! They weren't the headliner this time as they opened for Florida Georgia Line but they did a bunch of their songs and were awesome as always.

We had fabulous seats (thanks to a sales rep Danny works with).  Ninth row right on the field!!

It poured all day long but thankfully it stopped raining just in time for the concert.

So fun!!! Can't wait to see them again!