2015

2015

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas letter 2011



Merry Christmas
2011!
Saying that 2011 has been busy would be an understatement! We started
out our year in New Jersey, and quickly decided we needed to be back in the south. We missed
the warm weather, friendly people and lower cost of pretty much everything! Once we made up our minds, Eddie had been offered a job in Raleigh within a week and we were on our way. We made our way to Apex, North Carolina and absolutely LOVE it here! We rented an apartment at first so we could look for a home, which we purchased on June 10th. Starting that day we got right to work making it “ours”. The kitchen was completely gutted, the whole interior painted (mostly by me! Whew!) and an endless task of projects was begun. The kitchen was our big project, and was finished in just 2 weeks!! Shortly after we moved in Eddie began a new project of remodeling the guest bath. That wasn’t as quick (4 MONTHS!!) but it looks absolutely beautiful and he did a great job. Little Eddie is now in 1st grade and doing great! He finally
convinced me to let him ride the bus, and he loves that. It’s great for me too, to get to know the
other moms on our street. He is also a 3rd level green belt in Tae Kwon Do! He loves to spar, and even lost a front tooth doing it- the tooth was hanging by a thread. But it was a cool story and he
was excited! A few days later he lost the other front tooth, so we all know what he wants for Christmas. J He is so very smart and sweet, and finally becoming a great eater! Now that’s worth
celebrating! He is an avid reader and loves to play Lego’s and use his imagination. Nicolas is going to preschool 3 days a week and loves the school and his two teachers. It is so wonderful to see him enjoying that and following the rules. At least he does it somewhere! He is just a love bug and always wants to be at home with his family. He has an endless supply of energy and can’t be bothered with sleeping all night. He loves to do puzzles, run around on his own playground and yard, and talk and sing constantly.
In February I turned 30!! We were in the moving process and my mom was with us to help, again. Thank goodness! Eddie surprised me with a special dinner out on the water overlooking New York City and giving me a beautiful Pandora bracelet. I was so proud of him! I am making new friends here in NC, and enjoying the MOPS group, which has always been a saving place
for me when we move. I love finally putting down roots and demanding that we stay here until the kids are out of school.
Eddie is excelling in his job here, and loving that he doesn’t have to commute to NYC anymore. He is able to work from home a lot, and most of his jobs are local. He was promoted with the Army Reserves to Warrant Officer II this summer and we are all so proud of him! He works hard for his family and takes pride in all he does. Having a home is giving him lots of practice on all things home related. A lot of them unexpected!
Eddie and I feel so blessed to have our own wonderful home and the two sweetest boys ever. We are grateful to have wonderful families and friends like you. May you have a wonderful holiday season.
With love,
Edward, Susan, Little Eddie and Nicolas
If you would like to follow our
family adventures, you can find us at http://www.falcofamilypics.blogspot.com/
If you would like to know all the
crazy things that happen to a girl living with 3 boys, you can find me at http://www.shesoutnumbered.com/

Friday, December 9, 2011

November


November was a fun, busy month at our house! The weather has been spectacular, with lots of sunny warm days. The boys have been having a blast getting a lot of use out of our yard and playground.
We went with our new friends and neighbors to the Home Depot kid craft day and had a great time! This will hopefully be a monthly thing with 2 neighbor families and the dads, while the moms relax and talk!

And.....after 4 short MONTHS, the guest bathroom is officially done!!! Eddie did an awesome job.

Thanksgiving weekend we were lucky enough to have Eddie's sister in town with her 3 kids. All the cousins had so much fun.
Playing follow the leader on a walk
The cousins!
The cousins being silly
After a walk Grandpa said he had a super fun game and whoever got the most was the winner! He passed out the bags and then.....
told them whoever got the most leaves off his grass was the winner!
Even though he gave up rather quickly, Nicolas ended up getting the most bags of leaves!
The next night the kids were at our house, and we lit our new fire pit for some night time outdoor fun. The kids all thought it was so fun to play in the dark!
Marshmellow time!

Then it was movie time. The last a good hour!
Before they left for home, we got a few cousins shots.
And of course one had to be a silly one!
Daddy with his boys. They ALWAYS want to be this close to us.
Getting our new home in the Christmas spirit! Ready for a fun month of holiday activities....

Monday, October 31, 2011

Fall fun

The second week Of October we headed to a Kids Fest that had all sorts of fun stuff to do and see.
Eddie, Nicolas and Cristani are checking out a penguin.
After a fun couple hours we went to the pumpkin decorating section. The kids worked hard to make some great ones! Eddie was very serious about his


Nicolas was the first one done and very proud

Then was Eddie, who was equally proud

Then Cristani! Good looking group of pumpkins.

And we met Clifford!!!!

The next weekend we drove out to Chapel Hill to explore. We hadn't been there before and it was so beautiful!! The weather was amazing and we had a great time walking around the little town, admiring the college buildings, and eating pizza and ice cream!



This weekend we had a fun Halloween party at Eddie's Tae Kwon Do. There was games, dancing, a pinata, a costume contest and even a Mummy your Mommy! (or Daddy) Eddie did a great job!

Love my boys! Cutest Mario and Luigi ever :)

Mrs. Johnson (co-owner and teacher) giving directions to the gang about the next activity

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Robert and Amy get married!!

The first of October my sweet little brother Robert married the love of his life, Amy! I was so happy to be able to be a part of it, but unfortunately I had to leave all my boys at home.
My first full day in Washington I got to have lunch with my original SAM family ladies! We were missing all the newbies (except for Evie) and had a great time eating the food from our roots- Hawaiian BBQ!!
THE moms :)

Back at the hotel we had a gathering for some snacks and wine

That night we had the "before wedding" party. Lots of fun! Me, Jen A. and Jen. M

SAM moms and daughters, and one daughter in law

With our new addition Amy!

Having some girl chat

Me and Jen with the groom!

Before we knew it, it was wedding day! My mom looked OUTSTANDING!!!

Missing Eric, but still happy for the love birds

With the bride!

Mom and Dad looking great and ready to have a new daughter!

Me and my Daddy

SAM moms and dads

Me, Barb and Jen

Barb, Jen A., m and Jen M.

SAM moms and daughters

My brother walking me to my seat

Waiting for the bride

Here comes the beautiful bride!





It's official!

Barb and I

Proud parents!

During the ceremony we had the computer with Skype up so everyone could talk with the best man, Eric. He got to watch the whole ceremony life thanks to this wonderful invention!

Bride, groom and best man

Aksts and Maynards with Eric

Aksts get some alone time with him

Dad and mom getting emotional while Aunt Susie looks on

Me and my awesome brothers

Time to cut the cake!

Only a little smooshing

First dance

The Akst women always cry when the father/daughter dance happens- or in this case, grandfather/granddaughter

Mother/son dance

Mrs. Mom A and dad having a nice moment

The SAM family takes over the stage to boogie!

Love my parents!

Aunt Susie, Uncle Larry and me

The SAM moms are *clearly* having an awesome time

Time for the bouquet toss- we made Jen stand in front



WOO! Looking for the garter

Tossing the garter

This is what I like to call.... The Money Shot

And this is what I like to call... The Money Shot That Sent An Entire Table Into Total Meltdown <3

Mom and Aunt Meg

Uncle Denny, Aunt Susie, mom and Aunt Meg having a great time

The twins getting down on the dance floor!

REALLY getting down!

And they looked great!

Time for a conga line!

Dancing with my girls



The new Charlie's Angels

Aunt Meg was about at the end of her fun havin time

Post wedding there was karaoke in our hotel. The bride and groom were "romanced" and maybe had to try hard not to laugh.


But luckily Bobby and his guys were awesome!

It was a beautiful wedding and just an absolutely awesome time!! Love you Bobby and Amy!!