Islands of Adventure

Friday, March 4th we went to Islands of Adventure! Mario and I were SOOO excited to finally see The Harry Potter section that had opened last year. In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday we started our day in Seuss Landing! Alejandro went on his first ride, The Cat in the Hat! and loved every minute of it and I couldn't stop taking pictures. Well I actually had to stop since they made an announcement over the loud speaker to stop!! (oops!) For some rides Alex was too small so we waited for Gaby and Mario... No worries! After enjoying all of Seuss Landing we headed to......HARRY POTTER!!!! The section itself is breathtaking! The amount of detail there is in this one section is just a-freaking-mazing! We spent as much time here remembering all the things from the movies! The town where Harry buys his owl, his wand and the candy store, the replica of Hogsworth Express again, breathtaking! Gaby rode the Hagrid ride with Mario and boy is she going to love roller coaster or anything that involves adrenaline! And then ladies and gents.....we made the line to ride the Potter Adventure!! Gaby was too short to ride this...so Mario and I did the child swap (again best invention EVER!) we were in line for our good 45 minutes to an hour with both kids! They did great in the line.... they jumped, they climbed, they ate snacks, Gaby complained because she couldn't ride the ride. So what I say to her..... "That's because you don't eat enough vegetables!!!" The cool thing about making the line is while your in the actual line you get to see different parts of the movie! For the most part of the line we were in the Green House, but once you got inside the actual castle the picture crazy began! Of course the picture I posted didn't do justice to the actual details and little nick knacks you found along the way- but you get the idea of why Potter fans or just anyone who has heard about the Harry franchise go a little..... Coo coo! So here comes the part I have to confess.... I rode the ride first while Mario was in the child swap room. Well I got scared shitless (I know its all fake, but everything looks so real and so clear I got scared). I actually rode the ride covering my eyes! I know, I know...call me wuss but I felt so bad and stupid! I actually sighed relief when the ride was actually over and the characters where clapping for me "completing" the mission! HAHA- only if they knew.... Well I told Mario right away when we switched places.... It was then his turn to ride the ride and of course he loved every minute of it- all the while I was still hanging my head in shame..... Let's move on shall we??? Yes. Well before we said goodbye to the most fabulous part of the whole park we had to enjoy a cup of "Butter Beer"... now for those who haven't tried is I want to say it's a mixture of: butterscotch, coke and sprite, topped with a very delish foam (which the kids and I devoured). Another confession....I wasn't a fan of the actual beer (only the foam) I know I know... all the Harry Potter fans are throwing rocks at me- but I have to be honest! Moving along.... we had lunch in what looked like a scene from Aladdin where Jasmine and Aladdin meet for the first time in the market! It was really yummy, budget friendly and satisfying. We strolled to Jurassic Park and Gaby and I rode on Pteranodon Flyers. This ride had my name written all over it. You sit down, you relax and take in the cool breeze. Gaby then saw another water ride (Jurassic Park River Adventure) and of course she and Mario wasted no time to get in line! Alex and I stayed behind on the DRY land! There was no way in hell I was going to get wet with the breeze going on- nope, not me, no way! Mario then realized that the ride they were on was the one where T-Rex comes out of the ceiling and you then DROP- God knows how steep the drop is. My poor bebe was crying- but she LOVED it after the initial shock! We wasted no time and entered...TOON LAGOON! Such a cute little area this is. There are so many little places to take pictures (but my camera was running out of battery and I was NOT going to pay $30 for 20 minutes for my camera to charge!) So what does this mom do... send Mario and Gaby on yet ANOTHER water ride...well actually 2 more for the day! Dudley Do-Rights; Ripsaw Falls; Popeye & Bluto's Bilge- Rat Barges I was truly impressed by how brave Gaby is and her brother is not far behind! They look at all these rides and have no terror. Meanwhile, I'm left behind reciting prayers that nothing happens during the ride and everything goes well. The best part of this section- Gaby and I taking a picture with none other than Popeye and Olive Oil!! Gaby was really nice by keeping her "who are they, mom??" questions until AFTER we took the picture! Ahhh cartoons aren't what they use to be ladies and gents..... Finally, we entered into what I call a little boys dream come true...without the porno ;) MARVEL SUPERHERO ISLAND. We explored, we watched and we rode one ride... Spider-man. This one Gaby and I rode first, did the child swap (Alex was sleeping) and Gaby and I hated it. Yes, yes.....me no likey. I have to say I was a little scared someone would come on either my side or Gaby's and scare the shit out of us. Which didn't happen but I tried my best to not act scared.... The amazing thing about these rides is how they trick your brain! You really think Spider-man is saving you with his web- but in reality it's just the mechanics of the ride. We finally finished Islands of Adventure....... NOPE- no we didn't. I felt soooo stupid leaving the park and riding the Harry Potter ride with my eyes closed. So I told Mario to go back before the park closes. So we all ran to the Harry Potter area and guess what..... YUP- I rode the ride again...but this time..... with my eyes OPEN! Was I scared....YUP... Did I hate that Mario wasn't next to me....YUP! I'm so pathetic that I had to keep on telling myself "It's only a ride, Gaby rode the T-Rex ride and she's 6, so you have to be brave!" YUP... that was me the entire ride. I'm such a fool I know... but hey give me credit. I rode it again! Right???? And of course.... PICTURES!!!! Alex eating breakfast at our hotels restaurant Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss The kids with The Cat in the Hat Gaby and Alex riding The Cat in the Hat *Alex's first ride- age 2* Catching some waves early in the morning...

Long over due.....

Vacation that is!

It's been over 2 years since the Aleman's have gone any sort of vacation. Well technically we've never been on any vacation as a family of 4, so this get- away was long over due!

Here's a little back story on our tickets! When Mario worked at Interval International he received two free tickets to Islands of Adventure and Universal- the tickets were about to expire and we couldn't let these bad boys go to waste! So we decided to gather up the troops and head to O-town (Orlando)!!

I rented my first car ever and on Thursday, March 3rd The Aleman's took off and explored Islands of Adventure, Downtown Disney and Universal Studios!

We stayed at the Rosen Inn which was perfectly located right by the parks. It wasn't an upscale hotel but it was clean, decent and nice. We ate breakfast at the hotel's restaurant which was very YUMMY and cheap (both kids ate for free!). Had dinner at the Ponderosa (kids ate free) right across the street from the hotel and lunch at the parks.

Let the countdown begin!

It's been quite a while... Okay a long time since we've gone on any sort of vacation (4 years to be exact)... But who's counting right!? Well Daddy and I wanted to finally get away..... So where does this crazy family go you ask? None other than Orlando! This will be the first time we go on any sort of vacation or get away for the weekend as a family of four! We are so excited to pack our bags and GO! We told Gaby today about our little mini vacation and she was so excited! Did I tell you we can't wait?? I can do a back flip if I could... But let's not hold our breaths here.... We leave Friday night and come back Sunday. The plan is to go to Island of Adventure and Universal Studios, with a break in between for Down Town Disney. I hope The kids enjoy all the rides and cool things to see in the parks! Our main thing is to just enjoy, relax and of course take gazillions of pictures! I hope the kids are ready because Mario and I are counting down the days! ORLANDO HERE WE COME!!

A little update...

So many things have happened since I started this blog back in 2007. I started blogging about our planning our wedding, family trips, being bless with becoming parents again, to the birth of Alejandro.

Apparently, after giving birth to Alejandro- life didn't allow me to blog anymore.... life became a little too hectic. Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do after a long day with BOTH kids was...well...blog. I knew deep down I wanted to keep our 'Crazy World' alive in blog world. So here I am another year later giving it another try.

You can say many things have happened since I last blogged- Mario and I have realized we are one set of cool ass parents! We've been blessed with two crazy, well behaved kids (sometimes)... who at times make me count to 10, while tapping my forehead and taking deep breaths. But counting or not we wouldn't change it for the world.

Gaby "The Diva" is finally in kindergarten! I still can't believe it myself. She's learning how to read, write sentences, American history, etc. It just amazes me how much she has learned since the school year started in August. She did her first Science project in January- which if I may say so myself, turned out fabulously! Although she's only 6, her mind is all about fashion, music and the latest "in" thing. Mario and I allow her to dress how ever she wants- even if that means purple polka dots with green stripes. She's a great kid and has no shame in her game!



Alejandro just turned 2 and what a talker he is! He (like his sister) love to talk. His vocabulary has blossomed in the past 2 months. It's funny when people ask "What did he say?" and Gaby, Mario and I can translate with ease. Mario decided to start potty training him this weekend but for now all Alex does is clean his pp and his back (yes, you read correctly- his back). I'm just crossing my fingers that his aim is on point ;) Alex, just like Gaby love music. He loves all kinds of music- but his favorite artist is none other than the King of Pop... Micheal Jackson!



There are so many other things that I think and believe we've been blessed with that keeps our marriage alive and going. Mario and I have been together since 98' and we know each other way too to think otherwise. We know we can count on each other for anything and I can tell him the craziest thing that this brain of mine comes up with...and what will Mario do? Give me this look and say "Aye babe". And for that "aye babe" I know he loves me no matter what! As I type this- i just look at him (playing 'Angry Birds') and believe I'm the luckiest girl in the planet... why? Because I have that crazy man next to me and to me that is the best feeling ever- being loved by your love. Cheesy much.. TOTALLY!

It's almost a year since I posted

I can't believe I have let my poor little blog collect dust and cobb webs!!

So much has happened that it will take me another year to update you, but here is a quick run down!

Gaby turned 5 and is in VPK! My little girl will be starting Kindergarten come fall 2010.
Mario and I turned 26!
We rang in the new year with family and friends.
We moved to a bigger and better place.
We celebrated 2 years of marriage.
I started school again. I'm so happy that I have a fabulous macho that pushed me to keep my dream alive and allowing me to study until the weee hours of the night while he watches and does bedtime with the kids.
I have become close friends with my "online" girls!
Mario is going bald and I'm growing gray hairs!
I have learned to cherish the now moments, be grateful for what I have.
We finally after so long are getting our financial ducks in order!
FINALLY, MR. A will be turning ONE! My little macho is just so yummy-lish!

I am truly blessed to have such great friends, awesome family, an amazing husband and most of all crazy kids who love keeping me on my toes (and giving me gray hairs!)

Mothers Day 2009

Well Mothers day was a couple of months ago and I know I'm horrible now at blogging our events! Mario and the kids really did great this year! I was treated for a new do and a day for myself. While I was waiting for my hair cut the kids and Mario were getting ready for a photo shoot! If I may say my kids are beautiful! Boy, we sure made them with love! :) Here are the pictures I was given of this special day!


Hopefully when Alejandro gets older he will like to smile like his sister for pictures!

My ultimate favorite one!
Ahhhh, don't let the smile fool you!
The cheeks alone must weigh over 2lbs each!
The outfit Alejandro is sporting here is 12 months! The little man was 3 months! Lord help us!

Birthdays, Baptism, Bunnies OH MY!

Since Mr. A arrived he has had quit a social life!

My niece Genesis turned 7 years old back in February. It's soo crazy to think I changed her nasty diapers and now she is turning into a young women. I get all emotional every time I see her do something so lady like. I will admit I will pee my pants when she starts to wear training bras!

Here are some pictures of her fabulous day!

Opening her gifts
Her grandmother gave her $200 (Can she be my grandmother too?)
I guess the first $200 weren't enough- she got another $200 FROM THE SAME GRANDMOTHER!!!
Showing off the shoes my uncle gave her (they were 2 sizes tooo BIG)
Alejandro was partied OUT

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First let me say, I'm not big on religion. I like to call us Catholics with a hint of spice. I don't go to church every Sunday and I don't go on the "special" days either. I do speak to Gaby about God, heaven, angels, etc. I was dragged to go to church every Sunday, every retreat, every church event when I was younger. I had no choice. My mom on the other hand is one step away from becoming a nun. (No Lie) I don't want to push it so much on the kids that they become like me, not wanting to go. When we have gone, they both behave fabulously.

Well my mom while I was STILL pregnant with Alejandro nominated herself as the Godmother. This annoyed me to tremendous level. How do you NOMINATE yourself? Um Hello??? Well- I had to drop the big NO on her. My mom has this very strong character about herself and it's not good when your daughter has the same character as well.

Mario and I originally wanted our best friends to be the God parents. I gave the news to my best friend first and she was all about it, until a week after and then she backed out. So I didn't want to pick whoever from this very important role in our sons life. We asked Mario's sister; Cynthia and she was beyond trilled to step up to the plate. Mike was on board all along. Mike has been Mario's best friend since they were in high school and all around a great guy to have around!

On March 29th, 2009 Alejandro was baptized in a private ceremony in Saint Timothy Catholic Church. It was a great feeling having our family and friends there to share this special day with the 4 of us. It's not common to find Mario in a church, but he was glad to have this moment with the special people in our lives.

Of course pictures!!!

The Father Blessing the Holly Water

Alejandro being blessed by the Holy Water
Blessings for ME! (I need them)
Mario needs more though....
The Godparents- Cynthia and Mike
Group Pictures (Mario's favorite Part!)
With the Godparents and the Priest
(please take a look at Gaby!!!- She's jumping off the ALTER)
The Alemans
My Family
Some of our friends

After the ceremony we all headed back to my moms house for some food, drinks and CAKE!

:::the 4 of us decided to go back home to change our SHOES!:::


The "Baby" on top has been used in all our kids baptisms. I believe it's 7 or 8 years old.
My mom decided that ONE cake wasn't enough
My cousin, Karen, gave birth to Serenity a week after I had Alejandro. They were both partied OUT.
Can you tell who likes taking pictures?
My little man
Alejandro and his Godparents

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East Sunday we spent with family. We first headed to my moms house for an egg hunt. My sister, who bless her soul, decided to make the hunt a little toooo complicated. Well this just ruined Gaby's morning! We had brunch and enjoyed the kids searching for their baskets and eggs outside. I will mention it was HOT! In the middle of our egg hunt Padrino Mike came to drop off some more goodies for the kids. Alejandro got his very own personalized basket and Gaby enjoyed all the treats in hers! Oh how I love all the holidays that include candy! After brunch we headed up to my mother in-laws house where we spent the rest of the day watching the kids running around and eating candy! Alejandro was (as always) pooped out!

It took Genesis about half a second to find her basket

Jorge took about 7 minutes
Gaby took about 10 minutes, since the basket was BEHIND the coloring board!
Coloring books, pony tails, chocolates, and GUM!
Outside searching for eggs- which took about 30 to 45 minutes to find. We gave up after that!

During our egg hunt, Padrino Mike and Giselle arrived to bring the kids some Easter Goodies!
Mike is a Gator fan hence the Orange and Blue.... he loves to mess with me!
Alejandro's First Piggy Bank


and some onesis

The loves of my life!

I thank my lucky stars above for sending me great kids!