Rivera House BBQ - July 2009

Mike had his friends out for a BBQ before we started the construction on the house. Fun was had by all and I think the funniest part of the day was Rueben falling into the kiddie pool. We look forward to next year to do it again :) Thanks all for coming.


Michael ready for the BBQ to start



Hanging out under the canopy.


The kids in the pool.


The kids in the kiddie chairs.


The boys.


The girls.

Madison's 5th Birthday

Swinging into July, brought us Madison's 5th Birthday. She had a pool party at the Hampton Inn in Staten Island. I think the adults may have had more fun than the kids. We loved playing in the pool! And once pool time was over, the kids were able to run around in one of the conference rooms. After the party was over, we headed over to Brooklyn to have some park time with the Van Alstyne Family. I have to say Michael and Jenna were exhausted by the time we got back to LI!



Happy Birthday Madison!!!!


Mike and Michael after their swim.


Jen squared with their 5 year olds.



Jenna did so good with her floaties. She swam all by herself!



Michele and Luke enjoying the pool.

4th of July Weekend

As most of you know, we moved out to Long Island at the end of June. 4th of July weekend was our first full weekend being Long Islanders. We enjoyed the great weather and had the kids outside all weekend. We went to Port Jeff to walk around and go to the park. We checked out the park down in Patchogue by the docks. And we just relaxed in our own yard while the kids played and enjoyed the pool. It was the perfect weekend....




Michael on a slide at the park in Port Jeff.


Jenna smelling our flowers in the backyard.


Jenna and Michael on a slide at the Patchogue park.


Jenna enjoying the pool.


Michael relaxing on the front porch.

Pre-K Graduation

So with Jenna's birthday, it brought along her Pre-K graduation. It was a happy and sad celebration since Jenna would not be attending St Anselms in the fall. She had made many friends here and will miss them all. The graduation was a lot of fun with the kids showing off what they learned all year long. And the celebration afterwards was just as much fun with the kids running around getting in that last playtime with each other.

The march to their seats.


Pre-K 2 - St Anselms Class of 2009


Jenna and her teacher Mrs. Tormey


Jenna with her grandmas


Michael running around with the kids

Jenna's 5th Birthday

Can you believe Jenna is 5 already??? Where did the time go? She had 3 amazing birthday parties this year. First we celebrated with all her friends from school at the Little Gym. The kids got to run around, play and eat pizza and cake. What could be better than that? Party #2 was at Grandma Teresa's house with her cousins Brandon and Ethan. As always Jenna had a great time. And party #3 was at Grandma Gladys' house with all the usual Rivera family. Again she had a great time with everyone. It was a crazy couple of weeks, but it was worth it. Still can't believe my baby is 5....

Jenna with the amazing cake Grandma Gladys made for her.


On her actual birthday at Red Lobster - her choice :)


Getting some help blowing out the candles from Brandon and Ethan.


Next to her best friend Madison at the Little Gym.