May

May was a month for coming out of hibernation.

We started with a little spring cleaning, both inside...

and out.

May brings Vehicle Day to the neighborhood.  Here Henry is exploring the old fashioned bus and watching the crowd outside.

We took our first bike picnic to the Lakes.

Henry also graduated his first session of Young Athletes this month!

We celebrated with a trip to Stillwater.  Here's a picture in front of the famous lift bridge on the St. Croix River.

We also got lots of playground time in this month.

Towards the end of the month we did a hike at Minnehaha Falls.  The water was high and the falls were really going!

So good to be headed into the glorious Minnesota summer!

April

By April, everyone around here is a little stir crazy.  One nice thing to do is visit the spring flower show in the downtown Macy's.  It's always impressive!

While wandering around the skyway, we found a little Wells Fargo museum.  Henry got to play with the horses and go for a "ride" in the stagecoach.

Katie and Fran went to see the play Once in the downtown theater district.

This is the last of the snow in the yard... right?

With spring finally here, we readied Henry's many modes of transportation.

Same spot, same activity, different wheels.

Wait, what??  MORE snow. *sigh*

I can't take these winter clothes any more!!

LET'S GO TO FLORIDA!

We escaped to Florida for an Easter gathering with Fran's family.  The Fabrizio's go big on Easter baskets.

Let's hit the pool!

So nice to be wearing short sleeves.  Look at all that Minnesota white skin!

Fran and Katie did some kayaking with Fran's uncle Paul.

The gang's all here!  Fabrizios, Consolos, LaRoccas and Roberts were together for the holiday.

At the local ice cream shop, Henry bonded with the cow bench.

He also wrestled the alligator in the parking lot.

Henry had lots of fun with Auntie Jo-Jo and Uncle Paulie.  We're looking forward to next winter's visit already!

The month ended with a couple of unplanned visits to the ER for dehydration.  As always, Henry was a trooper, and mom and dad know exactly what to pack for ER visits by now.  Watching videos to pass the time.

Next month, the hibernation ends and we get back outdoors!

March

Compared to February, March was busy and full of activities! 

We started the month with a trip to the Minnesota Zoo.  Here we are enjoying warm drinks and watching the fish swim in the tropical rainforest section.  We love visiting the zoo in winter because there's so much indoor stuff to see.

A couple of days later, it was time to celebrate Katie's birthday!

The gang all gathered, and Sally was in town.

Henry helped with the present opening.

Bartender Fran made Katie's favorite drink, cosmos.

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Winter dragged on, of course.  We made the best of it by getting outdoors for some skate-sledding on Lake of the Isles.

The Adirondack chairs are peeking out!

March is not the prettiest month in Minnesota...

Back indoors, Henry had fun playing with his school bus while wearing his school bus shirt.

Yaya stayed in town for more fun and games, too.

We had thoughts of warm weather while eating summer-y strawberries.

And we videoconferenced with far-away family during play breaks.

Later in the month we visited the dinosaurs at the Children's Museum.

As is usual with Henry, the journey is as fun as the destination.  Fun in the St. Paul skyways near the museum.

Watching the street life go by from our skyway lunch stop.

On March 21st we celebrated our special guy's special day, World Down Syndrome Day.  

A couple of "warmer" days towards the end of the month allowed us to sneak out and... what else... watch cars and trucks.

March ended the same way it began, at the zoo, this time the Como Zoo. Henry was happy to see the seals.

He also discovered his love of popcorn. Munch, munch.  See you next month!

February

February was a pretty quiet month in the Fabrizio household.  In fact, there's almost no photographic evidence!  But here are a few highlights.

Henry and Yaya continued to have fun times while she was in town.

Henry spent many hours watching cars go by from the primo apartment viewing location.

The snow kept coming.  Yes, the Adirondack chairs are in there.  Somewhere.

Fran escaped to Florida for a quick visit with his mom.  It was strawberry picking season.  Quite a contrast from the last picture, huh?

We had the beach to ourselves.

One of the projects Fran worked on down at his mom's place was scanning in old photos.  In the box with the photos were some old school art and other handmade things.  I found this note that my sister wrote while my mom was in the hospital after I was born.  Best.  Sister.  Ever!  I especially like my mom's custom "I Love You" teeth work.  :-)