Build a Bear!

Annalisa is a huge fan of Build a Bear. Our special Mommy and Daughter time is usually going to the Mall, Go to Build a Bear, Go for Ice Cream and then the Play Ground.
Over the years we build quite a collection!

Bunny was the 1st.

I build it when we finished our paperwork in December 2004 (rigtht around the time Annalisa was born). I wanted to put something for her under the Christmas Tree to remind us that we were getting closer to bringing our baby girl home! Annalisa bought the dress later.

Tiger was next. John and I built it together a few months before we got the referral. When its right paw is pressed there's a recording of my voice saying: "Hi Annalisa. Mommy loves you!". The left paw has a recording of John's voice saying: "Hi Annalisa. Daddy loves you very much!". We shipped Tiger in the care package to the SWI after the referral and got him back when we travelled to China.

This is Daddy my Daddy. Annalisa built it last year on her 3rd Birthday. Daddy is very proud of this bear.

Tinkerbell!

Thumpa, Thumpa Bear. When you press his chest you hear the heart beat.

Beary Koala Princess!

Super Hero to the Rescue (aka Beary)!

Super Martian Robot Girl Wulf Poppy Dog (Yes, she does come up with the names all by herself)!

Chita (in a Jaguar Uniform)!

Mimi!
Turtle!

Monkey!

The line up!

Not from Build a Bear but still very precious to Annalisa are Ippo and Anna (given to Annalisa from Nonna in Italy).

Gorilla Lilla (from the trip to Disney's Animal Kindom two years ago), Tusk (from the trip to Fao Swartz in New York City), Mei Mei (a gift from Annalisa's shower) and Wulf, Wulf.

And here are the girls during the last trip.
First Build a Bear.

Then Ice Cream.And finally, the Play Ground!

Nap Time!

Nap time at the Strub-Speciale's household.

Cuddles (aka Cuddly-Wuddly)
Diego (aka Swiper...he's always "swiping" things from drawers and cabinets)

Tropical Storm Fay!

We have been cooped up in the house for the past three days waiting for Tropical Storm Fay to go past us. High winds and lots and lots of heavy rain. The power only went off a couple of times yesterday and our back door is leaking due to the heavy rain and winds.

Schools are closed, so are daycares and most businesses so we have been doing our best at staying entertained.

Here is Annalisa, Isabella and Emma playing in the rain during a small break from the high winds.

Citizen Day!

After 20+ years living in the USA I finally took the oath and became an American Citizen a few weeks ago. It was very emotional and my friends and family were all there to share the special moment.

Friends and Family trying to get a glimpse
Almost my turn!

Naturalization Certificate!

I got it!

My sister Grazia was the first one to congratulate me...she's next!

Notice that I am wearing the same Red, White and Blue ribbon that Annalisa was wearing on her sleeve the day she became a naturalized Citizen of the US. Of course, she's much cuter than me :)