When you can't make it to the zoo, bring it to you... My sister and her husband had a petting zoo come over for Anthony & Vinnie's birthday party last month, and the kids (& adults) LOVED IT. It was chilly and the skies were gray, but a bunch of people still came out to enjoy the animals and cupcakes. There were roosters, bunnies, ducks, sheep, a goat, a miniature pony, an alpaca... it. was. awesome.

**CLICK HERE** to view the slideshow!

First up, the birthday boys...

Drew turns 30 today!!  Happy Birthday to the most loving, wonderful, kind-hearted, gentle, caring, trustworthy, patient, loving, and HOTTEST man I know!!!  He has taught me so much over the past 4 years...most importantly, how to keep my finances in order :)  I LOVE YOU, SCHMOOP!!!! 

Speaking of my nephews, I wanted to wish my brother's son, Ben, a HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY!!!  Ben is such a ham...he cracks us up all the time!  He loves to talk, sing, dance, play the drums...the boy is so cute and lovable.  He shares his astrological sign with Dominic and my Momma.  They say that Leos are going to take over the world...we'll see... :)

My sister, Aimee, gave birth to her third son yesterday at 4:51pm!!  His name is Dominic (middle name to be determined) LaCosta...he is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!  8lbs 2.5oz...20" long.  Both mom and boy are doing great!   Dominic and his brother Vinnie are only 17 months apart...then there's big brother Anthony who is 3 years old.  Aimee and Bill (my brother-in-law) are so blessed!  They are definitely going to have their hands full at home...just like my brother, Rico, and sister-in-law, Kristen, who also have 3 boys!  We are so excited to welcome "The Dominator" (nickname given by Drew) into our family.  I now have 6 nephews under the age of 6...I like to call them the Half-Asian Mafia :)  I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH!!

Here are some pics that were taken just minutes after Dominic was born...

The Dom & his Daddy:

Chillin' on Mommy...
 

65 years ago today, my mom was born in a province of the Philippines called Iloilo.  It was during World War II when the Japanese occupied the Philippines.  For a short time as a toddler, she was a POW along with her mother who was pregnant at the time.  The only reason they were released from prison is because her mother had to give birth to her brother (my uncle) at the hospital.  My mom endured a tough early childhood due to the war, but I think those experiences helped shape her into the wonderful, kind-hearted, and loving mother she is today.  She raised four kids all by herself with no complaints!  She is the strongest and smartest woman I know...AND the best Lola (grandmother) to my 5 (soon to be 6) nephews.  I can't wait for this weekend...the whole family is going to celebrate with a huge feast - steamed crabs, fresh corn on the cob, and pancit (Filipino stir-fried noodles)...YUM!!  Happy Birthday, Mom!!!  See you in a few days!

Look at my white boy up there, sticking out like a sore thumb..how cute is that? hehe :)