Our Family

Sophia's Art Work

2010-04-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

Seth's birthday (2)

2009-07-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Seth turned 2 so here is our home birthday party just after getting his hair cut, the ladies at the restaurant in Williamsburg thought "she" looked pretty. To mom's dismay the locks had to be cut. He got a truck book, a bedtime book and then this GI Joe 4-wheeler. I finally caught him on tape saying Yeah Baby. You can also catch No and Stop which are far more common. Enjoy, Taszl Dad.

Carnivore

2009-01-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the post about how Zach loves milk? Well the other day we are eating some chicken wings and Sophia has her head down rather intently and she starts pulling at something. I realize quickly that it is a chicken hair or remnant of a feather and begin to worry about telling her that yes this was once a chicken you see running around, but she speaks first.Hey Dad, is this where the

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

Haven't updated in awhile. Facebook has taken over my computer time. It's so addicting. Anywho - I will do better in 2009:) Here are some recent photos of the kids:Zach - Just being silly...the norm at our house.Sophia - looking ever so old to me. I can't believe she is almost seven. Where did the time go.Seth - giving me his cheesy smile while sitting on the couch with popcorn and wacthing a

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T07:42:00.001-08:00

This was the first Christmas with Allison's Mom and Dad in their new home. We moved them out there during the past 2 months and we were able to get them a house occupied by one of her mom's brothers (from the first mom who passed away and her dad remarried and had her mom and sister). The house was across the street from the house she grew up in and that Allison's middle brother bought when the

2008-11-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Mobility

2008-10-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right. The little man is up, walking and loving it.

Shenandoah Trip

2008-10-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dan suggested that we go to Shenandoah National Park for a few days of camping. It was a great idea. The first night it rained while we slept and we woke to a cold morning rushing to get some hot coffee quick. We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail to Doyles River Trail which was a 1000 foot descent to the waterfalls. This of course meant a 1000 foot ascent and my left knee was aching at the end

Just Because

2008-09-23T12:04:00.001-07:00

I guess a sandbox full of old, stale rain water is to tempting to pass up.....Granddaddy and Seth

Sophia day one for 1st grade

2008-08-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

The first day of school for Sophia, a big difference from last year as she got on the bus by herself. Last year had a lot more kids at the bus stop and it looks as though they are all in middle school this year. No assigned bus seat so all the kids went to the back... except Sophia. This of course made mom sad thinking her little girl was all alone.Here's a picture of Sophia when she wasn't aware

Long Time, No See

2008-08-23T11:07:00.001-07:00

We haven't seen the Smith's in a couple of years. They now live in Seattle but were travelling through town this week and we got a chance to catch up. Boy do I miss them!! Here's Matthew and Sophia the last time they visited:Here they are now:) The toothless wonders!! Here's Sophia, Zach, Joshua and Matthew! Sure wish they could have stayed longer!!

Beautiful Pictures

2008-07-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Kristin takes beautiful pictures. Check out this link to her photo blog of Seth and Zach that she took this week at the lake. Will post more pictures later too.http://www.annaelliottphotography.com/

Seth's One

2008-07-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe his first year went by so quickly. I feel like it was just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital and now he has a mouth full of teeth, eating everything in sight, pulling the kittens tail, climbing to the top of the steps and laughing at me as I chase him. Where did my baby go?

Holden Beach

2008-06-25T12:32:00.001-07:00

We spent last week at Holden Beach with the Caudill's and Mom and Dad Farmer. Sophia had a blast riding the waves and Zach playing in the sand. My brother and his family were down also, so we got a chance to spend some time with them too. Great time!

Summer Time

2008-06-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures of the kids playing on a huge water slide. One of Seth in his crib. He is pulling himself up now, so we had to raise the rail. School's out and we are able to relax and not rush around anywhere. We are looking forward to heading to the beach this week with the Caudill's. It's going to be crazy with six small kids in one house!

Zachary loves milk, no really...

2008-05-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

You know your kids like something when they ask for it, you know when they really like something when they pick that same thing no matter the choices, and you know that your kid loves something when soda isn't even a choice. That is milk for Zachary, you don't have to ask what he wants you get him white milk (doesn't like chocolate milk) and you are guaranteed a happy kid. The other day on the

Zachary's first tee-ball game

2008-05-28T09:44:00.001-07:00

We signed up Zachary for tee-ball this season. We are certainly proud parents but the boy can hit from both sides and can hit from the tee, underhand pitch and some overhand pitching and he can hit from the front sidewalk out to the street many times. Anyway the boy is good and loves it so seeing him play with other kids, ages 4-6 last night was a lot of fun. Allison and I stepped in to coach the

New Pics of Kids

2008-05-22T16:34:00.001-07:00

Birthday: Swimsuits for the whole family!

2008-05-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

May 8th Zachary turned 4 and May 9th Dad turned 38. Mom and Dad sent a Lands End gift certificate and then brother Dan sent one too for all family birthdays, so we were set up to get everyone new bathing suits for the summer season.Zach and I have orange board shorts, Sophia has a white with blue/purple one-piece suite and Mom got a new suit too. She has to return it cause she's losing weight (

Happy Birthday Zach!

2008-05-08T17:56:00.001-07:00

How many?

2008-04-16T14:55:00.001-07:00

I tried to get a picture of this but as you read on you will see why it is impossible. Cutting teeth - Sophia - Allison's high tolerance for pain, the teeth came in real early (6 months I think) and pretty easy. She has already lost 3 and about to lose at least one more. Zachary - He doesn't share the high tolerance for pain but he wasn't horrible and the teeth came in slow, like 2 weeks at a

Weekend in the moutains

2008-04-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

So we took Sophia and Zach to the mountains this past weekend. Mom and Dad watched Seth for us so we wouldn't have to stop for naps and such. We stayed at the Mast Farm Inn, where they upgraded us to the larger cottage with the Hot Pool as the kids like to call it. We took the kids to where we got engaged and spent the afternoon walking around Blowing Rock. It was so nice to get away from

2008-02-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

Mobility for 3

2008-02-07T09:13:00.001-08:00

February 7, 2008 - Seth has officially crawled. I put the car he was shoving in his mouth just out of reach to give him another toy and grunt, shove, crawl he grabbed it. We tested this about 5 more times and sure enough the boy will crawl to what he wants. Later today I think we will test him on the hardwood floors to see if this is easier (might cause him to slip backwards, not sure). So we

Sophia is 6

2008-02-07T09:10:00.001-08:00

Sophia turned 6 yesterday. Last night Allison was reading back through the journal we keep for her (1 per family member) and we were reading about her 1st birthday. Ahh time isn't slipping away entirely but I suspect it will begin soon.

And the fun (sickness) doesn't stop...

2008-01-28T10:38:00.001-08:00

Allison posted yesterday about Seth, I wanted to add to that today by sharing the email I sent my manager today - _____________________________________________ From: Thomas Laciano Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 1:23 PM To: Subject: TENTATIVE RE: Weekly Team Meeting I have to pick Sophia up from the bus stop so if I am able to join it will likely

2008-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

So Seth's had a cold for about two weeks. I decided to take him and Sophia in to the doctor and what do you know they both have ear infections. This is Sophia's third in the last month! Then today as I'm playing around with Seth I notice he is getting his bottom two teeth. Poor guy he must be miserable. Here's hoping this round of antibiotics work.

Maggiano's Salad Dressing?

2008-01-03T17:10:00.001-08:00

Allison and I love Maggiano's and specifically we love their house salad. What sets it apart is the salad dressing and we have found a recipe. We found this site with a copy cat recipe and tried it tonight. Eating it right away we felt it was lacking something (more vinegar, or maybe the salt to taste?) so we will try it again tomorrow after it sits longer but you have to try it as it is still

Bowling

2007-12-30T19:20:00.001-08:00

Bowling is still a popular activity and rather cheap which is good when 2 families of 5 want to do something together. The best thing is to watch Zachary and Ryan as they love to slide and lay down together watching each other's ball go down the lane.

Christmas Pics

2007-12-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Christmas 2008

Christmas Cards: Thumbprint Reindeer

2007-12-21T06:33:00.001-08:00

I believe Allison and I first saw this in a magazine (Southern Living maybe?) but I did find this link online if you like the idea - http://family.go.com/entertainment/craft-ff-23566-thumbprint-reindeer-t/ After going through about 40 cards I like the idea of scanning because as you will see when you get one, a 6 month old's thumb is not the easiest thumb to work with. While I was helping

Soup and Stews: Mexican Black Bean Chili

2007-12-19T06:12:00.001-08:00

I love soups, stews and casseroles so the winter months are really enjoyable for me. We have 2 cookbooks that I received last year and planned on going through 1 recipe each week. I got through about 4-6 maybe, so I begin again this year. We have the Williams Sonoma Soups cookbook (hardback) and the best of Cooking Light Soups and Stews (glossy magazine). The Mexican Black Bean chili came from

The Christmas card picture you won't get

2007-12-18T09:22:00.001-08:00

What's New?

2007-10-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Seth is 15 weeks and growing so fast. He is such a happy baby. He loves to be entertained and always has a smile for you. He is a very laid back little boy and is delightful to be with!Sophia lost her first tooth last week and we had our first teacher's conference today. She is doing great in school and her teacher said she is a great leader in class. I'm so proud of her!Zach is crazy as always.

My New Hammock

2007-09-30T18:50:00.001-07:00

I finally got a new hammock, Allison purchased one last year as a gift. It was the Cape Hatteras style hammock with a stand. I didn't bring the hammock inside as many times as I should and so this year when I put it outside a hole appeared after an unnamed overweight dad got on it, hmm wonder who that could be. Joking aside the hole was fun for about a week and so the entire summer there was no

Visitors

2007-09-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Jane, Cousin Lisa and her two boys Alex and Taylor came for a visit. The kids love playing with them and they are wonderful with Sophia and Zach! Can't wait for them to come see us again!Here's a new picture of Seth!

Gentle reminder of what is important

2007-09-10T06:41:00.001-07:00

These past 2 days I have been helping review content for an upcoming technical resource for work. I received requests from 2 other authors for their chapters which was not expected. Last night we had a dinner at church, it was a combination of appreciation for the Sunday School teachers and a bit of a kick-off for our new study Yahweh - Divine Encounters in the Old Testament from Life Bible Study

"I Love School"

2007-08-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Those were the wonderful words I heard when Sophia got off the bus today, and yes I said BUS! She wanted to ride and I let her, which was very hard I might add. She got a little nervous once we got to the door, but she continued on with tears in her eyes (I thought I would break about then). Some sweet girl on the bus sat down with Sophia to make her feel better and Sophia waved as they drove off

23rd straight day of 90 plus degree days, record is 33

2007-08-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

I remember visiting Seattle on a business trip and they were in the middle of # of days with no sun record breaking run, they missed it by about 2 days I think. I would love for us to stop getting closer to this particular record. The 90 degree day is bad but here in the South we also get another measurement that includes a heat index so today it was 98 but feels like 102. Mom, Dad, bring your

Nearly/Newlywed Class

2007-08-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

And the cornhole boards are a continued success. We invited our Sunday School Class over on Sunday night for a cookout, cornhole and board games (Apples to Apples). Grandma and Grandad watched the two oldest which really freed us up to converse and play games and that helps to get to know folks a lot better. We had a multiple teams during the evening, Andrew and Allison were the early dominant

Uncle Dan

2007-08-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Uncle Dan, we have our first cornhole boards, and they ROCK! Tom and Dan worked in the humid, sweltering heat to make them and I'm very thankful! Also a big thank you to Dan's girlfriend Emily for the great corn bags she made!My mom's 71st birthday was Saturday and the whole family got to enjoy them. My 77 year old dad was the winner if you believe that! Thanks Dan and Emily!

Chopsticks from Korea

2007-08-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Allison's friend So Young just returned from 6 weeks in Korea. She took her two daughters, the oldest was born there and they said she had a great time going back. When they returned they brought us some gifts - chopsticks. There is something about a gift brought from Korea instead of buying chopsticks in the US that were made in Korea. I believe it is the value or appreciation we have for the

3 Weeks Old

2007-08-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Things are great here! Seth is getting more alert and sleeping better at night, which means so are we. Tom is off for his month leave, so we are trying to get some things done around the house. Sophia and Zach are a little bored, but with Tom off we hope to do more things for them before school starts!

Friendship

2007-07-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

My girlfriends came tonight to bring us dinner and visit Seth. We all worked together at Carowinds years ago and have continued our friendship afterwards. We go to the beach once a year and see each other monthly at dinner. I can't explain how special each one of them is to me, and how very thankful I am to have them in my life! Thanks for being such wonderful friends! Love You all!

Operation Christmas Child

2007-07-24T11:54:00.001-07:00

One advantage to working from home is that if you need to leave right at 6:00, you can. Allison participates in the Love In Action ministry at our church and this week they were working on the Operation Christmas Child gift boxes. Sophia understood what we were doing but Zachary went back and forth of toys for him and toys for someone else. No major meltdowns and a lot of fun. It is always nice

Seth

2007-07-20T14:31:00.001-07:00

Working from home

2007-07-17T07:56:00.001-07:00

My new role allows me to work from anywhere with the new technologies for conferencing and voice calls. Here is a sneak peek of me hard at work -

Seth Gavin Laciano

2007-07-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

July 10, 20074:15 a.m.7lb 6 oz20 inches long

Still waiting

2007-07-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

So my due date has come and gone. So we sit here and wait for this third addition to make an appearance. Sophia's picture says it all......

Great Friends

2007-06-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Our friends/neighbors, James and Jackie invited us over yesterday to enjoy their new HUGE water slide for the back yard. The kids had a awesome time. They just had a new baby - Jack Andrew Caudill. We've all been doing more things at home since we know we won't be venturing out much after the babies. I think this will keep the kids busy for awhile! Thanks guys, it was lots of fun!

Preschool Graduation

2007-05-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Sophia with her teacher.

Our one of a kind couch, complete with signature

2007-05-24T19:13:00.001-07:00

After it has been done, what else can you do but smile?

How cool am I?

2007-05-21T07:16:00.001-07:00

Zach loves his new big wheel!

Zach's 3rd Birthday

2007-05-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Zach got a jeep for his birthday and has been driving it like crazy. He reminds me of Tom in this picture because he is concentrating and sticking his tongue out at the same time. Tom does this when he is playing XBOX/foos ball all the time. Happy Birthday Zach! We miss you Daddy! Can't wait to celebrate when you get home!

7 Months and counting

2007-03-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

We are more than half way there, YEA! Seven months and counting.... The bad part is that it's only March and it's suppose to be in the 80's today...ugh what does that mean for our summer, when I'm swelled up like a beached whale. I'm going to be miserable and so is Tom! Al

Happy 5th Birthday Sophia!

2007-02-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here is Sophia at School today. Will post more later. Miss you Daddy!

What a time to resume working out - a business trip

2007-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Seattle in February, Kris your longings for Seattle just can't be bad enough for a week of grey days. I posted about working out near the end of December and the pain of that work out, we did really well for about 3-4 weeks and then critsits for Jason, DST for James, a new position for me and just tons of work for Dave and I have not been to a work out in 2-3 weeks. So I took shoes, shorts and

SNOW

2007-02-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

We got snow, which at 5:30 this morning did not appear to be coming as promised, 2 hours later though and we were blessed with about 1 -2 inches of snow. Sophia upset about the cookies not being available for eating but instead for the eyes. Dad and kids with possibly the biggest snowman we will ever have while we live in NC. Mom and kids after finalizing the finishing touch of Whoppers for

Merry Christmas 2006

2006-12-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

(Isaiah 9:6)For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Merry Christmas from our family to yours

I can't straighten my arms out...

2006-12-22T05:17:00.000-08:00

Phil suggested a dinner with the wives at Buca di Beppo this past week. Amazingly 7 couples agreed on a day and time. Unfortunately 1 couple was sick so 12 of us met for dinner. During the evening of jokes and laughter someone brought up the topic of work outs. Jason and Dave already had a routine so James and I expressed interest in joining them. Ok how about tomorrow at lunch was the

OCS 2007 TAP Summit

2006-12-16T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is a blend of personal and professional. I traveled to Seattle WA for a 10 trip for the Unified Communications TAP Summit. The event would be held in Bellevue for a week, and we arrived the prior week to walk through the labs and identify any significant problems.The trip went well overall but it was quite long and then we hit Thursday night and Friday morning - the Wind Storm. They closed

Thanksgiving

2006-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year had a slight twist to the normal pattern. We have for the past 4 years or so met at one family member's house to celebrate Thanksgiving (thanks Dan for the original suggestion). Dad generously arranged for a place at Hilton Head for everyone to come together. It was great, 6 bedrooms to allow for each family a room for the adults and another for the kids. The original goal

Sleeping Beauty and Dash

2006-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

And a successful solo weekend comes to a close

2006-10-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Allison left early Thursday morning and is scheduled to return today (Monday) around dinner time.Thursday was easy enough with both kids in pre/play school for half a day and then naps. Friday we went to Monkey Joe's and while we only stayed an hour, it was well timed for the opening and then a quick run to the store (A Christmas Present for Allison no less) and then lunch. Squeezing the store in

Mr. Mom

2006-10-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I leave tomorrow morning for my annual girls weekend. Oh - I can't wait! I get to sleep in, eat out with no kids, shop, walk on the beach by myself, drink and be merry! Life is good. I'll miss my family, but it will be nice to visit with girlfriends and catch up on everyone's lives. Good luck sweetheart, and thanks for being Mr. Mom this weekend. I really appreciate it. Love Al!

Not so innocent Zach

2006-09-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

When I came home yesterday there was one of those pieces of paper that you immediately recognize as the type our kids bring home from preschool. This one was a big smiley face so I looked to see what fantastic thing my kid was doing.Turns out that Zach bit another student on the arm because he wanted a toy and he hit another on the head, reason not stated but I will guess another toy incident.I

Labor Day celebration

2006-09-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

We decided to invite friends over for a cookout and games in the back yard. Badminton is really a great game and so easy for folks to play, apparently it is only easy for the guys to win! The kids ran around kicking the soccer ball and just plain old kid stuff. It was an enjoyable time with great friends and new friends.Here are the happiest 6 kids at our house on Labor Day.

My Apple

2006-09-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

This labor day weekend we decided to head to Hendersonville and visit a U-Pick apple farm. I chose the Stepp Farm's Hillcrest Orchard because of the family heritage and because it was an actual farm and not just a grove of 10 trees. It turned out to be fantastic. In fact I bought one of the old fashioned apple peelers that puts the apple sideways and you use a hand crank to turn. It is simply

Teachable moment

2006-09-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sophia taking her Big Sis role to heart. She is telling Zach about the birds and bees, really she was. See the trees Zach, see the birds.Ah the sweetness of sibling love and kindness. Hey Mom remember when your 3 had days, ok moments like these :)

Beach Week

2006-08-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Polar Express

2006-08-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to the free movies at Concord Mills. They actually sat through the whole movie...well. Then Jackie and I decided to push our luck and take them out-to-eat. Between Sophia falling out of the booth onto her head, Zach sticking his pacifier into the hot salsa, and me dropping salsa right down the front of my white shirt I should probably think twice about doing that again. But...it

Test Post using Writer beta

2006-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am testing the new Windows Live Writer Beta for the blog. Nice compact window and rather simple options for the most used features I can think of using. I believe this may be the new default tool for creating blogs posts. I will have to get Allison to test this out.

Funny Zach

2006-08-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

I think this picture is hilarious. I can't stop laughing every time I look at it. Taszl Mom

Cars - The Private Viewing

2006-08-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Tickets to Cars the movie - $18Popcorn and drinks - $16A private theatre for our own viewing of Cars - PricelessAhh the spoils of being filthy rich or extremely lucky in timing. Dad has been home all week after 11 days in Seattle and Thursday morning we went to see Cars. This was a risky trip as Zach had never been to a theatre and when Sophia was this age she was too afraid to stay.So there we

I want a picture with everyone smiling

2006-07-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

When it comes to brilliant people you can never truly stop being amazed and to prove that I wanted to share an application I saw someone demo called GroupShot from Microsoft Research - http://research.microsoft.com/projects/GroupShot/The quick premise is that you take 3-4 pictures of the family and everyone thinks they look great in different pictures. Now you can cut/copy between photos and

Seattle again...

2006-07-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

So I am in Seattle again for company technical info. Mom and Sis love this place and always tell me how much they hate me when I tell them I am going. Well I am back again :)This trip puts me downtown and always me to walk down to Pikes Market, given I am an early riser anyway this trip makes waking up at 5:30 super easy. Today I went down and stopped in at Le Panier (http://www.lepanier.com/).

Brother and Sister

2006-07-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

I believe this was one or two days after Zach received his haircut. As you can see we need to work on the paci removal with Zach. I liked this picture as the camera focused on Zach but Sophie is the background, still visible but a little blurred.Taszl-Dad

ImaginOn summer camp

2006-07-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

This summer Allison signed Sophia up for a week of camp organized by the Children's Theatre called ImaginOn. http://www.ctcharlotte.org/Summer%202006.htmSophia enjoyed this a lot and demonstrated a lot of new games to us like Magic Rock. Here is a picture of their Friday showing to the parents of their newly learned skills. This according to Sophia was Show us a Tiger moment! Alas as this was in

B&W - Zachary

2006-07-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here is Zachary's cropped b&w photo. I won't argue that the curls are cute but he needs a hair cut so this might be the last curly headed picture for a while.Taszl-Dad

B&W of Sophia

2006-07-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

I really liked the pictures of the kids so I went ahead an put my amateur hand at cropping them and then pushing them to B&W. So now you can see Sophia without me in the background. I love this girl.Taszl-Dad

Summer pics of kids

2006-07-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here are our pics from this past Sunday night on the slip 'n slide.Tom