Salt Lake City, Utah

With Ada in North Carolina, the dads made plans to fly out their on her return, but they worked it out so they stopped in Salt Lake City to visit TiaAnahi. She moved there several months ago and it just so happened that Benji was there for two weeks, it was a perfect situation for Navi. The cousins got to walk downtown SLC and see the sights.

They also walked up to the state capital to see what's inside.

Lots of beautiful polished granite, Everywhere. They even saw on display the final golden spike that connected the transcontinental railway. Neither of these two boys found the building interesting.

What they did find of interest was lunch. Benji was introduced to Neapolitan style pizza and lucky for him it was baked the right way in a wood fired pizza oven.

On another day's outing they all decided to venture into the Great Salt Lake. It is the second most saltiest body of water in the world and it has enough salinity that you float!

It took Navi and Benji a few tries, but once they relaxed and trusted science they floated on top of the water.

After a quick dip in the lake they all headed up to the mountains for a picnic. There was still snow on the peaks.

Navi had a great time with his cousin. They mostly played video games when at home, but did get some play time outside.

Safe Travels & A Sleepover

On Saturday morning Ada boarded a flight with her best friend's mom and headed to North Carolina.

She is spending an entire week with Bea in Chapel Hill. She was so excited the whole week before her trip.

 Meanwhile, with Ada way, Navi invited his good friend over for a sleepover. The started with mini golf, and the weather was perfect for it - the heat wave was in full gear.

They really had a great time and the course was Bay Area themed.

The next morning they headed to The Castro for breakfast at the popular 24-hour diner. Then they went for a hike to Corona Heights to work of the meal.

Beach Day

First day of summer vacation and a heat wave is starting in SF, the twins head to the beach.

After having lunch they zoomed off to the sand. They played very well together the entire three hours there.

The even found some drift wood to ride on in the surf.

Last Day of School & Party

The twins had their last day of school Thursday. There was a stepping up ceremony and a celebratory farewell for grades 5-8 as they move on to a new campus next year.

As is tradition there was gelato served. It was a beautiful day for it.

 After the festivities Nonna joined the twins for lunch in the Castro.

Later that evening Ada and Navi attended a birthday/farewell party for their classmate. There was a DJ and Ada kept requesting songs and Navi runing around.

Chicago Family Visit

Part of the Chicago cousins of DaddyQuique were in the bay area for a wedding. Before their midnight flight back home Max and Leo stopped by to visit the Lopezjoneses.

They first met in Chicago last year, but once again hit if off right away and played the whole evening away before heading back to the airport.

Piano Recital

Navi had his piano recital this weekend. It was not his best performance, but it was a good learning experience for him on responsibility and commitment.

Spring Concert

It's that time of year again, time to dress up. Navi put up a fight on wearing pants, but DaddyQuique insisted on it, his legs are "tore up" for all the climbing and playing he enjoys. Shorts were not an option this time around.

Two weeks before the concert Ada was given the opportunity to go shopping for a new dress, she passed that up. The day before the concert she was upset because she had nothing to wear (she did, but she had nothing new to wear). Lucky for her DaddyQuique had 2 free hours that day and found her an outfit at a nearby thrift store, best $6 spent.

Nonna made it to the concert, but was flying solo this year.

The concert was great. The dads hope next year Navi will ditch the bass guitar and switch to a smaller instrument that easier to transport by foot or public transport. Ada might stick to the mandolin again next year.

Cugini

The Adriani kids came to San Francisco for the weekend to see their cousins. It was a chaotic fun few days.

They even manage to attend a impromptu BBQ where they played in their rec. room or spent time at the local playground.

Soccer Wrap Up

A week after his soccer season was over Navi met up with his team for one last time. These boys have been playing together for several years now, but as they grow up they must move on.

Ada attended too. She was happy about the pizza, but just hung out with the grown ups.

Great job Draghi Blu!

Ballet & Texas

Friday night Nonna met the Lopezjoneses in The Presidio for a pre-ballet dinner. Gianluca's performance finally came. He had two days of performance and this evening was the only chance they would get to see him as the Lopezjoenses had a flight to catch that night to make it to another special event. Gianluca was amazing! Sadly pictures or video were not allowed of the performance.

An overnight flight and a two hour drive they arrived in Vicoria, Texas. They met Gianmarco for breakfast before his big special day.

Gianmarco graduated from his university, Summa Cum Laude, and the Lopezjoneses had made the trip to celebrate with him...

...and his family, who flew in from Italy.

Afterwards they all went for a well deserved drink, it was hot and humid in Texas.

The next day everyone drove to Austin. Again it was hot and humid so they all headed to the river for some kayaking.

And a dip in the water.

That evening the twins had a choice to join the adults for dinner or stay at the apartment on their own. They preferred staying in and having pizza and brussel sprouts for dinner.

It was a quick visit to Texas, but before they made their way to the airport they could not leave wihtout haveing some Texas BB-Q!

Busy Busy Busy

As the school year comes to an end May becomes a very busy month for the Lopezjoneses. They finally had one free weekend for family time, an urban hike.

The hiked form home to Twin Peaks, which is not their favorite walk in the city. Most of the times.

There's rain in the forecast so it was great to be outside.

The following week the twins attended their art exhibit opening. They all got there early to avoid the crowds and the many small pre-schoolers running around.

 Navi's Piece titled "Checkers".

 Ada's Piece titled, " The Awesome Sea Shell".

 The following wekeend Navi's soccer season ended. Not just the season, but the end of Draghi Blu. The kids are much older now and exploring new sports or club leagues.

And someone had a birthday! Happy Sweet 16, Tanti Auguri Gianluca!!

Madera Overnight & A New Baby

Saturday afternoon, after Navi's soccer game, the Lopezjoneses headed south to Madera. DaddyQuique's nice Alexis gave birth to a baby girl. Amaris Luna.

Benji stopped by as well to see his new niece and the twins.

Later that evening Benji joined Ada and Navi back at their hotel before heading out to dinner.

The next morning, Navi made sure he filled up on breakfast. This was his second serving on both cereal and a waffle. He said it was a long drive home and he wanted to make sure he was fueled up.

Family Dinner

Thursday evening after soccer practice, a no homework day for the twins and no dance practice for Gianluca the Lopezjoneses went out for dinner. PapaJason discovered a place down the hill that has a happy hour with $1 oysters. They ordered three dozens! Between Navi, the dads & Gianluca (who liked them) they devoured the appetizers in just a few minutes. Ada did have a few, but did not enjoy them as much as the rest.