Sicily and other stuff

Katie started her first day of school yesterday and had a good day. She really likes her teacher this year--she got the one she wanted--so that should help a lot for her.

Meghan had a meet your teacher day and I'm thrilled to say that she has the same teacher Katie had in Kindergarten!! I couldn't ask for better. Her first day is next Friday (although we will be gone so she will really start the following Monday)

Brendan is going to be homeschooled again and after seeing who his teacher was supposed to be I KNOW that is the right decision. He will start the Monday after our trip too.

I will post pictures of first days after they all start.

We will be taking off for our trip to Sicily tomorrow. Today I will be busy packing a family of 6 for a 9 day trip (should be fun). I will blog again when we get back and I'm sure will have a bunch of pictures to share.

Enjoy your week!!

Triathlon

The kids just finished the 2nd Annual Triathlon here. Brendan did it last year, but this was Katie's first.

Brendan took 2nd in his age group--1.5K run, 3K bike and 75 meter swim--with a time of 19:30

Katie took 3rd in her age group (of 3)--1K run, 2K bike and 75 meter swim--with a time of 15:54.

They both did a fabulous job and had a lot of fun.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Opera

Shane and I finally had our date night last night. We went to the Opera--Aida--in the Verona Arena. It was really beautiful. We had great weather--it was warm, but there was a breeze. I had never been to an opera before and I doubt I will ever see one that will impress me as much. Being in the open air, under the stars, in the arena, with a huge stage--it was amazing! I'm really glad we went. I was also pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to follow the story even though it was all done in Italian. (Shane didn't enjoy that part as much--he wants one in English) All in all in was a lovely evening that I will never forget.

Notice Anything Missing???

Fishing

We went fishing with the Webelos today. The kids had a great time! Unfortunately, here in Italy, fishing just isn't the same as in the states. You go to a stocked fish farm and pay a lot of money to catch fish that you know are a guaranteed thing. As Shane said, it's a lot like shooting a bird in a cage. Oh well, Brendan earned his fishing awards for scouts and the kids had fun.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Verona Zoo

We took a trip to the zoo yesterday. We had a ton of fun. The zoo here is actually 2 in 1. The first part is a Safari park where you drive through in your car. The second is a regular walk around zoo.

Oh and yes Brendan was with us, but he was being a "typical pre-teen" and "the zoo is so boring can't we go home." (so no picutres--I do have some video with him in it that I might post later) We just ignored him and enjoyed our day--oh and he did have a bit of fun, but he would never admit it.:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Enjoying Family

It is really nice to be a complete family again. Shane is still attending his reintegration training for another few days. That basically means he goes in for 1/2 days so he can learn how to not abuse his family. When that is complete, he will be taking 30 days of leave. Other than spending time together we don't have a whole lot planned. We are going to take a week long trip to Sicily though--we are very excited about that--especially Dillan who just wants to "go beach". So, I'll try to pop in when I can, but we will be spending the next month enjoying each others' company so I may not be around alot. After 15 months we have a lot of catching up to do.

He's HOME!!!!

Shane finally got in about 10:30 last night. We are so happy to have him here--it's just the sharing of attention that is a challenge:) I may be MIA for a while, but I think I have just cause....

On the Way!!

All I can say is he is out of Afghanistan!!! Can't say where he is or when he will get here, but at least he's out of there. Only a few more days till he will be home where he belongs!!!

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Genealogist - Pedigree

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Blank family tree - Family name history

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Playing Around

Ok so the kids aren't up yet--I found this site and I have been playing around.
I'm not sure I agree with all of these, but see for yourself. Who do you think looks like who??

Sorry it's in like 5 posts--that's the only way I could figure out how to do it... Go figure.