The Last Month

I am sure most of you or all of you know of our current situation. If not, I am doing all our updates now on Caringbridge.org/visit/ellafaith. I do intend to get back to the blog when life has settled more around here. Until then.....

Noels Brown Belt

Noel has been working very hard this spring and summer for his brown belt. On Friday he achieved his goal. The testing was a physical challenge but Noel came through with flying colors. He also broke two boards during his testing. First he broke one with his foot and then moved right into a knife strike and broke another board with his hand. It was pretty cool! His goal in Taekwondo is to become a 9th degree black belt. We are very proud of his hard work and determination. Next testing this fall will be for his brown black stripe and then we are hoping he will test for his black belt in March. Way to go Noel!

July 4th

We started July with a rainy 4th. We did not see fireworks and spent most of the weekend inside. It rarely rains all day and for several days but it did on this holiday weekend. We still managed some watermelon and sparklers and a few small fireworks in our driveway in between thunderstorms!

Grace goes to Horse Camp

This last week Grace had an opportunity to attend horse camp. She loved riding and learned so much about horses. She also was able to experience camp games and making new friends. She hopes to be able to continue riding throughout the summer.

Indian Rocks Beach

Nathan, Noel and Anthony
Grace and Amelia
Grace, Ella, Amelia and Anna

Yesterday we to our friends beach house for the afternoon and dinner at Indian Rocks Beach on the Gulf. The kids had a great time at the beach and playing with one another. The adults just sat on the deck enjoying the sunset and good conversation. We always have a great time with the Donalson and try to spend a lot of time together as families. It was a great way to kick off the summer!

New York City

So the fun does not stop... 3 days after my friend and her girls left I headed to NYC, Memorial day weekend,by myself for my annual trip to visit my brother and sister in law. We always have such a great time together. We hung out in the apt making pizza and hanging with Ernie on Friday night and then Saturday we headed out to wine country going along the route that Greg and Cam took when they got engaged. (Memorial day Weekend is their anniversary weekend) We always joke about this since I have crashed it 2 out of the 4 yrs they have been married! On Sunday we had a wonderful brunch in Westport, CT. I was able to see the town and house where Cameryn grew up. It was so nice to visit with her mom and sister and sisters husband. Back in the city Sunday night we hit the town, going to a french steak house and then Max Brenners for chocolate galore! Finally on Memorial day we walked 120 blocks all through the city. We went to their favorite restaurant, Spice Market and just had fun taking in the city. Thank you Greg and Cameryn for yet again a fantastic time. I am one blessed sister!
Ernie Gerg and Cam

Westport CT

Cameryn and I
Greg and I
The three of us at the beach on Long Island Sound
Cameryn, her mom, Maureen and I