NYC Marathon Celebration

We are so proud of Chris for his dedication to training for the NYC Marathon and raising money for the USO. He didn't let Mother Nature get in his way and ran a brutal 26+ miles through Central Park on the 4th.  Thank goodness for modern technology and great friends- Camden, Emma, and I were able to follow his adventures here in Italy.

Chris came home with a bag full of goodies Thursday night. Camden and Emma wanted to make sure they didn't peak as the gifts were revealed...

 One of the many treats Daddy brought back (the Legos and American Girl Doll outfits brought shouts of joy!)

 Friday night it was time to celebrate with friends! 

Some of Chris' staff made this poster for him:

Andrew and Chris enjoying a Steigl

 A speech of thanks for the support

 We love you, Chris!

Poor Camden was a little worn out Friday evening. When I came up to check on some of the kids watching a movie in his room, I found him fast asleep on his floor. 

 Me, Chris, Nate, and Nicki

 There were many evenings during the summer that Chris sat with Terry and Gerry while they enjoyed a nice Cuban cigar. He was so happy to have one with them on Friday!

 An exciting game of Taboo.

Spooktacular

The Halloween fun has begun!

Last night was NSA Naples' annual Spooktacular.  Chris and his super-star staff put on another amazing special event.  This year it was moved from Carney Park to the Support Site and the turnout was fantastic.

The Green Lantern and Vampire Princess are ready!

 Why look who we found rounding up the crowd-it's Woody!

 Camden, Emma, Chris, Jack, and John

 Emma and her friend, Meagan

 There were hayrides at Spooktacular. When Camden and I went off to find where the line was, this is what I found!  A true Italian hayride. :) The bed of the truck was lined with straw and the kids had fun riding around base listening to ghost stories.

 Camden found another Green Lantern!

 Waiting for Daddy to finish clean up-one tired boy!

Canonization Mass

Camden, Emma, and I had an adventure in Rome this weekend.  Unfortunately Chris had to work, but our friends, the Urbanski family, went with us.  Our parish from Washington, Our Lady Star of the Sea, brought a pilgrimage to Italy and we had the pleasure of having a reunion over dinner last night.

The wonderful Helen Smith! A.K.A. RCIA teacher, midwife extraordinaire, and friend from Japan and Washington.

 Emma, Jodie, Camden, and Abram kept Father Lappe entertained during dinner.

 Helen and Camden - The first person to ever hold him :)

Helen and Emma  

 After enjoying such a wonderful night out, it was an early start to our Sunday.  We left our hotel before 7:00 to get to St. Peter's Square for the special Canonization Mass of 7 new saints, including our First Native American Saint, Kateri Tekakwitha. There was a prediction of 80,000 people attending this Mass. Here is the line to get in...

 Jodie, Abram, and Emma reading in line.

 Over 2 hours later, we made it inside.  What a beautiful sight!

 We were guessing the people in the seats were in line before 6:00 (we got there about 7:20), but we made the most of our spot.

 Camden colored...

 Emma got comfy and read...

 Gospel Reading

The Holy Father 

 What an honor this would be - receiving communion from the Holy Father!  

I super zoomed in on this picture and watched it on the "Pope-tron" in the square.

 2 hours standing in line + 2 hours at Mass = gelato treat!

A Day In Rome With Joel and Nancy

We were lucky enough to spend our Columbus Day in Rome with Uncle Joel and Aunt Nancy. We had a wonderful time wandering around the city and catching up!  

 Beer, Gelato. and Gatorade in Piazza Navona

 Trevi Fountain

 A nice little cafe near the Spanish Steps.

NHS Homecoming

It's homecoming weekend in Naples!  MWR teamed up with the school to throw a community pep rally before the football game.  The official Master of Ceremonies:

 Camden and Emma in the bounce house.

 Tailgating in Central Park.

Here comes the marching band.

 Chris leading the Wildcat mascot and kids in some dancing.

 The fans followed the firetruck and the band to the stadium.

 A celebrity with the AFN radio crew... it's none other than Alec Trebek!

Jeopardy was holding tryouts in Naples and Mr. Trebek did the coin toss before the game.

 The undefeated Wildcats are ready to go!

Orion and Camden showing their Wildcat spirit.

Chris doing the play by play on AFN radio.

 Emma got to participate in the halftime program. The state flags were too big for her to carry, but she got to walk with the big kids. :)

Camden watching the halftime show.