Rome with Dave and Mary Ann

One of the things I love most about teaching for DoDDS is the friendships I've made.  It's not everyday that you get to hang out in Rome with some great friends you made in Japan.  Dave and Mary Ann are enjoying retired life to the fullest. When they told me a stop in Rome was on their spring European vacation itinerary, I took the day off school to go see them.

The 17th was Melissa's birthday, so she decided to join in on the trip. :)

Where do people meet up in Rome? The obelisk in St. Peter's Square!

Mary Ann, Me, Melissa, and Marian enjoying a glass of Prosecco at cafe in front of the Pantheon

One of Mel's birthday surprises: postcards with special messages from friends.

Selfie in the Pantheon with MAC :)

Gelato stop in Piazza Navona

Amanda, Mel's cousin, is an architecture student studying in Rome this semester.  We were all treated with a history lesson about the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona.

Amanda and Melissa on the bridge over the Tiber River

Another vino stop at one of the oldest Enotecas in Rome

I'm so glad I got to help make this birthday girl's day a fantastic one!

Happy Easter 2015

Saturday afternoon the kids dyed Easer Eggs. Who needs the little metal dipper tool when your fingers work just as well?! :)

 At 6:15 Easter morning, the kids were up and ready to see what the Easter Bunny left

 Checking in the freezer for hidden eggs

 Speedy egg hunters

 Thanks for the Legos, Nana & Grandpa!

 Dressed for church

 After church, we went to the Zimmermann's house for Easter dinner

Madds, Sherri, and Zane

 My love

 Grilling some veggies ( and steaks for Emma and Chris) with Ron

 Jesse, Edna, Colleen, Melissa, and me

 Cheers to all our loved ones!

 Hunting eggs on the dry porch

 Mel and Chris

 Sorting through the egg loot

 Camden and his teacher, Ms. Camilleri

Zane and his teacher, Ms. Costa

Emma and her teacher, Ms. Navo

Student Council Spring Dance

As soon as the NES Student Council set a date for the spring dance, the secretary asked her dad if he would DJ the event.  :)  The Beach Party Dance was a perfect way to kick off Spring Break 2015.

DJ Jazzy Chris and Secretary Emma

 Goofball under the balloon arch

 Emma, Darla, and Hailey

 Emma and Maddie

 The dance floor is starting to fill up!

 Grooving to the tunes with DJ Dad in the background

Yes ,we were keeping a close eye on the tiki torches to make sure they didn't set off the fire alarm

 Y.M.C.A.

 Jenna and I attempting a selfie with the kids dancing in the background

 An incredible evening at NES!

Eggstravaganza 2015

Spring was in full bloom last Saturday for Eggstravaganza 2015!  Unlike last year when it POURED rain, the kids actually complained that it was too hot because some of their chocolate had melted. :)

First up: Camden's hunt

 Then it was Emma's turn

 Photo op with the Easter Bunny (a.k.a. Kelly)