Young Fiona

One afternoon in early December, I got a phone call from my friend, Kenny, who teaches at the high school.  He heard that Naples Middle High School was going to do Shrek the Musical Jr. as their spring musical and they were searching for a Young Fiona.  He knew that Emma liked to act and sing and encouraged us to reach out to the director.  The next day we went to see Mr. Morrise and she was cast as the part.

Flash forward 3 months and our young actress had 3 amazing performances in front of sold out crowds! Thank you to Dot Ramirez Photography for capturing some of these great moments.

Our Naples Family was out in full force to support Emma

Caitlyn, Bella, and Madison came on Saturday night

Shrek and Donkey had me in stitches every single performance.  What talented actors!

Shrek, Fiona, and their minis

Youth Sports Basketball 2017

Emma and Camden have joined forces again this year for youth sports basketball.  The Orange Peels are having a great season.

Gabriela and Emma before the game

Point guard, Emma, making a fast break down the court

Shooting a free throw

Camden's turn to take the ball down the court

Free throw concentration

Emma and her pal, Caitlyn, trying to block each other out without laughing

Great game, ladies!

Emma's friend, Jillian, was there cheering

Montepulciano Fun

The parade in Viareggio this year was on Saturday evening.  We all decided a stop in Tuscany in Sunday would be the perfect ending to the weekend.  Chris has named Montepulciano as "his Swisher" of Italy. In fact, on a run Monday morning, he found our retirement villa :)

Ron, Sherri, Mel, me, and Chris when we got to town

Camden taking a little rest in the main piazza

This smile says it all.  So happy to lead the way to De'Ricci

Wine tasting at De'Ricci

Casey, Ryan, Heather, Ron, and Chad enjoying some Contucci

Autumn, Camden, Andrew, and Emma were such good sports!

Touring Gatavecchia

Wine tasting at Gatavecchia

We had a great hotel about 20 minutes from Montepulciano. This isn't the most flattering pic of everyone, but we sure had fun chatting and playing games in this lobby area.

 Taylor and Dave

 Emma, Gabriella, and Madds at dinner

Carnevale di Viareggio 2017

We made our second annual trip to Viareggio for their amazing Carnevale parade over the long Presidents' Day Weekend.  This year's theme: Birds of a Feather Flock Together

My favorite birds in the whole wide world!

This adorable little chicken is not quite sure what to make of all the craziness

Kasparek Family

Camilleri-Leigh Family

Haughenbury Family

Gire Family

Voll Family

Zimmermann & Young Family

Ron & I make quite the parrot posse

Our flock walking to our perch along the parade route

Um, I don't think they are a fan of our new president...

Chris & Ryan

Gabriella + Emma = pals for life!

NES teachers representing!

Chris & Chad

Gabriella, Emma, & Camden collecting confetti

The floats were even more amazing all lit up at night!

Cotton Candy bliss!