Happy 13th Birthday, Camden!

How is this adorable baby a TEENAGER now?!?!

 This year his birthday fell on Memorial Day. 

Camden opened presents by the pool 

The Hilley family made him this awesome sign 

So happy to be reunited in the pool!

 Camden made a wish blowing out the candles on his slice of snickerdoodle cake

70 Days

Wow! Today marks day 70 of quarantine here in Italy.  The country is staring to open back up and we are slowing getting out and about.
Here's a bit of what we've been up to the past few weeks...

Herky tested out a new spot to nap

 Afternoon virtual class is better when you have a Shirley Temple (with an umbrella)

 Herky decided to claim Emma's usual "school spot"

 When he is not in virtual class or working on assignments, you can count on Camden chatting with Dylan and Jake

 The first Saturday in May calls for a dip in the pool

 Of all the virtual programming Chris is putting on, his Sunday afternoon chats with Jojo are some of his favorites!

 Cinco de Mayo margarita

 Virtual Happy Hour to celebrate

 The temps rose to the mid 70s and both kids decided to take the plunge!

 Chris had an extra special guest on What's Next, our DoDEA European Director, Dr. McMullen

 Emma's weekly culinary assignment was to make a dessert

Camden helped out with some fresh whipped cream to go on top

 Enjoying my new Mother's Day gift

 Emma finally moved from the judge's seat to the singer's seat for Name That Tune!

 My 2 greatest blessings on Mother's Day

 Another warm afternoon called for a float in the pool

 Emma on an evening run getting her mind and body ready for her late night AP test

 10:00 p.m. start for her AP Human Geography exam

 So happy to cuddle with this pup

 Emma's weekly culinary assignment was to make a copycat version of a restaurant favorite.  She chose Chick-fil-A's Frosted Lemonade

After 10 LONG weeks, we were able to get Dom's for dinner on Friday

 Loaded up with our food and heading back to Mel's house

 Oh pizza, how I've missed you!!!

 Camden let Emma do his hair :)

 Steamy Saturday afternoon by the pool

Dynamic Name That Tune Duo

Life Lately: April Edition "Andra Tutto Bene"

We kicked off the 4th quarter and our 6th week of quarantine the day after Easter.   

 Name That Tune has become a fan favorite every week

 We celebrated the Month of the Military Child on the 15th with Purple It Up Day!

We represented with our UNI gear

Emma has been spending a lot of time preparing for her upcoming AP Human Geography Test

My lunch companion

 Emma has been assigned to make dinner for the family for her Culinary Arts class. She made grilled chicken pesto pasta, grilled zucchini, and caprese salad

Camden made an excellent waiter

 Tossing the football between their balconies

Getting in some volleyball digs

 Shooting hoops

 As I walk around the yard, I sometimes hear "Hi Mom!" from above

Camden and his friends had a virtual murder mystery party.  He played the part of Mario the Plumber

 Starting week #6 of virtual school looked a lot like week #1!

 Emma and her AP Human Geography class had Face Mask Monday during their Google Meet

 Emma filming Chris during Name That Tune

 Naples Middle High School PTSA sponsored a Wildcat Spirit Day

 The quarantine hair struggle is real!

 Emma facilitated a small group session on Romeo and Juliet during Language Arts

 Chris has upgraded his virtual programming thanks to Stream Yard. 

 He hosted the BFF Showdown last Wednesday night

Emma's Culinary assignment for this week was to choose an ethnic food recipe. It didn't take her long to decide on one of her favorite meals: chicken enchiladas

 "What's Next" interviewing the seniors of Naples High School 

(One of my personal favorites, Mia Rawlins)

 Spanish homework

 Chris had an extra special guest for his Riddle of the Day on Friday: Vice Admiral Franchetti 

 Saturday morning game of HORSE

 In case you were wondering, Herky is still living his best life!