January's "ROMing" Finale

 Acronyms are a part of life when working in a federal job.  One acronym that has become a daily topic is ROM.  Before March of 2020, I don't think this acronym existed!  Camden got to experience Restriction of Movement for 7 days to end January. 

He was listed as a close contact to a person in ROTC class who tested positive for COVID. The Naval Hospital requested that he show up Wednesday morning to get tested, exactly one week after he got his booster shot. We were all very surprised when his results came back positive after feeling no symptoms. He was sent home to ROM for 7 days and the contact tracing (a 6 page document) started on him!

Because Emma, Chris, and I are "vaxed and boosted" we did not need to be tested until day 5 as long as we stayed asymptomatic.

Here is Camden looking down from his "Covid Cave" on Wednesday evening

The only family member who was allowed in Camden's room was Herky.  He was a good companion during the day while Camden did his school work.

Camden got to spend lots of time outside in the yard playing golf and shooting hoops 

Chris, Emma, and I let out a HUGE sigh of relief when we all tested negative on Monday.

A great Groundhog's Day for Camden! He was set free from ROM and headed back to school

Basketball Photo Session

 In honor of FINALLY getting the green light to play basketball games, here are some pictures from the teams' professional photo session back in December.

This mama's heart is overflowing to have them back on the court together!

Coach Dad

#11 is back at it for her second year

The junior ladies: Talia, Kennedy, Emma, and Emma

2021-2022 Women's Team

#14 Starting off his high school basketball career 

The freshmen: Camden, Patrick, and Jett

These guys spent many hours after school last spring shooting hoops and their hard work paid off!

2021-2022 Men'sTeam

Wildcat Pride!

Chris tweeted this picture of Camden and Desmond King (currently playing for the Texans) retweeted it! 

We gave Nana and Grandpa some Wildcat spirit gear for Christmas. They are looking forward to cheering the kids on from Iowa over the next 4 weekends!

MLK Weekend Girls' Trip 2022

 Our annual MLK Weekend Girls' Trip 2022 kept us close to home (we didn't know what travel restrictions would be in place when were were planning). We had a fabulous stay at the Hilton Sorrento Palace Hotel

Friday evening cocktail before heading out to dinner

Madds, Bridget, Sherri, me, Mel, and Amy

Sorrento was still decorated for Christmas

Morning view from the hotel

Pre-spa mimosa with Madds

We had Spa Ulysse to ourselves for a few hours Saturday morning and it was glorious!

Love these ladies

After some shopping we enjoyed some wine, Lemoncello Spritz, and Aperol Spritz 

What cute champagne cork stools!

Sunday morning mimosa with Mel and Sherri

Cooking class at Quanto Basta

I was whipping up some cream for our Tiramisu

Dipping ladyfingers in the coffee

Madds and Chef Tony

The Chicken Cacciatore smelled heavenly!

Ravioli time!

Happy 17th Birthday, Emma Louise!

This phenomenal young lady is now 17! 

On Saturday, a few friends from the basketball team came over to help Emma celebrate. They laughed all night long playing games.

Kennedy, Anais, Tanaija, Luca, Ella, Emma, and Talia

Dom made Emma a special Nutella pizza on Tuesday night for her birthday dinner.

Making a birthday wish while blowing out a Yankee Candle (#COVIDprotocol) 

Winter Break Adventures

It's been a great mix of adventures and relaxation during Winter Break 2021

On the 19th we went to Rome to celebrate the 21st anniversary of our engagement. 

After touring the cathedral we hung out in the square and caught Pope Francis' Sunday Angelus

On the roof of St. Angelo's Castle  

We were thrilled to have Zach and his family join us for our day in Rome

Trevi Fountain

On the 21st we hosted a fun Winter Solstice dinner and game night

Making Granny's Christmas Cookies

Girls' Day at Donnaruma

 We got to watch Frankie get her first ever haircut :) 

On the 28th we headed to the Amalfi Coast for lunch & wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco

Me, Mel, Chris, & Boats

The Pierson Brothers

6th grade team bonding at its best!

Mel and I enjoying some prosecco with dessert

Dinner and games with the Smith family