Life Lately: Early December 2023 Edition

I joined the NES Choraliers singing for the staff at our holiday celebration.

Vanae, Emma, and Anais after basketball practice

Chris and Luisa at the Christmas Lane event

Mallory and Emma reunited!

They saw Santa during his cruise around base

Sunday lunch with some of our favorite NES and NMHS friends

Enjoying the evening view from Austin & Amelia's yard

So happy to have our girl home!

The MEOWY Christmas crew

Herky has found his perfect evening spot...

 

Emma's Home for the Holidays!

 Emma's first quarter of college is a wrap!  She left Eugene Sunday afternoon and made it to Naples Monday evening.

Back together again!

Herky cuddles💕

Tuesday evening watching Elf and getting the tree ornaments out

Emma requested we wait to decorate the tree until she got home 🎄

Her famous Santa's Little Helper picture

Wildcat Basketball Home Opener (Scrimmage)

MMI was scheduled to come to Naples for our home opener on Friday the 8th, but due to some base access issues, they had to turn around and go back to Rome.  Since the gym was packed with Wildcat fans, the coaches decided to play an inner squad scrimmage. 

Camden sporting his jersey at school Friday

Camden was on Coach Davis' white team.  Chris coached the green team.

It was a fun game to cheer for all of our Wildcats in action! 

'Tis the Season (For Tree Lightings & Basketball in Spain)

The NSA Naples Holiday Tree Lighting 2023 was EPIC!!! Chris and his MWR team outdid themselves yet again!  I enjoyed the evening selling Wildcat spirit gear with the Athletic Booster Club board members.   

Camden wasn't at the tree lighting festivities because he flew to Spain that morning. Chris joined the team Friday afternoon.  I was able to catch this quick snapshot watching the live feed of Friday night's victory!

Post game dinner

Taking in some of the local sights Saturday afternoon

Chris got to spend time on Sunday before his flight with his fellow MWR friend, Doug Hasselbring

Just a pup waiting for his people to come home on Sunday...

 

Last week Camden got to teach a lesson to his JROTC class ☺

A Tuscan Thanksgiving Tradition Continues...

In 2017 we made our first Thanksgiving weekend trip to Tuscany. This has become one of my favorite traditions and our 2023 trip did not disappoint! Unfortunately, Melissa got sick and couldn't join us.

Friday afternoon Bridget, Zach, Camden, Chris, and I enjoyed the best lunch and wine tasting at Manvi.

Camden and I took in the view from our apartment in Montepulciano 

If you wonder why we come back every year...

Camden was a good sport and recreated his picture in front of the famous Montepulciano well. Chris stood in for Emma 😂

2017

Porta Di Bacco was the BEST place to enjoy dinner Friday night

A quiet night in Montepulciano

Saturday morning we trekked over to Montalcino for a tour and tasting at Mastro Janni 

Ready to explore the Christmas Market in Montepulciano

Camden had to have a classic market cuisine: stinco (braised pork)

Just as we sat down to eat, live entertainment began! 

Exploring the market

After a fabulous visit to De Ricci (I didn't take one picture 😢) we walked back through the town square.

Camden and Chris watched the end of the Iowa/Nebraska game.  This was their reaction as a brand new kicker came on the field to try the game winning field goal (and he made it!)

5,800 miles away... Emma enjoyed puppy cuddles and movies at Bunny and Jeremy's house

Bunny and Emma

Emma got to spend Friday and Saturday with the Duncans! They went to get a Christmas tree...

TJ took Tatum and Emma to their first casino!