What's Happening?

I wanted to share a little of my Italian experience with you guys, so here are some pictures and there are videos to the right. The pictures are of me standing in front of the bridge of sighs and the other is a view from the softball fields of the mountains at dusk.

I have been staying busy trying to get stuff ready for MOPS. We had our first meeting this week, but I missed most of it because I was sick.. Elijah wasn't feeling too hot either so I showed my face and left to recover. I am looking forward to joining them in two weeks. My other leaders said the meeting was great and it was a good start to the ministry.

Elijah is of course, getting so big. Everywhere we go people tell us what a monster he is. He has taken on the hobby of dancing, even to the shortest tunes. He thinks it's the greatest thing ever. In the last few days he has made the addition of his arms. This boy has got some rhythm. Suzy, you'd be proud. He also started singing along every once-in-a-while. I'll try to capture a video to share with you guys soon.

Pictures

World Travelers

Most of the craziness is coming to an end. Susan has been here for over a week and still has a week to go. She's been super helpful and we all have enjoyed her company, especially Little E. Karissa is back home from her softball tournament in Italy. They played their best, but it just wasn't the best of all the teams. They came home with O wins, lots of memories and tons of laughs. She enjoyed her time with the girls, but missed the fam. Luckily, the losing gave them a couple of extra free days to travel, so as a team they went to Florence and Venice. In Florence they saw the statue of David and other local tourist attractions. In Venice they went on a Gondola ride, walked over the bridge of Sighs, and toured San Marco square. They were both beautiful cities, but Venice was definitely the most romantic city of the two. There were little restaurants overlooking the waterways, beautiful buildings, flowers and an aura of romance.

Where Have you Been?...

This seems to be a common question we hear from family afar and friends near and far. Here's the scoop...we are super busy and enjoying the summer. Karissa has taken on a simple paid position as a spin instructor for the gym on base. She teaches 2 classes per week and enjoys the social and athletic aspect of her adult time. She has also decided to play on the Lajes base women's softball team who will be traveling to Italy in August for a tournament. If that weren't enough she has taken on the responsibility of starting and leading a MOPS group (Mothers of Preschoolers). Mops had their first leaders meeting this week and Karissa found some awesome ladies who love the Lord and want to minister to all mothers of young children. The meeting was filled with ideas and lots of laughter and stories, so praise the Lord for His hand in constructing the minisrty because it never would have happened or been so simple without his blessings. The first kick off meeting for the community will be in September, until then we will plan plan plan!

Chris is also a part of his squadron softball team (Chris and Karissa will be on opposing teams on Tuesday). He loves just getting out and being active with the guys. But Guys will be guys! He is joining a week-long soccer tournament or league starting next week, so pretty much all our evenings are full. He is busy with work as usual. Chris is getting another car next week, so we will be the proud owners of a red island beater made by Opel. It's very Euro. Also, Grandma Susan will be joining us out here for an island vacation. Yeah! She is going to help out with Elijah too while Karissa is gone in Italy. Thanks grandma!

Elijah is a big and growing boy. He's doing great and for those of you with bragging rights you may like to know that he is on the far upper end of development for children his age. Not only is he huge, but he is also very smart and coordinated. We took him a developmental appointment just after he turned 1. They score him based on his motor, social, and some other developmental stages. He was up there on the charts and doing just great. The only thing he doesn't do is shake his head 'yes' or 'no' because mommy hasn't taught him that yet. She prefers to procrastinate the obstinance as long as possible! He is in a new stage where he mostly prefers Mommy or Daddy. When he is in the nursery or with a babysitter he just fusses the entire time. It's really quite frustrating, but I know it's normal, so I am just waiting for the day he outgrows it. Other than that, Life is just going and we are enjoying every day.

Family Times

We just had the privilege of enjoying two weeks with my parents in the Azores. It was the first time we really got out there and scoured the island for scenery, culture, and many kodak moments. Luckily, we got to experience true Azorean life as we were driving around the island. We ran into a few herds of cattle walking down the street, the milk man beating his horse as he drove to deliver his jugs, ate Alcatra (the Azorean beef specialty), and finished the trip with dinner at a small seafood restaurant to taste the local cuisine and catch of the day.

We had been saving the "touristy" stuff for when they got here, so we could do it together. We explored Algar do Carvao (the only empty volcanic caves open to the public anywhere in the world), the steaming sulfur pits, local town gardens, a cow parade, miradouras (lookouts), swimming holes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Elijah loved every chance he got to play in the water. He splashed around and swallowed lots of water, but enjoyed every second. We now have tons of places to take all the future visitors, so we hope you take advantage of it.

We decided to celebrate Elijah's 1st birthday a week early so my parents could be here for it. Elijah loved his first chocolate cake. He was a bit hesitant with all the eyes on him, but once he realized what it was he dug in. He tried to bend over and stick his entire face in it, but was unsuccessful because his belly was too big to lean over the tray on his high chair.

He is walking more now, but still resorts to crawling when he is in a hurry to get somewhere. Our house is completely covered in new toys which he recieved for his birthday. They were very well recieved and needed because we mostly had baby toys, so thanks to all who donated!!!

We miss you all and hope to see you out here soon!