taking advantage...

We are taking full advantage of the beautiful day! A long walk is planned, and I'm sorting through my seeds for the garden. Also finishing up plans for our Sunday get together with friends. Thanks to former co-worker Sarah for the recent pictures of her baby Isabelle and her older sibs. How she's grown since mid March! Elle had a fabulous jazz concert last night, but she continues to suffer from a sore jaw (temporary TMJ problem) from overuse. Hopefully after this weekend's state contests she can heal. Right now she is just taking Aleve and alternating heat and cold. While Elise and Belle head off to the Y for swimming, Eva, Mike and I plan a long hike through Rienzi's historic cemetery. Later we are planning to grill out:) Off now to hang some sheets on the clothesline, and grocery shop for all the weekend festivities. Bring on the 60+ weather!

visiting

Today we celebrate with friend Karen, who is having a birthday brunch at Faros:) Also a shout out to Theresa, who will visit us for a late lunch of chicken salad and strawberries (or bobas as Belle calls them.) Belle had such a busy few days that last night she fell asleep at 7:30 and slept until 7:30 this morning! Got some cleaning done, and then Elle and I worked out at the gym until around 8:30. Elle's sax needed repair yesterday, and we were happy to get it done in under an hour, as state competition is this weekend. Paul will of course be there accompanying, but Elise and I will head up to GB for a concert featuring James and his quartet. We are also looking forward to our spring 'do' with friends from Manty and Valders on May 1st. Elise is helping me plan a menu. Elise and Prof Wifler just shored up the opera concert schedule for Symphonic Band's concert in the park which will be the last Wednesday in July. Elise and Paul will be featured...that is Paul Thompson, and Elle will be in the band playing. The (concert in the park) series is free and all are welcome!

Happy Easter

Off to church, then brunch, and a visit to Manty to see the folks!

Some highlights from Elle's trip:)

Playing 'catch up'

While Isabelle takes a nap, I'm trying to get caught up on a few things. First of all, I'd like to congratulate friends Steven and Mandy on 2 outstanding senior recitals this weekend. They worked very hard and their musical selections were excellent. Paul accompanied both and did an equally great job. We are blessed with such talent in our small town. The Palm Sunday services were very well attended, albeit super long, but I shouldn't complain, as Paul and Eva played at multiple services:) Belle was super good again, both at the concerts and the masses. She was hysterical at the recitals, as she 'directed' the numbers, and then blew kisses to people in the audience. She gave Dr. Wifler the 'evil eye' once...unsure what that was about, but then showed Ellen all of her tricks during the break. She showed her 1 finger when she asked how old she was, and pointed out all the body parts. She's a hoot. We didn't get to the Y or the gym today, as Belle is having a sleepy day. Our plan is to have her see Easter Bunny this evening at the mall. Elle sends word from Cocoa Beach today that she is enjoying sunny weather with temps in the 80's. She remains in Florida throughout the week. When she returns, we'll do some prom dress shopping; always an exciting time. Wishing a Welcome Back to our Fr. Pat, from his recent trip to Israel. We are enjoying the pics he posted on Facebook. What a wonderful time to be there! He also celebrated his 60th abroad. We'd also like to offer our condolences to the family of Phil (our friend and Holy Family co-worker) after his unexpectedly death. Phil was ill for just a few short weeks. Everyone agrees he was just a remarkable man...kind hearted, with lots of talents and interests, and many, many friends. He is missed already.

busy Belle and busy Sunday....

We've been so busy I haven't posted for a while, and then when I thought I could, something else came up. Poo. Will update tomorrow. However, here is a cute pic of Belle in her Palm Sunday finery. She was super good at mass...she really gets the point that you have to be quiet when others are quiet. A good thing.

busy few days

Today is my regular volunteer day, so Belle and Elise will probably head out to the Y again to swim. Aliyah's band concert is today at Riverside at 1:10. All are welcome, and it's free of charge. Tomorrow we'll travel up to Two Rivers to help cousin Joe get some information on the Rochon family tree. Ellie leaves early on Friday for Florida, and Krissy and Gretchen are coming to Fondy for the weekend with little Tanner to visit and relax a bit. I'd like to get some spring cleaning done around the house, but it's hard with little Belle...forgot how that goes with a toddler around:)

Ahhh....finally spring!

celebrations

This week we wish our friends Kim and Kathy a "happy birthday" and remember Grandpa Gilbert who would be 81 this week. All last week Eva was busy with concerts and masses, and on Monday Elle finishes up her 13th. year of dance with a performance. I think Belle will really enjoy that, seeing how much she loves to dance:) This morning Elle heads off to a final practice. Next year as a senior she will be performing several times at the Fondy High PAC in May. We'll keep locals posted; it's always a great show. Elle is looking forward to her spring break this week and a trip to Disney world with her music/band students, and the opportunity to march in a Disney parade and hang out at Cocoa Beach! Today we plan a BBQ to herald in the 70's temps, and a short trip to the gym, followed by a long walk with Belle. Hopefully the big storms will wait until later. Bring on the warm day:)

Mr. Maxwell:)

While some of Officer Craig's friends went out to remember his birthday, I babysat for little 2 month old Max. Such a sweetheart! Otherwise busy this week at the gym with Ellie as she is using her 10 day free pass, and getting long walks with Belle now that the weather is warming up. A reminder to the locals that the Marian concert at the Windhover Center tonight features Eva, Steve, Michael, and others doing some light opera and other concert pieces. Should be good!

Dying eggs early, and general fun...

Finishing off a busy day with a warm bath:)

Busy day at the farm!

We're wishing Stanley a very Happy 90th. birthday this week:) We enjoyed a visit with him earlier today, and Belle really loved the kitties. Thanks also to Stan for the book he shared on Dewey the cat. We lunched at Susie's in Lomira later, and had some scrumptious fish. Mmmm.