Friday, September 9, 2022

Out of order

Os these are some pictures from before the last blog. It is really hard to keep them all in order since I am soooo far behind, but they will at least be on here. Benjamin went to the States ahead of us. It was his reward for finishing school on time and with good grades (This is a big deal!) Anyways. He sent me this picture of his first day of work! He got a job working with Excel and other tasks at an Engineering firm. He interviewed and got the job! It was a fantastic opportunity, and he loved every second of it.
Lauren resting on the couch because she's not able to walk without the crutches yet.
We took the puppies for a walk and one last gelato with Regan before we flew out.

Katherine never eats her cone.WE discovered that Scout is a huge fan!!

Regan and Katherine (and Scout) walking home.
Camille Benson was in Rome with a group of kids. We found out where she was going to be and went to meet he for a couple of hours. Crazy that we are catching up after so many years in Rome of all places.
Hudson: "Oh, Regan. You're packing! What if I forget how to cook a smoothie?" He loves his big sister.

Katherine made a little tent for the dogs. They actually LOVE it!
Cheese1
Schools out, we are mostly packed up, and a little bored...so it's a perfect time for a flower puzzle
Here we go to Diana's house to drop the dogs off. 
i am not worried about these little guys one bit! Diana loves them and they love her.
We didn't know that Diana had 2 turtles.
They just hang out and have free reign over the garden.
The dogs finally noticed them and thought they were a new toy.
Diana trying to introduce them. It didn't get so well. The puppies were too excited!

The turtles were safe as long as someone was holding them. If they were on the ground the dogs went after them and the turtles refused to hide (this got a little better after the newness wore off)
Zia (Diana's aunt) made us "real" Italian food! 
fried zucchini
meat stuffed green olives that were fried...i didn't think I would like it, but not bad at all...actually one of my favorites that she fixed.
Please can I have your food?
Selfie with Hudson and Scout
a dish with no name...a family recipe
Love having lunch on her patio
These little purple flowers are sticky and stick to the dogs when they run around the yard.
dessert
We laughed so hard that we cried. Diana was so worried for Jonathan. He was fine. It just scared everyone to death. He was just sitting there and there was a loud explosion. We all jumped. Then we realized that Jonathan was on the ground. The back two legs just broke off at the exact same time.
Everyone rushing to his aid (before the picture above)
Saying goodbye to the puppies. She's going to miss these little fur balls at college.
Jonathan with two of his girls. LOVE

Regan worked really hard to finish her crocheted blanket...that she is leaving here for us to use!! She wanted to make sure she left something behind to make us think of her.
When you have crutches and are flying across the ocean, you get to go all of the back ways at the airport! This contraption picked her up from the opposite side of the plane and took her (and me) to our next gate, which happened to be at an entirely "different airport" in Spain. 

We started off our time in America at a hotel for just a few days. The kids enjoyed swimming in the pool.



Yes, the hotel had it's own waterslide.
Jonathan and I went on a date and this was my dinner. It was delicious...I don't remember for sure what kind of fish it was, but i think it was stuffed flounder.

Poor Katherine. We don't often get vacation time or hotel stays, so she was really bummed when she got sick and tested positive for Covid. It meant she had to quarantine to her room and miss out on things she had been looking forward to. Even today, it brings tears back to her eyes.
Traveling to Atlanta! And wearing masks just in case anyone else is sick (Regan tested positive the day after this picture)
My crazy girl :) Hanging out with Truett Cathy from chic-fil-A :)
Always so good to see mis sister! She always lets us randomly crash at her house :)
My Dad brought Benjamin to Knoxville to see us for 2 days.
This was the day before Benjamin left.
He flew to America by himself. So thankful that Aunt Kim came in to meet him.
Katherine made paper flowers for each of her teachers at school.
Yes, this is how I study Italian when my tutor is over. It's the ONLY time they get on the table!
More flowers going to school (she didn't want to leave out any of the cleaning ladies)

Benjamin sent me this picture right after he got to Granddad's and Mammy's house. Sprocket is a good dog....and this is just the perfect picture of the two of them!