A Day in the Sun

This summer, we will be working on our wakeboarding skills! We spent a day at Union Valley Lake in the Sierras and had a great day on the lake. The water was a bit cold (it took my breath away)but I eventually got use to it. I even got up on the board, but I have a hard time staying up. Charles did much better. Nini likes to be pulled on the tube or ride the knee board and Mike likes to stay ashore and fish. To each his own...


Charles getting the hang of it...















Nini and her friend hanging on for dear life!

The Tour...

One day trip included a tour at the Jelly Belly Factory: Fairfield. We toured the factory and got to eat lots of Jelly Bellies. I think my favorite flavor is juicy pear...It's a cool tour and it has definitely improved since my first visit many, many years ago. Did you know... that it takes 7 - 21 days to make a single Jelly Belly?... that enough Jelly Belly beans were eaten in the last year to circle the earth more than five times?...that they make huge pieces of art with Jelly Bellies? Check out our fancy hats:

Mandatory for the tour! Don't we look smart.

Summer is in Full Swing!

It's been an unusual summer around here. This deep into summer, we've should have been on a road trip/camping trip and had many other super busy days, in addition to gearing up for another adventure. Well, this year it's been different. We've spent much more time at home relaxing and just hanging out. It's been kinda nice. We have had a few little road trips and day trips, but nothing as hectic as our past summers. The 4th of July was pleasantly restful and chilly! Who'd have thunk it would get that cold in the evenings in the middle of July in Northern CA? Well, it did. I'll add photos from some of our outings, so stay tuned...

Farewell

We just concluded our religious formation segment with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Today we said goodbye to some very special ladies. We met them about a year ago and loved them from the start. We've been attending classes this past school year with them and have learned so much about our Catholic faith and the Church. It is so nice to be around loving, caring people that are holy and reverent too. We enjoyed seeing their bright and happy faces week after week. We will miss them over the summer break. Unfortunately for us, they will not be offering enrichment religion classes next year due to their schedule. We pray they will grow and prosper here in the greater Sacramento area so we can keep them as our own! I want to thank them all for reaching out to the community and inviting us into their simple, yet amazing school. My kids and I will always remember the good times we shared with you. God Bless.




Sr Elizabeth Ann with the kids next to Mary.



















Sr Mary Grace (L) and Sr Ave Maria (R)



















Sr Maximillian Marie, their teacher.

Following in the Footsteps of Mary

All I wanted to do for Mother's Day this year was to participate in a Marian procession. We walked for three miles through the streets of Sacramento, following Our Lady. There were many others walking with us along the street of a quiet neighborhood. We prayed, sang and talked as bystanders watched, gawked and wondered. Looking ahead of the crowd, the procession was lead by a beautiful statue of Mary. As I watched her bob up and down and sway side to side, I couldn't help thinking that I was literally following Our Lady. I felt great comfort as I looked around and saw all my brothers and sisters in Christ doing the same. It was then that I realized that I was not alone. I had a family that also wanted to follow Our Blessed Mother. How beautiful is that?

The procession ended at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament where we attended a Latin High Mass. What an experience that was. As Mike said, "Now that is what the music in church should sound like!" What a glorious day. I thank you Lord for the opportunity to follow Our Beloved Mother.

We are all called to follow Our Lady. She is the model for us to learn and grow by. She will lead us directly to her Son. There is a beautiful book titled Take It to the Queen: A Tale of Hope by Josephine Nobisso. The story can help us to understand how Mary leads us to Jesus. Blessed Mother of God, Pray for us!

Summer Is On Its Way!

It's only late May and the weather already feels like summer. We've had high 90's and have already broken 100. Well, we had to take advantage of this beautiful weather. We're getting a head start on the water! Over Memorial Day weekend, we hit the water for some pre-summer fun!

The weather was gorgeous, but the water proved to still be Spring! A refreshing 65 degrees. Yeah, it takes your breath away when you jump in but, oh the fun!

Charles popped right up and out of the water. By the end of the summer, he'll be jumping wakes like a pro.













Believe it or not, I got up on the first run too. I didn't do as well as Charles though. He lasted a lot longer than I did. I think I was up for a whole 3 seconds! Ha ha. I am determined to be wakeboarding by the end of summer! Who said you can't teach old dogs new tricks?

Savanna and her friend enjoyed a wet ride on the tube. With Uncle Kato driving, you don't have to worry about whiplash or being barrel rolled off.











If this is an indication of what summer is going to be like, I can't wait!

Good Book...

Looking for a good book to read to the kids? We read the "Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare. The story takes place during Jesus' ministry here on earth. The author weaves in accounts with Jesus into this historical fiction in such a beautiful way, you feel like you are there encountering our Lord. I highly recommend this piece of literature. Caution: it is a little intense and may not be suitable for very young children.