May 2025

 
May was, as always, a whirlwind of activities here.  Cecilia had concert for choir and band this year.

Our 3rd grade class were more than a little excited about to announcement of the new pope.  I found this on the playground.

I spend a couple of Saturdays at track meets and though to bring some shade just once.  While I was at this particular meet, Mary was dropped off at softball practice.  She somehow managed to smash her finger while batting in the thumb nail fell completely off a few weeks later.

Becca attended the St. Pat's School graduation Mass and ending up serving with her best friend.  They were excited to serve for Fr. Bazi. 

I offered to take a picture and it turned into a photo shoot.

George must have said something his sisters didn't like.  Or maybe everyone needed to pull of some steam.

We closed out May with the Memorial Day parade. The ceremony at the cemetery was thankful short this year, only one speaker. 

April 2025

the 6th grade performs a Living Stations of the Cross the week before Easter at our school.  Cecilia was Mary.

It feels like Becca kick started senior year this spring.  Here were are at her National Honors Society induction.

Becca also had the spring choir concert.

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And she once again read a piece she had written for Bloom but this time she added some of her artwork.

Spring is also track season and Cecilia has falling in love with the high jump this year.  Her form is pretty good, now if she could just grow a few inches!

And the last picture if Becca on her way to prom, with the theme of Prom-amia.  Yes it was her idea.  If the dress looks familiar, you probably went to the band dance with me in 2000.

That's it for now.  I will get to May soon.

 

March 2025

 I will make a couple of post catch up with the photos since March. We had a busy weekend with George scouting in Springfield, and Becca singing in Bloomington.  The drive to Spingfield, Bloomington, back to Springfield, and finally home wasn't too bad.  Having the wrong school for the singing was not fun.

Mary and I took a six-hour drive to return Patrick to college in mid-March.  She wanted to spend as much time as she could with him.

Mary finished up her park district basketball in March.

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And George got his learners permit!

The "highlight" of the month was the unexpected drive back to KS when Patrick had a seizure.  To this date, we don't have a confirmed reason for the seizure but his health is otherwise fine.

Welcome 2025

We are at the end of February and I'm finally making a post on the blog.  Here is a picture I found on my phone that Cecilia may or may not have taken.

 

Mary also started her altar server training at the end of January.  I didn't get a chance to witness it until the week was up.

Mary was of course trained by Cecilia.

Father Bozzi insisted we take a picture.

George turned 15!  He loves it when I take his picture at breakfast.

Becca and I made the drive down to Springfield to see her award winning art piece, Barred Breathe.  She was award a Golden Key, which I have learned is a kinda big deal.  

She has also won Best in Show since this picture was taken for the same piece at Illinois State. 

Mary also had her 9th birthday.  It was celebrated over three days so that Dad could be home.

This is on her actual birthday.

She had a basketball game that evening as well.

Mike had his first trip over the ocean last week to Finland, Germany, and Poland.  Sadly, he didn't get to see much besides his hotel rooms and copper mines.  This is him coming down from the gate in Peoria.

That's it for now.  We are busy wrapping up middle school volleyball as well as 2-3 grade basketball, in the middle of two Scholastic Bowl seasons, Scouts for everyone, and are gearing up for track next week.  We hope all who read this are well and happy and that we may see you again soon.

Closing Out 2024

We did our annual Christmas tree hunt with only 3 kids this year and Tilly.  It was a warmer day so we didn't need to wear heavy coats, or any coat at all.

Mike took the first cut...

...then George...

...followed by Mary...

...and ending with Cecilia.

It took a couple of days but this is what it looks like all gussied up.

For the Spanish song at the St. Pat's Christmas Concert, Mary had to dress up as a sheep.  I think I did a pretty good job on the costume with only a weeks notice, don't you agree>

One morning, I came out to find Tilly pampering herself on my small pillow.

The 3rd and 4th graders formed a choir and sang at Lessons & Carols as well one of the Christmas Eve Masses.  Mary was excited to sing like the rest of the family.

Becca took a ceramics class this past semester and made some beautiful things.  

These fairy bookends are my favorites.

I was so busy having fun with family, I did not take many useable pictures but I have a few.

We ended the year with Patrick turning 19.  He loves having his picture taken!

I can't say I'm sorry to see 2024 end but it had it's own blessings to share with us.  I'm hoping 2025 is filled with love, forgiveness, unity, and peace for all of you.