Guantanamo Bay

In June, R & I went to see Joe in Cuba.  We are definitely missing each other and lucky to have been able to take a big trip like this.  And although we could only stay on the base, and not see "real Cuba", it was cool being able to visit the country where Abuela is from.

Joe said it hadn't rained until we showed up.
There were lots of mountains and cliffs...

...and rocks.

The rain didn't slow Robin down.
We checked out a bunch of "beaches", interested in exploring the island.

It's a military base with families. There were many playground structures.

And maybe the cheesiest mini golf I have ever seen

One day the boys went fishing...

...where Columbus landed...for the second time.

We went bowling.

Although the sand is really pebbles, Robin had plenty of fun getting it all in his
bathing suit while boogie boarding the waves.  The water was a pretty turquoise.

The bus back to the airport to fly home.

We had to spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale on our way there and back.
Thank you airport for having Dunkin Donuts.   There aren't many in New Orleans,
not that I am complaining of NOLA's food and drink!

All in all, it was worth it.  Unfortunately I came down with strep throat and Robin missed a beach day, but we got to see Joe and it made me feel better to see how he is, and see he is good in his routine.  He comes home for a few days this month on his way to DC, so we're very excited!  Longing for this deployment to be over, but with school starting next week, it will give us a much needed change in our routine.

Visiting family, Emmanuel Reunion, Nikita's Baptism

While my Mom was in NOLA, we took her to the Insectarium, and of course it was particularly hot & sticky that day.

R in with the cockroaches

Both of them miserable in the heat, but good sports

We flew back with Mom to Boston the next week.  My 15 year college reunion was coming up, a perfect opportunity to leave New Orleans for a little bit.  It was so much cooler in New England, but also wet. I ran my first 5K with Kelli, Heather, & Melina in a downpour. Good times.  Nikita's Baptism also happened, but I have no pictures on my camera.

Mini golfing on the Cape

R & Gil. Gross, I know, but I have no other pictures of Gil! Boys.

R & cousin Norah

and cousin Evelyn

After the Cape, we traveled north to Shrewsbury to see our Meuse side of the family.

Priya

Jenn & Nikita, my goddaughter

Ready for reunion dinner

Melina & me

Heather & Kelli

Priya & Robin frolicking in the yard

Cousins eating icecream

Pretty as a girl

Big Papa & Abuela took us to the Harvard Museum

R captions this, "As scary as can be"

Skylander fun

Priya & Auntie Katie. I can easily win her over...
if only I had more time with her on a regular basis.

Night before our flight home

Baptism ~ May 27, 2012

When R was a baby, I wanted my friend Jessica, an interfaith minister, to baptize him before we moved away from Connecticut and all our family.  Jessica was having a very hard pregnancy at the time, so it just never happened.  So, with R possibly attending Catholic school next year, and the realization that we might not live close to family anytime soon, it gave me the push to finally have it done.  My mom was here, and my Dad & Carmen showed up for an overnight.  It's so nice to have family come to visit, especially while Joe is gone.

Grammy was here for the big day.

The candidate

Dziadziu came too! R helped him bring in a giant watermelon.

Grandfather & grandson

Carmen & me.

R helping Fr. Beau carry the bench he will stand on.

Carrying the holy water

Let's be careful with that.

Fr. Beau fist bumps...cool

:)

R and my parents

Change of Command & School Ends

I didn't realize how far behind I was with updating this blog.  Joe left for Cuba the end of April and R finished school near the end of May.  Here's a few shots of each...

The man in charge...but how can you take that baby face seriously? He's so cute.

Command changing

No clue what the speech was about...probably about being a good
leader and how important every one is at this duty station.
Joe is always so good at public speaking.

Splash Day

While Joe was starting his new mission in GTMO, Robin was finishing up his last days of school...and so was I.  Of course when Joe left, I had finals and strep throat...but I made it just fine.  Healed and all A's this semester. :)

Kindergarten Graduation Day

R & his classmates

Walking to his last day of school.
He took it hard because when I picked him up
at the end of the day, he cried all the way home. :(

School's out for the summer! At the Y pool.

Finishing t-ball month

So enthused.

Action shot

Skylanders on Wii...our latest obsession.