Balloons!!

"Ava do you want to go see some ballons!?!?!" With a huge smile and a wave of her hand, "uuhhh, uuhhh,uuuhhh, mama!" (I think that meant yes) So we went! It felt like 120 degrees, but it was well worth seeing her reaction as all 40 hot air ballons came up over the trees.

Then we ate pancakes from the pancake breakfast. Yummy!

I just love summer weekends like these!

"In Your Community"

Some may ask, what is there to do around Ottumwa...WELL, let me tell you what I found!

Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra--that's nice, we should go.
Ottumwa Community Outreach Center---glad they have this for people.
Ottumwa Senior Menu--well, there are a lot of old people here.
Preescolar Gratis---WHAT? is that spanish?
Overeaters Anonymous---here is where it starts getting good...
AA Meetings--I know they have these everywhere, but wait...
Single Mothers Support Group--Ottumwa holds the record for the most babies at a High School Day Care. NO JOKE...babies and a day care at the HS...seriously?
Mom's Off Meth--WELL why not!
Spanish AA Meetings--considering we have the fastest growing hispanic population/capita in the country, we should accomodate.
NA Meetings-?
DRA Meetings-?
(let me help you out--learning to read class for adults and dual recovery anonymous-now you know too)
Free Blood Pressure Clinic--I think I need to go now!
and FINALLY,

Bingo Board---I know, not so bad, but hilarious none the less!

"In Your Neighborhood and Around Your Community"--THE DANDY DOLLAR June 2009

SUMMER!!

We complained about the cool rainy weather, and now we are sighing that it's 100 degrees with 100% humidity...ah hell, I LOVE IT and so does Ava! We had a great day yesterday playing in the pool and soaking up some sun. Could she be any cuter in her sun hat and swim suite..well, you all know I am bias!

A New Look

She thought about it...


decided to touch it,

then they laughed about it... as for me, I think I finally want him to keep it that way!

Smiles and Dancing make my day...

It's when she smiles like this and dances to my favorite song, that makes everything well worth it!

Mia Nonna

It is so bitter sweet to learn about my Nonna's passing. We knew she was really sick, we knew she could go at anytime, but you are never ready to get that phone call. Anna Pucci Filippeschi was a beautiful person and lived a wonderful exciting life. I am so happy my Mom and her Sister could both be with her while she passed away.
I always remember the excitement I felt every time I saw my Nonna waiting for us at the train station or at her apartment, and the excitement on her face as we arrived; it always made me feel so happy as a kid to know my Nonna was just as excited as we were. I have so many vivid memories and loved how she seemed to have a zest for life. Did I know her as well as I could have, no, but it's just a feeling you have and looks that we shared that I will take with me.

My sisters and I also feel like we are saying goodbye to a part of our childhood, so it has been a weird combination of feelings. We spent so many summers in Firenze in this great apartment right down the street from Boboli Gardens. Once my Mom and my Aunt leave Firenze at the end of June that will be the last time any of us will be in the apartment. I know how it makes me cry, so I desperately wish I could be there with them when they close the door for the final time.

Riposi in pace Nonna