Another Fun Vacation at The Cape

We had a fantastic vacation dominated by sun and fun at the Cape with The Film Family, once again. Emily and Kara spent hours in the pool and ocean. Emily has turned into a fish, like her sister. Even Nana went in the ocean twice. But I want you to know, Papa was never far away from me. Brave I am not.

It is so much fun seeing the same people year after year. You actually develop a friendship. God knows, Papa spends hours talking with to his once a year friends. But that is as it should be.

Papa asked me where I wanted to go shopping. I told him I only wanted to go to Linda's. There are these two rustic buildings filled with the most unique, beautiful treasures. The store's inventory covers just about anything one would want; but many are handmade thus making them one of a kind. Well, we drove till we finally got there. LINDA'S IS CLOSED and the buildings are for sale. I still can not believe it. The Cape will never be quite the same in my eyes.

I can still see Zack on the beach playing in the sand not too long after he came home to his Forever Family. And I am blessed to have that same memory of Kara, Emily and Alex. The Cape holds a very special place in my heart. Many awesome memories were made and are yet to be made there by each member of our family.
Hugs and kisses,

Zack's Middle School Spring Concert

The spring concert was very well presented, as always. Zack's sixth grade band played Patriotic Snippets, "Bach" to the Future, Sax Attack, Lean On Me and I Want to Hold Your Hand. Zack had the honor of playing a solo on his guitar. None of us knew this, so we were all so surprised and thrilled. Of course, he was awesome.

The band members, teachers and students behind the scenes put forth a lot of effort to make Tamarac's concerts very enjoyable nights for all involved. I commend and thank them for this effort. It was a night I really enjoyed.
Hugs and kisses,

The Ryan Family 4th of July Reunion Picnic

This fourth of July is the best I have had in years. Aunt Ginny and Uncle Timmy had a "Ryan Family Reunion Picnic." It was so much fun to have all of us together. Uncle Raymond and Aunt Rollande were here from Canada. They never miss an occasion to get together with their family. There was swimming, baseball, badminton, card playing and croquet. David and Megan made balloons into whatever each of you kids wanted. Nana was given one in the shape of a swan (I still have it). They actually learned how on Utube just for the party.

Our family as a whole is so big; each family is running in different directions. Getting everyone together is a great feat. Aunt Ginny doesn't give up until she accomplishes what she sets out to do. We got caught up on each families lives. So much is happening with your generation.

I want to thank Aunt Ginny and Uncle Timmy for all they did to put this picnic together. They certainly went above and beyond what was necessary. And, Mom, thank you for making the sun shine. It didn't look good there for awhile. All those prayers and rosaries hanging outside brought you right to us. I felt the presence of you, Dad, Harpy, Margie, Eric and our sweet baby Amanda.

The days of summer are flying by, but this one I hold in my memory. There is nothing more precious than one's family. I missed all those who could not be with us, but thoroughly enjoyed being with all those who could. I hope this has become a lasting memory for all of you.
Hugs and kisses,

Emily's Kindergarten Moving - Up Day

Hard to believe our Emily is moving up to first grade already. I remember the days leading up to her first day of school. We were all nervous that she would feel out of her own element and not mix well with her classmates. We couldn't have been more wrong. Em got off the school bus and had so much to tell her Mom and Dad about her day, her teacher and her new friends.

Emily is our third grandchild to "move up." Her ceremony and watching her walk across the stage was just as exciting as that of our oldest grandchild.

This poem was printed on the back of the program:

Great Expectations

It's time to say good-bye.
Our year has come to an end.
We've made more cherished memories
And many more new friends.
We've watched your children learn and grow
And change from day to day.
We hope that all the things we've done
Have helped in some small way.
So its with happy memories
We send them out the door
With great expectations
For what next year holds in store.

You see, the teachers, the students and their families; everyone who has been a part of Emily's school year have made new memories of Emily. Just think of all the memories Emily has of her first year in school.

Congratulations, Miss Em:~)
Hugs and kisses,