Soraya and I hope everyone is well. Over the last few weeks we've had great opportunities to spend time with friends and family in New England, etc. The baby continues to get bigger and bigger. We will be departing Newport in the end of July enroute Texas. We will close on the house on the 7th of August and be moved in shortly thereafter.
We have been visiting all over and have many pictures to share with all.
Shortly after arriving, my mom and Aunt Rona visited Newport for the day to visit the Mansions with Soraya -- they had a wonderful time
We also had a birthday party for Big Don and Ann Musial at Donny's house. While the surprise of 70+ friends was a highlight for Big Don and Ann, the tree house pictures below was very impressive for all of the kids. Additionally, I was able to keep the kids occupied (while tiring them out) having them run around the house timing them with my stopwatch -- spectacular!!!
For Father's Day weekend, we went to Brenton Point park with Dexter, Amy, Laura & Emma Hoag to fly kites and enjoy the day -- it was very nice -- you can see everyone enjoyed being out in the sun on such a beautiful day!!!
The next weekend, Don and Jen had a beautiful cookout at their house. It was a great party with lots of family, friends, kids, babies, etc. A great time!!!
The next week we had quite a celebrity (of some sorts) visit us here in Newport. Like many celebrities, he doesn't travel light, has a really large entourage and has a variety of means of transportation at his fingertips. He arrived by helicopter and remained in Newport for a few hours. The speach layed out status, plans and thoughts on a variety of issues which are interesting to read.
A transcript of the speach can be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/06/20070628-14.html
The arrival...
Next came a big weekend in Newport. The weekend began with a wonderful concert and fireworks display from the Navy base here. We spent time with the Lee's and Hoag's with lots of kids, babies and friends running all around. Fun for all!!! On Sunday, the Tall Ships conducted their parade of sail passing the Navy base for a packed crowd.
Next event of note was taking a flight over the Southern Massachusetts area. We took off from New Bedford and flew over Westport. It was a relatively short flight, but good to be back flying. It was also the first time Soraya and I have flown together in a small plane -- as she's not presently able to ride rollercoasters, this was the closest we're able to get for ascending and decending.
Next major event was the 4th of July. While, contrary to belief by many, this was not Soraya's first 4th of July (in Argentina it falls between the 3rd and 5th, just like in U.S.A), it was her first Independence Day celebration here! We watched fireworks with mom and dad Femino as well as Aunts Mary (Julie) and Colleen -- a fun time for all. Finally, on the 4th itself, we attended the local neighborhood parade where the kids ride with decorated bicycles -- very cool (and a big deal when I was riding bikes like this!!!).
Last weekend, Soraya and I went camping with our friends Mike and Siggy. Mike and Siggy visited us in Argentina for 12 days last August. They have a camper in the White Mountains where they spend many of their weekends. We headed up for one night to see the area visiting a couple beautiful waterfalls as well as overnight, cooking S'mores and telling jokes around the campfire. Very fun!!!
We hope all is well with everyone. We have happily been able to see many, many people over the last few weeks. If you have pictures you'd like me to post, please send them to me!!!
See you,
Joe & Soraya
