Jason Celebrates Independence Day

Life is never dull with Jason. Last weekend Jason did a 5K. Matt is working very hard at pursuing a dream job in the Navy, and decided to participate in a run/walk/ stroll 5K. While Matt ran it, Jason and I walked/jogged it. Matt finished in 32 minutes, and I finished in 47. Nothing to boast about but it's a start, considering it was HOT and I don't run.

What face is that?

This past weekend was Fourth of July, and celebrating in Italy is different than in the states. Base has a celebration every year, but it doesn't fall on the 4th. Instead it fell on Saturday the 5th. Fortunately our favorite Hotel Agora loves fireworks and loves their American customers, and had a Fourth of July BBQ on Friday. Jason got to see his second set of fireworks and didn't bat an eye.

Saturday we spent the day with one of our favorite families here, the West Family. We cooked kabobs and ribs, and snacked on red, white and blue rice krispy treats that turned out pink, white and teal (fail!). Then we headed over to the base event, Festa Americana. Festa is held every year in Carney Park, which is located down the street from our house in a dormant volcano. There we listened to a couple bands perform cover songs, the kiddos rode a couple of rides, the dads drank a little too much beer and stood in line for 90 minutes waiting for a couple orders of chicken nuggets and fries.

While the guys waited for food, Jason, and the West kids watched a Hot Dog Eating competition. Afterwards the kids danced and, Jason and I boogied in the background. The main event was David Cook, who is American Idol Season 7 winner. David performed just as the guys made it back with food for the kids then it was time for Fireworks. The Navy did a great job with the firework display. It's not everyday you can say you got to watch fireworks from inside a volcano! Jason woke up just in time for the show, we muffed his ears worried about the sounds inside the hallow mountain, but it wasn't loud or scary at all and Jason again didn't bat an eye, cry or get remotely upset. He's a pro spectator!

Two months old and he has seen 3 displays of fireworks and 2 concerts already. Not a dull moment in the life of Spartacus!

On a side note, Jason has found his hands and loves to stick them in his mouth. He also has a favorite toy, a puppy dog that our friend Brian gave to us. You place the puppy dog on his belly and he immediately grabs for it, placing his hands on his ears practicing his grasp. He has the best smile and coos all the time. Mommy and daddy love our conversations with JD. He is starting to laugh, sounds like a squeaky toy almost and sticks his tongue out every now and then.