RANDOM PICTURES FROM THE RAFFA HOUSEHOLD

Because I have not been consisten with my blog entries, I decided to upload some pictures while I was at Gabe's office today - enjoy. Dominic and Luciano have learned how to do videos, so I will try to upload one next time.

The boys making sugar candy houses with Grammy Gangwer when she came to visit us in May.

Dominic fishing at his 4th Grade school Campout - He caught one fish!! I think his was the biggest..

In late March, Luciano fell on the back deck and cut his leg. He received 20 stitches - here is the scar left behind by his little mishap. It was pretty traumatic for Gabe and I, as well as Luc. I still can't believe how bad it looked before we took him to the emergency room!!!

Our 2009 Easter picture - I love this one because Gabriel doesn't smile in alot of the pictures we take, but here he looks like he is really happy to be in the picture.

Gabe's Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GABE!!!

Gabe celebrated his 37th birthday yesterday. Isn't it funny that when you are a child you spend the whole day celebrating your birthday - He spent the day doing demolition on a church project, and then grilling at our Church ladies barbecue! What a great day! We celebrated with yellow cake and vanilla ice cream last night at 10pm.

I remember my mom would always make us whatever dinner and cake we wanted on our birthday --my choice was always chicken Estrada and chocolate cake and chocolate icing. Well, I have tried to pass on that tradition to my family, but I am not as good a cook as my mom is, so nobody has a favorite meal that I cook!!! They usually ask for Gabe to cook.

RAFFA SUMMER UPDATE

The Raffa household is still alive.... I realize I am not as up to date as the Conn. Gangwer's are on their blog. Here is the latest news on the RAFFA CLAN:

Dominic and Luciano just returned from spending the week with Gabe's parents in Columbus, Ohio. They were spoiled the entire week with trips to the pool, Sam's Club, and BB shooting. Luciano enjoyed it at their house so much he didn't want to return home. He knew once he returned home, he would be doing chores again!!

Madison just left on Sunday (6/21) to spend 2 weeks with Gabe's brother and sister in law in Chattanooga, TN. She is also enjoying shopping and swimming!!! Her and Alyssa get along great!!! They love to sing, dance, and play store together. We will be leaving the first week of July to pick her up... I am sure she will not want to return home either.

Gabriel is finishing up his summer highschool courses at the Freshmen academy. He is taking PE and Health class in order to get a jump on some of the high school course requirements. His next big summer adventure is to take a road trip with the Raffa Men. Gabe, Gabriel, Pops, Tony, and Phillip will be touring the Philadelphia area - visiting the Eagles and Phillies sports complex and meeting some Raffa relatives for the first time. They are going to have a great time.

You may wonder what Gabe and I are doing with our summer? Gabe is working on some church projects and I am working on some home projects. I am just enjoying the first summer I have had off in 5 years. Working in education has its perks!!! I don't return to work again until late July.

Now, that I have some free time - I may be able to learn how to download pictures to my blog.... I like when people put pictures on their blogs, so I will try to do that next time.