The Russo's

Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana on August 29, 2021 near Port Fourchon as a category 4 with 150 mph. The original path was right over the Baton Rouge area, but it moved more east.  Josh was locked in at the plant in LaPlace. He went on Saturday afternoon (August 28) to the plant to stay until the weather cleared up. It got really bad there with the winds. I was so nervous and worried about him while waiting for it to reach them. It reached them around 6 pm. He said he won't ride out another hurricane again because it was scary.  A trailer down the road from the plant  A lot of LaPlace was flooded. The cell phone service was spotty. By Monday afternoon, he was able to come home when the roads opened. Our lights flickered a few times, but we have an in home generator. We did all of our hurricane prep before Josh left, so were set. We were spared and had no damage- just a little wind and rain. We only had a few branches to pick up. 

 My Granny Lois passed away on August 18, 2021. She was 94 years old. She broke her arm in July and went to rehab. The day she was to be released, she tested positive for Covid. She was hospitalized and beat Covid. She wasn't eating and drinking during that time and she was too weak to recover. They sent her to hospice on August 16th. Jamie and I went to see her that night. She wasn't responsive, but I'm glad I went to see her and say goodbye. We Facetimed Jen and she got to say goodbye also. She died two days later.  It was a private funeral just for the family. Some of the quilts that she made were laid across the pews. It was a special touch.  All the granddaughters went up to spread the cloth over the casket Josh was a pallbearer   Covid has taken so much from people. It was sad that all the family and friends couldn't pay their respects. We couldn't visit with our cousins after the funeral like normal. Granny lived a long, good life and we will carry her me...

 We started school on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Hudson is in 7th grade this year.  Gianna is in 5th grade  The first day and the first week went really well. I think we have turned a corner in our homeschooling where things are easier.  We are still doing Bible, History and Science together. I added handwriting this year because they need to improve their penmanship. They filled out their first day questionnaires. For science we are doing zoology. This was a game about endangered species.  Gianna started dance the same day. This is her 7th year with Divine Dance. She is doing ballet, tap and jazz. 

Gianna wanted a Beta fish for her birthday. She opened the tank and supplies on the morning of and then I took her to pick out the fish.  She picked a male elephant ear beta and named him Odie We had lunch at the Chinese buffet and some family came Her friends came over to make cake pops after and play The cake pops didn't work out so well, but they tasted good  Josh took her to breakfast at Waffle House on Friday morning when he was off On Saturday the 21st we had her family party at the house with a water slide She wanted pastalaya, corn and Caesar salad for lunch  She was very excited about the Ramen shirt and LOL dolls this year  This year, she chose a chocolate Bundt cake. Our girl is 10 years old!! Pictures with the family  Both our kids are now in double digits and Gianna kept reminding me. We love our baby girl and it makes me sad that 10 years goes by so fast! 

Nana B did a back to school dinner on July 31st because the other kids go back in early August Leilynn will be a senior this year all the way to Jules starting Pre-K!  Papa and Nana hosted the back to school party on August 14th It was decorated very cute  It was a brunch with breakfast casserole and a waffle bar Fixing their waffles with toppings  Time to play games Thankful to have a supportive family for homeschooling!