Ripka Notes: Summer is on the way!

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy June! It's really starting to feel like summer now. Yesterday it was 82 degrees in Stonington and sunny. Joey and I are debating about when we should install the window air conditioners. Overall, May was a cloudy and rainy month, although we did have some lovely Spring-like days, including Memorial Day.

Sweet Pea!

Beautiful Spring Weather!

In some ways May was a difficult month. Shortly after I recovered from a bad cold and sinus infection, Joey developed a cough and fever and was diagnosed with pneumonia. He felt pretty miserable for about two weeks. Fortunately we are all healthy for the moment, and Clara only dealt with a few days of a runny nose.

A walk on the beach

Joey's busy church year is beginning to wind down. The choristers had their end of the year rehearsal and party last week and sang beautifully in church this morning during Calvary's "Youth Sunday" service. One of the young chorister gave a short speech in front of the congregation about how much she and the other kids appreciate and love Joey, and then all of the choristers presented him with a beautiful, hand painted (by the choristers) bowl and gift certificate. (See pictures below). What a special gift! The adult choir, which rehearses weekly, has finished for the summer. Joey will continue to plan and play services during the summer, and hymns and anthems will be sung by the volunteer summer choir which rehearses on Sunday mornings. Handbell choir has also ended for the summer.

Hand-painted by the Calvary choristers!

Joey and I both had students perform on two Calvary Music School solo recitals which were held on May 18th. They all did a great job, and it was nice to see their progress from the last recital. We will continue to teach many of our students privately during the summer months, since CMS is on break until fall semester. Joey will hold a choir camp for his young choristers sometime in August, and I am trying to develop some type of summer string program for CMS violin and cello students, which will most likely also take place in August.

Performing at the Stewardship Party!

On May 11th, Calvary hosted the annual Stewardship party in order to give thanks for the people who so generously give of themselves and their time to Calvary Church. Joey and I were asked to perform, along with one of our CMS voice teachers and an advanced CMS voice student. We played some really fun music, including a piece which is always a crowd pleaser entitled "Csardas" by Vittorio Monti. It was a really fun evening, and it was great to be able to perform for so many wonderful people in our church community.

Little Ballerina

Splits!

"Do Self!" Clara attempting to tie her ballet slippers

Something very exciting happened this month for Clara. She started her first ballet class! She and I are taking "Mommy and Me" ballet class through the Eastern Connecticut Ballet School. She had to be two years old to start the class, and she thinks it is the greatest thing in the world. Most of the little girls in the class are almost three or over three years old, but Clara is doing great and keeps up with all of them. She loves her teacher and follows instruction very well. She also loves her required dance wear which includes a pink leotard and skirt, pink tights and pink ballet slippers. She insists on wearing her ballet outfit whenever we are home and loves her ballet bag. She was so excited after her first day of class that she couldn't even take a nap later in the day. She talks about her ballet class a lot and really looks forward to going. We will definitely continue the class in the fall.

Very serious!

Leotard and Piano

Clara has developed another exciting skill this month. She can now play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" by ear at the piano. We did not teach her how to play the song. She just figured it out be ear one day and started playing . Now we hear it all of the time. She always wants to play the organ after church on Sundays, and her favorite instrument is the newly donated Calvary harpsichord which is housed in the front room of Calvary house. We dedicated the harpsichord in church recently, and Joey and I played Vivaldi, along with our friend and fellow CMS cello teacher Carly. Clara is certainly getting an education in keyboard instruments.

Loving the bunny at Mayfair

A couple of weeks ago Calvary Nursery School held their annual "Mayfair" fundraiser. It took place in our back yard after church one Sunday. There were games, music, food, a petting zoo and ponies. Clara had a wonderful time and thought is was pretty cool having ponies in "her" backyard. Clara also got to dance around the Maypole with other kids, which was very sweet.

Clara and Mommy

Next week Joey, Clara and I will take a three-day trip to Kennebunkport, Maine to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary and Father's Day. We found a great two-night special at a beautiful resort on the water, and we are looking forward to going back to Maine. We have not been to Maine since our honeymoon. We are also planning a trip to Minnesota during two weeks in July. We will fly to Minnesota and spend time with our parents, some extended family and friends. The last time we were in Minnesota was before Clara was born, so many people are looking forward to finally meeting her in person. My parents will also visit for a short time in August to see us and to see my aunt and uncle from Virginia. It should be a great summer!

I took a lot of pictures this month, so I will use pictures to show some of the other fun things we had going on. (See below). We hope you have a wonderful June and enjoy the beginning of summer.
Till next post,
Joey, Erin and Clara