Age 10

Vito's Fifth grade School picture

Opening gifts on his tenth Birthday

 

1993 trip to Virginia

We went with a friend to Virginia Beach, Busch Gardens and Water World where Vito enjoyed an ice cream.

New specs

It's no surprise that Vito needed glasses since both of his parents are visually challenged. He looks very studious here at school showing off his latest masterpiece. Shown below is one of his computer exercises where he writes about our cat Sasha.

The lovely Sasha, the worlds greatest cat, watching birds visit our feeder.

In memory of Veterans and 7 years

Vito is excited about the rock tumbler I got him on his tenth birthday(he wanted a 4 wheeler). He did try it once but it took several days to smooth the rocks and was very noisy. Also pictured is Kit Kat's litter of 4 kittens. It was so much fun having kittens in the house and a great experience for Vito. They all looked very different from each other with the one on the right looking very much like her mother. We were able to find homes for all of them but when the lady didn't come to pick up the last one Vito convinced me we should keep her. All you can see is her back foot in the picture. We named her Sasha.

A good year

4th grade is a good year for Vito. He gives the trumpet a try and though he doesn't stick with it his teacher says he has talent. His weakness is in writing but he excels at reading. Homework is still a challenge but the amount is less and so is the drama surrounding it. He gets another certificate for perfect attendance like he did in second grade. In the summer Vito and I take a spur of the moment trip to NY city. We stop at Howe Caverns on the way and he's impressed by the caves and formations and how far underground we go. We spend the night in a hotel on Rte 17 and in the morning head to the Statue of Liberty. I miss the exit and Vito gets a kick out of how the toll booth guy says " 9 north" when redirecting us. The line for the Statue is very long. It's sunny and hot with no place to sit except the ground so Vito is not thrilled and a bit angry with me. After 3 hours we both agree that we don't have the patience to go up to the torch and only go as high as the pedestal. It's still a spectacular view and I'm in awe of it all. Vito's favorite part is the boat ride to Ellis Island. He stands at the front of the boat, the wind blowing through his hair.

Poet in the making

Here's Vito at the school computer possibly creating the very masterpiece you see below. He wrote several poems and I love how honest and insightful they are. They also make me laugh. Read and enjoy!