Patricks Graduation Party

Saturday night, we had a party for Patrick. It was so great to see all of our families and friends together! Both Patrick's sisters and families were there, both of our parents, my sister, aunt and uncle and Georgie and Scott made the trip. His closest high school friends were there as well. Jason, Andi and their darling little baby girl Taylor, Eddie and Letty, Aarron and Melina and their three kiddos, and Jeff, Carla and Jody. It is always so much fun to see the guys together. You couldn't wipe the smile off of Patrick's face! I am getting a little smarter in my old age and we had most of the food catered. it was delicious and allowed me to spend more time with our guests. It was a very fun evening!

Patrick's Graduation

Well, after 6 very long months...26 weeks to be exact Patrick has done it! I cannot put into words how proud I am of his accomplishments. Going through the academy is tough enough as a young single recruit, but to go through it with a wife and family at home is another. I will not lie...it was the toughest 6 months of my life and I am completely spent, but the end result is worth all of the blood, sweat and tears. The graduation was very exciting and emotional. Listening to the bag pipes and drums bringing them into the ceremony gave me goose bumps. I cannot thank all of our family and friends enough for making the drive to Riverside to support Patrick.

He has been assigned to the Indio Jail...which we are finding the more we learn about it, the more perks there are. First and foremost, he won't be on the streets just yet( he may not love this part, but I am not going to complain), his on job training is eight weeks versus 6 months, which will definitely help with the stress factor, he won't be spending the entire summer outdoors.....115 degrees....need I say more, and the hours are pretty great...three days on four days off, then four days on three days off. Being a teacher and having the entire summer off, I am excited that we will still be able to go on some trips together! Needless to say, I know that this is where he is supposed to be and I am so very proud. Thank you to all who have been there with words of encouragement and shoulders to cry on...we are so very blessed!

Blake and Sophia

So about a month ago Blake tells me he has to tell me a secret. Of course I say, "What is it honey." Blake then proceeds to tell me that this is a very important secret and one in which I am not allowed to tell Ryan, Evan, or even dad. I say, "Okay Blake, no problem. My lips are sealed." Blake then tells me, "Mom, you have to promise not to laugh." Sure Blake...now what's the big secret? "Mom, I have a girlfriend." I say, "You do...who is it?" He says, "It's Sophia." I start to smile and am holding back the laughter. I ask him...what does it mean to have a girlfriend? He says, well mom, it means she is my special friend. I ask him...do you hug a girlfriend? Sometimes he says. Do you kiss a girlfriend? He says...NO MOM, we are not allowed to kiss people at school. You only kiss the people you are going to marry! Fantastic I say. Congratulations on picking out a very sweet and darling little girl to be your very first girlfriend Blakey! Too cute!

Snow Day at Sacred Heart Preschool

This past week Blake's Preschool had 8 tons of snow brought in for their annual snow day! The kids always have so much fun and this year thankfully it was actually a bit cool and overcast. The weather made it seem a bit more festive.

Ryan's 3rd Birthday

I just realized that I did not post any pictures from Ryan's birthday this year. Poor Ry Guy always gets the short end of the stick. Anyways, it has become a tradition that we spend his birthday on the Central Coast, one of his favorite places on earth (takes after his mom and dad). Since Patrick was working, my mom and I decided to drive up for the night. We had a wonderful visit with Auntie Lulu, Uncle Denis and Peter. We took Ryan to the Madonna Inn (or as he likes to call it..the Pink Palace) for their incredible cake. Of course Ry picked out the hot pink one. We also took the kids to the Avila Pier (a must stop when we are visiting). The kids love that they can get up close and personal with the wild life as you can see from the pictures. It was a perfect day and I hope will remain a tradition for Ry's birthday! Happy Birthday Ry Ry!