Chad's 8th Grade Graduation

Filing in to the high school stadium
Receiving a pretty special award

Receiving his diploma

Chad with Brandon, his junior high youth pastor,
and Brenton, his high school youth pastor!

In June, Chad graduated from Brea Jr. High School! He had a great two years there. We love that he just dove into everything he could, and he recommended to Kevin that he does the same when he gets there in September! Chad enjoyed playing basketball and softball in the after school sports program, he took Video Production and loved it so much that he took it three times, he dabbled in journalism, was a member of NJH and was the president of Club Rock, the Christian club on campus. We're holding on tight... high school in three months!

Mark and Cori Russell!

Aren't Mark and Cori so gorgeous?

OK... at the risk of embarrassing my husband, you HAVE to click on this photo. Ahhhh, nineteen years of staring at those bluuuuuuuuue eyes. Sigh...

Getting dressed... I love my seester!

Cori and Dierdre in the limo on the way to the ceremony!

All the girls! Lorena, Chelse, Cori, Criss, Jaynie, Dierdre,
and Brooke (Dierdre's daughter) as flower girl.

All gussied up!

My parents, Bob and Ronnie. Don't they look great?

Chad escorting Grandma Ronnie to her seat... Pretty special.

Bridesmaids: Jaynie, Lorena, Dierdre, Chelse, and Criss

Bobby, Chad, and Ronnie

Here comes the bride... and Daddy!

Bobby's mom! I told Cori, "My mom-in-law is your mom-in-law!"

We love Martha!

Our new niece, Chelse!!!!!!

May 30, 2008 was a pretty special day! My sister Cori got married! Cori and Mark were married in Palos Verdes Estates, California at the La Venta Inn. It was a perfect day day for a wedding with the ocean absolutely gorgeous during the day, and the city lights making a perfect backdrop in the evening. I was Cori's Matron of Honor (can we find another word besides "matron?"), Chad was the reader, Kevin was a groomsman/ringbearer, and Bobby was so handsome!!! The pastor for the ceremony was Cori's long time friend Lon Whelan, and the bridesmaids were my new niece, Chese:) and Cori's CHILDhood friends! The bride and groom were stunning and it was a perfect day filled with family and friends. Congratulations!

Outdoor Science School

Kev and his teacher Miss Kuhnlein just off the bus!
Things are supposed to be easier the second time around, right? Well, that wasn't the case when we had to send Kevin to Outdoor Science School for a week. Kev had the time of his life. It was mom who struggled with the separation!

Touch of Class

As I picked up Chad from school one day in January, he told me he had good news and bad news. Oh, no! Good news first! He said he had been nominated for the Touch of Class Court. Well what could be the bad news? "Mom... I have to wear slacks and a dress shirt!"

Bobby's Graduation!

In July, after presenting his thesis to a panel of professors and of peers, Bobby completed his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with an Administrative Credential. Wow! The ceremony was beautiful. In a small intimate setting, he was introduced by his professors as they spoke of his many strengths and contributions to the program. And then later, with great pomp and circumstance, he wore his cap and gown, and graduated with full honors. We're so proud of you!

Washington DC

The Saturday after school let out, we headed to the east coast for our summer vacation. What a great time! Nine days in Hershey, PA; Washington, DC; and Williamsburg, VA. We went with our friends, the Lanks, and had so much fun. Some of the highlights included going to an Oriole's game, staying at Hotel Hershey, visiting Amish Country and Gettysburg, and of course spending time in the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. After a few days in Colonial Williamsburg, Criss was ready to move!

Hawaii and President Clinton

Hanging out before the luau, our first night on Maui
Chad and Kev with the fire dancer
President Clinton with the boys at Postcards in Hana Lei

Ready for surfing!
Such concentration!

Yes! He did it!

So fun! An 8 hour canoeing, hiking, and zip line trip in Kauai!

Lovin' the pool at the Marriott.
Such a great family trip. Eleven days in Maui and Kauai, just swimming, relaxing, eating, canoeing, catamaraning, surfing (men only!) and sightseeing. Meeting President Clinton on our last night there was certainly the highlight! We can't wait to go again!