Tuesday - Disney Day!!

 Hey Porter!! don't cry..you are arriving at the "Happiest Place on Earth"  






Jackson and Daphne surely know!  They have been waiting for this day for a Year!! 

We arrived bright and early...starting in Carsland..Lightning McQueen greeted us!

 As did Ariel!

 And then over to see Mickie!!

 Aunties  Jana and Tara joined us for the day!!

J & D were so excited to realllyyyy be here! Well before the ride on Haunted Mansion anyway....

 Daphne' s request.... to meet "Tangled" ~Rapunzel and Flynn Rider did not disappoint! Check out the "smolder"!!

 Aunt Randi always adding extra doses of fun and laughter!

 Porter enjoying "It's a Small World"  with Gramma and Daddy!

A biggg plus for the day was our friend Tammy Baer joining us for the evening! Tammy was Heidi's, Brendon and Jordan's 6th grade teacher.  She is a great lady and friend!

 Daphne and Delaney Petersen enjoyed spending time together. 

A great day from beginning to end!!

Vacation Monday - Pool day!

 Monday - Our neighbors Tim and Eileen invited us over to their pool for the day.  We were treated not only to the pool, but Eileen being the perfect hostess barbequed for us.  We brought  chips and fruit, and had a refreshingly great time! Porter enjoying his inflatable fun!

 Gramma and Jackson went to Target for some pool toys.  He liked tossing the water balls for some good splashing fun! Little dickins!!  Our friend Lisa Webb and her two cuties came and joined us. The momma's caught up, and the kids played and teased and played and floated around.  Jackson is getting braver, and I got Daphne a little floaty vest, and she enjoyed her independence!  One ooopss......Daphne took off the vest and went in to use the restroom.  Thinking she still had it on, she walking right into the pool and walked off the pool shelf and went down.  Heidi was right there to pull her up.  She let us know she "doesn't like going under the water. No crying, just wanted us to know! 

How I Spent My Summer Vacation!

 Being the Secretary at a School for Special Education, we finished our traditional year, went into 4 weeks of Summer School, then I got 6 whole work days off before reporting to work for the 12-13 school year. So Heidi and Matt decided to make their California Vacation week the same as mine YAY!!  They arrived on Saturday, July7th, and on Sunday we got our California Families to come join us for dinner and cousin craziness!!  We were missing Garen,Cody, Brendon & Stephanie, Henry and Maggie... But..we did put the little monkeys together for a photo together, never easy, always entertaining!

 Porter has grown so much since Christmas!!  He warmed up quickly and let Gramma  and Grampa love on him, he is a little sweetheart!

 Daphne...ever Gramma's girl  We had sooo much fun!!

Jackson....he just doesn't hold still long enough for many pictures!

Russell Holmes - Olympic Athlete!!

Have you heard?  Have you seen?? This is Russell Holmes!  This is a 2012 Olympic Athlete!  This is a Volleyball Star! This is number 12!! THIS IS OUR NEPHEW!!  


If you are a facebook friend...you may already know, but we are having a blast watching him doing what he does!  Block....spike....serve....WIN!!  Go Team USA...GO RUSSELL!!

Mr. and Mrs. Luke Facer!

 Our Niece Kari Amundsen married her best friend and love of her life, Luke Facer.  She was absolutely stunning, and he is one happy man!

Russell's sister and  Mother of the Bride,  Carolyn looking happy as her girl cuts the cake

 Kari's big brother Kris, he is a catch!!  Love this boy! okay, man!

 Cutie cousins Haven and Lucy bundled up in a blanket provided to those at the reception on this chilly OC evening!

2 of Russell's  Siblings Marie and Mark

 Marie and Thomas and Lucy

 Brother Robert enjoying his chat with Carolyn

 Fun gift gathering place ....the trunk of a vintage car!

The bride and groom exited under an arch of lighted sparklers. Sooo fun, but not a good picture!

My mom turns 78!!

 My momma, Geri Pitt, turned 78 on May 18th!! Those of us who could gathered at one of new found favorite eatin' spots - Corky's Kitchen and Bakery.  This is my beautiful mother!!  Getting a hug from our Jordan before dinner is served. 

 Nieces Kaylee and Kindy are happy to be here!

 Skip is really happy to be here, but doesn't like his picture taken...but guess what being his sister in law, I take it anyway!! My sister Karen is always happy that I do!

 Our Pops Warren Pitt enjoying a night out with the family!

 I get a cute smile combination from our Breana and Kennedy!

 Karen and her daughter in law Dejah - love these girls!!

Nephew Mike Morris and his baby sister Kristy smilin' those great smiles!

 This is one amazing pancake for Harley and Kennedy!!

When we arrive home....we sing  Happy Birthday and eat cake, and Momma loves it all!!

My Medical Children!!

We have had quite a week!!  On Wednesday evening, May 9th, Russell and I boarded a plane to fly to Kansas City Missouri, the beginning of our trip to Kirksville and to A.T. Still University Medical College of Osteopathy to spend some time with our family.  Brendon John Holmes graduated from Medical School!!  It has been a journey for him, but a dream realized.  He started telling me at age 7 that he was going to be a Doctor when he grew up. We discussed at a young age what kind of grades you had to have in school, and what kind of person you need to be to be able to become a Dr.  He more than complied.  It is a very long and wonderful story how it all came to be, but for now lets say on Saturday, May 12th, Brendon became an official Doctor!  Brendon lovingly acknowledges that he could not have done it without his amazing wife Stephanie by his side.  We have to agree whole heartedly. 

We spent time with Brendon, Steph, Henry 
and Maggie.  Steph's great parents, Aaron and Sue Gibson.

We arrived home late Sunday evening, and missed sharing Mother's Day with our family, but will catch up later!


Monday morning dawned with Russell have his second Cataract surgery. 


Then Thursday, May 17th, Dream #2 realized!!  Our AWESOME, and I do mean AWESOME daughter, Randi  Lee Holmes realized her hard worked for dream of becoming a Physician's Assistant. 
Thats right Randi Holmes MSPAC!! Masters in Physicians Assisting.  She has buried herself in academics, anatomy and physiology, textbooks and memorizations, what a journey!!  She was going to become a doctor as well at one time, but decided prayerfully that the Physician's Assistant Career was the one for 
her to follow.  Most people I tell, tell me that their experience with a P.A. has always been great.  I know that it will be the same for all who encounter my girl!!  Soooo 


CONGRATULATIONS TO BRENDON AND STEPH, AND RANDI. 



You have filled your parents hearts with joy, and we know you will definitely make your mark with all that you meet as you serve, and heal.  WE LOVE YOU!!