Buddies & Brews

Last night we met up with the Gimpels and Wilfords for an evening at Jack Russell Brewery. It was great to visit and listen to the Mid-Life Crisis band (I didn't really get their true name but my name seems to fit). I thoroughly enjoyed all ten of their songs. In all, good times were had by all.

Thanks to Ross for bringing the Frisbee golf entertainment.

They grow up so quickly....

Ross and I had a snapshot show down.

This cop thing is going to Bob's head... nice smile

Macy sharing her wisdom with Ailson. To quote "We don't eat dog poop." and "We don't jump off roofs because we will get hurt". Our girl is a modern day Confucius.

Ross and Ayla enjoying a dance together

Bud and Cindy's misting fans were great fun

Alison, Ayla and I smiling for the camera (note taking a nice picture is a rarity for us. We will make sure to to teach Ayla and Macy the more preferable "stick out your tongue" or "pick your nose" pose). Don't you agree that baby is CUTE!?!?!?!

FINISHED

I just wanted to share with you all...


I FINISHED MY MASTERS PROGRAM TODAY!!!!!!!!

YIPPEE!!!!!!!! HOORAY!!!! WHERE'S THE BEER?

A Fond Farewell in Fort Brag

This past weekend we joined together with many family members in Fort Brag to have a memorial for Bob's grandparents, Joe and Alice West. This is a place where the Little family spent many summer vacations and also where Joe and Alice liked to celebrate their wedding anniversaries. We all stayed in the Bed and Breakfast that they loved so much. The Grey Whale Inn originally served as the town hospital for nearly seventy years and was transformed into this wonderful B&B by the Bailey family in the late seventies. Like Joe and Alice, Bob and I have also spent some great weekends here. The last came we stayed, we brought my parents for their anniversary. It is a place of wonderful memories and it was so nice to return for this relaxing weekend.

I would highly recommend a stay here.

The memorial began with a hike down to the beach...

George and Steven share some thoughts about their mom Alice and stepfather Joe

As they wished, Joe and Alice's ashes were scattered into the ocean.

We all joined on the beach to share our special memories of Joe and Alice. They were giving, kind, and brilliant people who forever touched each of us.

WE ALSO TOOK TIME TO ENJOY THE COAST.....

Bob and Macy enjoying the town... I had ditched them for a little shopping fun in Mendocino with Grandma Mignon.

Do you think this is what heaven is like? Honestly, Jesus Elvis seems to fit in well in this coastal community.

While I know this picture is a bit dark, I wanted to share how Jack will pay for college. He developed a knack for playing pool. He spent a great deal of time in the basement around the pool table. In fact, Jack "Pool is Cool" Little plans to get full ride to the most prestigious university using this new talent. Yeah right!!!!

What a great weekend we had spending time with family we rarely get to see. We hope for many happy reunions in the future.

Achievements and Celebrations

This post is long overdue. There has been some great excitement in the Little house over the last month. Jack was in the county Spelling Bee. His team came in sixth place. Considering there were twenty-five teams I think this was a great achievement. The best thing that came from this experience is Jack gained a new sense of confidence and the motivation to try new things. He is now looking forward to starting soccer in a couple of months.

Bob accomplished his goal of completing his law enforcement training. I apologize to all my friends and family who had to listen to my whining of single parenthood. Oddly, I have already developed a sort of amnesia and I believe I could go through that again if I had to... As for the the person who really put in all the hard work, Bob did well. He graduated with special recognition for his physical fitness and received the "Iron Officer" award. Beyond finishing his 21 week stay in beautiful Ione, he also turned forty. We had a great get-together at our house and he was really touched by all of our friends and family who came to celebrate with us. Between graduation and a birthday party, we also celebrated our ten year anniversary. Bob gave me a BEAUTIFUL new ring, reminding me he still has a bit of romantic spirit : )

Finally, on June 4th, our baby turned 3. Having sat with Macy in the NICU for six weeks watching her struggle in her first weeks of life, makes me fully appreciate this yearly milestones. She had a fun filled day and received the bicycle she had been asking for over the past several weeks. So with the terrible twos behind us, we prepare for the more challenging tremendous threes. She is developing her own opinions after all.

In the coming week, I will finish my master's program and vow to be done with school. I am looking forward to regaining my life! So there you have it, the exciting times in the Pines!!!

Jack at the Spelling Bee!

Jack with his teammates.

Bob's supervisor pins on his badge

We are so proud of him... I tease him about the hat. I call this look Smokey the Bear meets Smokey and the Bandit.

Although you would think this is a picture from Bob's party, it is actually the day after. A wonderful lady made him this beer can hat. He has yearned for this for a long time. Ummm. thanks Cindy??? He thinks it goes with everything! Actually, I think it would look great with his uniform. Perhaps this could be part of his undercover duds.

Like her daddy, Macy enjoys a good hat. I did not have the heart to tell her that her helmet was on backwards. She doesn't know if she is coming or going. She is a perfect fit in this family.

Macy trying out her new bike. The princess safety gear completes the look.