A Fun Weekend...

On Saturday night we went to Earl and Sandy Rocca's 50th Anniversary party. Josh and Jenna with Earl and Sandy or Noni and Nunu, as they are affectionately called (that's Italian for Grandma and Grandpa).Josh Peine and John goofing around while we were waiting for dinner...never a dull moment with those two around, especially if they are together!Jen and Sammy PaulTimmy Paul looking cuteThis is when the fun really began....
It was fun watching all the kids dance together.

Don't you love this? Reminds me of watching an old WWII movie with the service men and their gals.
This was their first time dancing together...notice the cute little girl off to the side, she got in a lot of our pictures. I'm sure she slept for her mommy that night!Dave and I even got in on the actionIt's been a long time since we have been dancing together
Christy and Randy stole the show with their country swing dance...they were really good! Where did you all learn to dance like that?
More of the kids having fun. They were a hoot to watch because they would make up goofy stuff to do to the different dances. Brother and sister....so cute!Timmy was having the best time. He didn't have any trouble getting out there with the big kids and dancing.Josh Peine and Jen dancing to a 40's numberJason and MarieJohn and KathyIt was a great evening celebrating with Earl and Sandy.

Everyday happenings...and then some

My usual routine in the morning is to wake up around 6-6:30, grab a cup of coffee and head for the swing. Diesel usually bounces around while I drink my coffee and wake up. For whatever reason, this morning he decided to join me on the swing. I guess he thought he was missing out.

"So....this is pretty comfortable. Too bad I can't stay". (I booted him off not long after he jumped up - a little too perky for 6am!)

We now have cable TV! Do you see what's on the screen? It's my husbands all time favorite show, Star Trek. It's on the Sci Fi channel. We still have so little clue as to what all is on the tube, but when we get a moment to sit still we start checking out our favorite channels again...HGTV, Sci Fi, Discovery, TV Land.Relaxing with Captain Picard

Jen is making a smoothie....Diesel is looking for treats. We keep his bones in there. I bet he thinks he is getting one, when really Jen is just looking for more stuff to put in the smoothie. Poor puppy.

Jen Jen
It's been fun to see Josh play his guitar again. He said his fingers hurt a little - no more calluses.
This is the big new of the day. Yes, it's real! Josh has been wanting a tattoo since...well a long time. I can't even remember when he started wanting one. Now that he is a Marine, I guess he decided it's time. For those who don't know, Semper Fi (actually Fidelis) means "always faithful". I think that's pretty cool. I'm not much into tattoos but it suits Josh. The design is of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. It's a pin that was given to the recruits after they got to the top of the hill at the Cruicible. It meant they were finally Marines. Each symbol means something and it escapes me what that is right now. Maybe I'll post that tomorrow.

Back Home....

It was a great weekend. We pulled in late Friday night, so everyone slept in a little, especially Josh. I hated to do it, but I woke him up about 8:45 Saturday, because he wanted to get his uniforms cleaned and back that day. Jen had a couple of things to do too so they took off together in the Jeep. It's so nice having him back home. It's amazing how one person missing from your family can make such a difference. We've missed his energy and that smile. He says he got nicknamed "Hollywood" at Boot Camp, because of that smile.

Josh's first ride with Jen in the Jeep. She didn't have her license when he left. He said she was a good driver.

Relaxing at home again

Getting acquainted with puppy again...it was like Josh had never left. Diesel didn't bark or anything, just started licking and playing with Josh.

Playing Frisbee...nothing's changed - Diesel still doesn't like to give up the Frisbee

Playing like only Josh will play

Josh wore his uniform to church Sunday, so of course I had to get more pictures.

Josh and Randy or Papa Rocca.

We had a BBQ on Sunday so Josh could catch up with some friends without having to go see them all. Those of you who have moved away know what it's like to come back and visit and feel like you just can't see them all.

BBQing the hamburgers

Jim and Randy were supervising the barbecuing of the hamburgers...on the swing of course.

The food's ready! Everybody pitched in and brought some very yummy side dishes. I love potlucks!!!

Eating all that good food

Good friends....Jordana, Jenna, Josh and David

Men-folk talking about guns.... really they are. It was too fun to watch.

Telling stories from Boot Camp

Two of the guys in here are police officers and they were all sharing storiesDiesel was just looking for flies to chase most of the afternoon. He did so well! We weren't sure what to expect from him, but he didn't bark as people came in or jump on them. He just seemed thrilled with all the activity. Way to go Puppy!!!

Marine Graduation...

Yesterday was Josh's graduation from Marine boot camp. Everyone who had been through this told us it would be such a memorable experience and it was. It's always gratifying to see your kids succeed at something that took perseverance and hard work, whether it's school or a sport or maintaining their relationship with the Lord, and this was no different. Josh will never forget what he learned to become a Marine and we have been so impressed with the qualities we see in him from the experience.

Waiting for the ceremony to being

Molly the Marine Mascot

The Marine Corps Band. They were so good. If you love drum and bugle corps band reviews, you'd love them. Their moves were so sharp and totally in time with each other.


More of the band

Josh's platoon walking by in the parade

In formation preparing for final dismissal

There's Josh on the far left! He looks so handsome. I know I'm biased, but there's something about a man in uniform.

Shaking Grandpa's hand - he served for nine years in the Marines and left with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Josh has a totally different respect for his Grandpa now.
Giving him a hug...still grandpa

Hugs for Grandma

Seeing Aunt Pat! He wasn't expecting Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob or his grandparents to be there.

Hugs for Uncle Bob

Josh and Ashlie...so cute together

Josh and Nick...notice Nicks shirt says "My brother is a Marine". They didn't have any best friend shirts, so he opted for this. It works, they are like brothers.

Cousin Gabe and Josh. It was so good to have him with us. Josh was so happy to see him and so sad to see him leave. We love you, Gabe!!!!

Josh and Jen...so good to see them together again, even if it's only for a few days

Proud parents...if you could see the writing on our shirts, they say "Proud parent of a U.S. Marine"...... guilty as charged.

Cousins and Auntie. Aunt Pat's a hoot! All the kids have always loved being with Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob. She's a 60 something that has the youthful heart of a 20 something.

With Auntie and Uncle. They drove in from Las Vegas to be at the graduation.

With Grandpa and Grandma. They drove in from Arizona to be there.

The new Marine

The first thing he wanted to eat was an In and Out Burger, so that's where we went. Looks like he enjoyed every bite! He says that's all the guys would talk about, In and Out and some place in Texas called Water Burger.

We needed to kill some time before we took Gabe to the airport, so we went down by the wharf to hang out a bit. I wanted a pictures of the two of them together, so they posed for me.

Everyone at the wharf