15 YEARS - WOOHOO!!!

Happy Anniversary to my Hunny Bunny!!!

WOOHOO!!! WE DID IT!!!
Today Brandon graduated from ITT with his Bachelor of Science degree in Information System Security!! We were talking on the way there about his first day being on March 17, 2003. It took nearly 6 years, but we stuck it out & got it done. When we arrived and were greeted by his program director, we were informed that Brandon was awarded the SALUTATORIAN for his class!!! This is quite a feat for any student, but even more for one that is married with 4 young children & who works full time. I could not keep from crying as I saw the rewards of so many years of hard work, dedication and determination. Brandon's desire to do his best has been his priority throughout his education with ITT and I admire him so much for excelling in so many areas. The Lord gave Brandon a keen mind & the ability to retain information and I'm glad he has had the desire to fill his mind and feel he will be blessed for utilizing his gifts. I feel so blessed to have been able to be beside him in this quest and am so grateful that we are still all in one piece. There have been many ups and downs, but I'm so glad this day is finally here!!! I am also so thankful to the many wonderful people that have donated their time & talents to getting us through these last few years-Thank you, thank you!!
CONGRATULATIONS DEAR!!! I love and ADMIRE you!!! : -)

Heading home
I think they now knew the long ride home they were in for. We stopped in Vegas & had lunch with Tiffany and her family along with Bill, Jeanette, Tracy & Ray who were visiting Tiffany. We stayed over night & left early to get home & do some unpacking.
This was such a fun vacation for us & the memories made were incredible. Each of the kids wants to go back again so bad, but they understand the sacrifices that are made in order to get there and they know it will be another year or two before we're able to go again. I'm so glad we got to share it with my parents and for the memories they have helped create with us. Thanks MOM & DAD!!! We love and appreciate all you do for our family!!!

Saturday Day 7 of Disneyland Vacation
Today we went to the San Diego zoo. It had been probably 20 years since I had been there and it was a great way to slow down before the long ride back home.

Pretty Peacock

We loved the Panda....I think he loved us too. He was smiling at us.

They had just had a new baby & so everyone had to be really quiet.

I was happy to have the people mover. My legs were so tired.


Having fun

Photo op

This kid loves animals. He was in heaven at the zoo.

I thought the hippos were kissing. But maybe fighting....

After we left the zoo we took a minute to drive around by the ocean and saw all the ships

Back to the hotel & prep for home!!!

Friday Day 6 of Disneyland Vacation
Today we went to Disneyland/California Adventure for the last time this trip. It was really sad because we had saved the final day for the weekend day when they have a bunch of extra shows that are not during the week.

One was the High School Musical show which we had to see. And they added a few participants from the audience. So the girls got to be celebrities for a few minutes.

They were so excited!!

I love this picture-It just makes me laugh!!! I love my man!!!

Goofing around

Xanna and her DaddyO

Atticus taking the wheel

My Little Chicks posing in the O

We had to go back to Disneyland to see the Parade of Dreams.

Xanna posing outside the Tiki Hut This is one of my Dad's favorite events. I think it's a Grandpa things. Although Atticus was entranced as well...which is rare.
We had to go back to California Adventure as we couldn't miss the Main Street Electrical Parade.....Sniff, sniff, cry, cry. This was on of my all time favorite parts of Disneyland growing up. It's so fascinating. The music alone brings tears..... I know I'm a bawl baby-I don't care.

It's finally here!!

Beautiful Cinderella

And Elliot

By the end of the parade Atticus was completely checked out. He missed the end of day fireworks...But we still needed to go back to Disneyland to see Mickey Mouse in Fantasmic. Well, Brandon and I and my Dad were the only ones that braved the crouds to get back over there. The kids went back to the hotel with Grammy and Ty & Carrie. We went back & forth from one park to the other about 5 times that day just to see it all & the kids were exhausted. I'm not sure they really appreciated it all worth their tired little legs, but now they talk of it & the memories emblazened on their minds will last forever!!

Thursday Day 5 of Disneyland Vacation

Today we went to Universal Studios Hollywood.

I just love the walk to the entrance-The Gorilla is my favorite!!

It took a little longer to get to the gates because of this little guy that LOVES the water!!!

It was so sad to make him leave.These statues were pretty cool...until one of them began moving and walking around the park. The girls just love Dora. Especially Xanna-she wants to speak Spanish so bad.And we found Shrek and some weird Fiona.... I'm not sure if she even had eyes. Atticus loves Shrek!!
These guys fit right in!
I was looking forward to the Miami Vice show, but I guess that has been gone for some time. At least the cast of the Waterworld was equally entertaining. Alaina loves the movie Waterworld- She and Brandon watch it all the time.

The contestants of the Incredible Hulk look-a-like contest


Alaini Lou Hulk

Braxty B Hulk
Xanna Du Hulk
Mamma Hulk
Daddy Hulk

I totally won that contest hands down....I've had lots of practice!!

And, of course, the get wet ride.

I don't know where this guy came from???

But this is just the cutest little Football player ever!!!

Unfortunately, we lost Atticus's Buzz Lightyear hat somewhere inside Universal Studios...... What a sad, sad day!! Good thing we're going back to Disneyland tomorrow.