Kaela's Graduation Party! 

Under the Sea!  That is the theme that Kaela wanted for her Senior Graduation Party.  The party was held at our next door neighbor's house on her back deck.  It was a perfectly beautiful day with the sun shining bright!  

We had a lot of family, friends and Kaela's friends at the party.  We served food that went perfectly with the Under the Sea theme.  Such as, Sushi, Shell Pasta Salad, "Fish and Chips" (Goldfish and Potato Chips), Ocean Water, Submarine Sandwiches, Seaweed Spread and a BIG Shark Watermelon, Named "Bruce" from Finding Nemo!

It was a great party!  We are so excited that graduation is right around the corner!  Congratulations, Kaela!

"Fish and Chips"

Submarine Sandwiches

My sister-in-law and I made yummy cupcakes with molded chocolate shells!  Thanks, Jaylin!

Sushi - Kaela's Favorite and perfect with her theme! 

Seaweed Spread - Also known as Spinach Dip

"Hello, My name is Bruce"

Ocean Water

Personalized Water Bottles

I had a great sign made from Oriental Trading for only $15!  I love that website :)

I found some HUGE balloons at Oriental Trading.  They were perfect for Kaela's theme!

The Seahorse!

View from the deck

I made favors for the guests that said "Shark Infested Treats" and I filled them with Swedish Fish and Gummy Sharks. 

I had a great time hot gluing shells on a letter K for Kaela.  Guests put their cards in the HUGE shells and signed the little graduation dog. 

Some of Kaela's guests enjoying lunch

Thanks for coming to Kaela's party!

Kaela, our silly graduate!

Courtney and Maverick having a little nappy!

Bill took some of Kaela's friends out on a boat ride

Joey is the captain of the boat!

Matthew's Marine Graduation

Matthew's Marine Graduation

November 20-21, 2012

OUR NEW MARINE!  CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW!

 Matthew DID IT!  He made it through Marine Boot Camp!  (There was never ANY doubt!)
What a blessing it was for us to be able to go to San Diego and watch his graduation. We drove down with Allie and Kaela.  The weather in San Diego was so amazing!  Blue skies and temperatures in the 80's!  

This is one of the first times that we saw Matthew.  His Drill Instructor is in the yellow shirt....YIKES, He looks TOUGH!!

Tuesday was family day.  Matthew was able to have about 6 hours of liberty with us.  We had a nice lunch at a restaurant on base.  We did some shopping, we hung out, Matthew ate 4 protein bars, and we took lots of pictures!  It was great  to hear all about boot camp and how hard they push the new marines!  Marines are NO JOKE! 

Matthew, Bumpa and Grammy -  So happy that they were able to make the trip down too!

Matthew and Daddy...Bill is so very proud of his son! 

Carlie and Matthew - They were so thrilled to see each other.  She wrote Matthew 75 letters during the 3 months that we had been gone!  That's true love!

Graduation was on Wednesday and again the weather was gorgeous!  We all piled into the grandstands and watched with great pride as 6 platoons of new Marines marched out on the parade deck.  It was so impressive to watch and a little surreal to be there! 

Fox Company, Platoon 2131

Bill, Matthew and Me.  We are proud parents!

I love this picture of Daddy and Matthew! 

Kisses for Grammy!

Matthew will be home until January 1st.  At that time, he will go back to Camp Pendleton in San Diego for about 3 months for school.  After that it's Missouri for another round of school.  By then we should know where he will be stationed.  

We love you, Matthew!  Congratulations!  We are so proud of you!