Maria Graduates from Clarion University!

On May 2, 2009, we attended Maria's graduation where she received her BS in Business Management. She still has a couple classes to take this summer, but her undergrad is almost at an end. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and we are very proud of her. Also attending were Alyce, grandma and grandpa Odasso, and her dad and Rachel.

American Fork, Utah - A Visit with Travis and Jenna

April 2009-Aren't my grandaughters cute! Jenna's family picked me up in Salt Lake and we spent the afternoon at the Hogle zoo before going to their new home in American Fork. Riley and Isabelle warmed up to me pretty quickly, considering I don't get to see them very often, but having the internet webcam really helps alot. Riley and Isabelle each have their own room now, but I think they still enjoy playing together in the same place. Their home is a four bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath home with an upstairs laundry room which is really handy. I also got my own room. We ate out at Olive Garden and Toucanos while I was there and I gave a Jenna and Trav a date night out on Saturday so they could go see a movie. The girls are so smart and so sweet.

We also took the girls to a place called "Jump On It" where they had a blast jumping in the trampoline pit and sliding down inflatable slides. We stayed for thirty minutes and Izzy went home happy, but obviously Ri wasn't ready to leave yet.

Branch Conference

Well, Brad and Kim have been here and now back to Idaho. The Open House for them was really well attended and very enjoyable for all. Today was Branch conference and Alyce, Maria, and Will attended with me. We had a linger longer luncheon afterwards organized by the Snell's . The menu consisted of Spaghetti and bread, with branch members providing green salads and desserts. I made a chocolate cake with PB frosting and have to admit that it tasted yummy. I am trying to plan a trip to Utah to visit Trav and Jenna and hopefully Alyce will be going with me. WE are aiming for sometime before the end of April. Alyce is just so anxious for High School graduation and moving into an apartment for school. I am just glad that it is March and the coldest weather is now behind us. Next party to plan.....Graduation for Alyce!

Brad and Kim are coming to visit.....real soon!

Brad and Kim will be coming to Pennsylvanina early in March and everyone from the Brookville Branch is anxious to meet the new Mrs. Odasso. As you know from my 25 things about me post on facebook...I don't like to write, but here is a copy of the invitation to an Open House in their honor.

Brad and Kim sealed in Vegas!

Brad and Kim were sealed in the Las Vegas Temple on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Yes...I made a second trip to Vegas in 2 months, but it was worth it. Travis, Jenna, and the girls were there, and also Bary Bowser Jr from Ohio and Pete Ganabathi also attended. It was a very cold and windy day. Felt like about 40 degrees. So the pictures taken outside the Temple were few and hurried.

The sealing was at 3:30 in the afternoon and we all went to Mimi's Cafe for dinner afterwards.

Brad and Kim will live in Rexburg while he finishes school.

I can't believe the year is almost over.

It's hard to believe that another year is almost over. I just added a song to my playlist (Stop this train) and it is so true....time keeps passing bye faster and faster. Brad will be in CA this year and Jenna and Trav are staying home. Maria is spending Christmas eve in Pittsburgh, but hopefully will join us at my mom's on Christmas day. Here is a pic of my tree from the past couple years...but this year I am only putting up 2 tabletop trees.

Vegas Baby!

Just returned from Las Vegas yesterday and it was really nice to have 4 of my 5 children together. Also nice to see Travis, Riley, and Isabelle as well as Brad's fiance, Kim. We did a little shopping, some sightseeing on the strip, some eating, and a lot of playing with Riley and Issy. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at the Southpoint Casino next door to where we stayed at The Grandview. It was not even close to having dinner at home. I have some pics posted of Izzy and Riley. We saw a botanical display at the Bellagio and Riley was afraid of the tree with the eyes that also spoke! That is why she is covering her eyes in the photo.