Update ~ August/September '05

Since returning from our vacation, things here have been super busy. I really don't know where to begin, but I'll try not to make this a 'long-winded' update. We hope that everyone is fine ~ we are always thinking of you...(Oh, the picture above was taken at the Coliseum in Rome; the one on the left, Barcelona.)

We had a fabulous 2-wk vacation in the Mediterranean and took lots of pictures. Our favorite places were Rome, Venice, and Croatia ~ but we truly enjoyed all the areas we visited. The sites were unbelievable and memorable. (I took this picture of my hubby when we were having lunch at a 'yummy' restaurant in Sicily!)

The company that Bryan Sr. works for was recently acquired by TeleDyne, so he is dealing with a lot of changes right now. We are thinking positive and hoping that this will make work and benefits that much better. (I took this picture on the right when we were in Venice, as we were watching to see how the gondolas would pass under that small bridge.)

Bryan Jr. started 7th grade and seems to be doing very well. He has been completing his homework, and that's a 'big' improvement ~ we are definitely keeping our fingers crossed that his good work continues. (That's Bryan Jr. standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!)

We went to Kim's birthday party at the Magic Castle in Hollywood last Saturday evening. We had a great time (see our picture below!) and enjoyed visiting with Kim & Dave's friends (even 'Irma!'). Dinner and entertainment were wonderful, many thanks to Julie & Jim for including us. Tom (Bryan's son) is now living on the ship (San Antonio), which is in port in the gulf of Mississippi. It was scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, but, due to the hurricane, it looks like there may be some delay. (The picture on the left is the most recent picture of Tom in his uniform.) Cindy is fine, working and continuing her education in Virginia.

Kim & Dave are okay, busy! Kim is scheduled to teach a class this Saturday at Scrapbook Oasis in Irvine and then another class in October at Pink Pineapple in Vista (I think I'm signed up for this one!!!). Her book is almost done and will be out in the stores in the fall of 2006.

Gary left for Gulfport Mississippi on Labor Day. He had just returned to Oxnard after completing a 3-wk training course in northern California and within 48 hrs he was on his way to the disaster area. He is helping with electrical issues, under the direction of FEMA. When Gary first arrived, I had asked him to check on my birthplace, which is Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi. He didn't have much to say about that, except to say that he was glad he was raised in California, ha!.

Congratulations to my niece Alissa (Terri's daughter) who was recently crowned 'Indiana County Fair Queen 2006.' We are sooo proud & very happy for you, Alissa!

Ryan recently left for school in Austria and will be there for approximately three months. Tara and David's new home should be ready for 'move in' by the end of October. Dylan started his last year in high school, cheers for Dylan! Of course our thoughts and prayers are with Jody during this difficult time due to health issues, we love you Jody.

These pictures are of my most recent project that I did for Jody...

Since we are 'new' to this 'blog thing,' please email me or leave a comment to let me know if you have been able to access our blog easily. We 'love' hearing from everyone, please keep in touch. Until the next update, take good care & be safe ~

Sue & Bryan

(this picture was taken in Croatia ~
we visited an 'old country home' -
we even enjoyed a shot of 'homemade brandy')