Sunday, May 24, 2009

Day 358 - May 24, 2009

I had a great time last night, but even better - so did Kevin. To begin with him, it was very upsetting for him to be going to my sisters overnight and he was adamant that he wasn't going. I know it was more separation anxiety than anything else, but it all worked out in the end because his friend Ronnie picked him up and they took off for a night out. Here are some pics of the two of them leaving for the night. You may think Ronnie looks familiar and that's because he visited us in Florida a few months ago.




Kevin was just so excited to be going and doing something with Ronnie. He was grinning from ear to ear. And something great too - Ronnie couldn't remember how to get to my sister's and Kevin directed him right to her house.

Once there, a bunch of his friends (and my sister and her family) got together for a bonfire. I am told Kevin had a blast and stayed up quite late just hanging out. Here are some photos of that:




Kevin is really having a good time while we are here and I can't wait to see how he does tomorrow at the picnic.

And, as I mentioned, us girls had fun too. I only took one picture (and that was at the beginning of the night), and here it is:



Today we hung around my sister Kim's all day and I got to visit with some of my friends from waaaayyy back in high school!

After that we had pizza and then took some family photos. Here is my sister Dawn's family:



And this is my sister Kim's family:



And to finish out tonight's post, here is a photo of Kevin and I (because they are so rare). I think we have a natural photographer in our midst as my 6 year old nephew took this shot:

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is a very good picture of you and Kevin. Wish I could be there with you guys. I miss you two. Love you!

Breezy

Anonymous said...

Looks like Kevin and you are having a great time in PA. Sorry I could not make it out Saturday night. Hopefully, I will be able to see you next time.
Love ya,
Kristen

Jan said...

Sigh. Heading out with a friend to a bonfire....that's just how Kevin's life should be at his age.

You're right Leslie, your nephew has a good eye for photographs. The 8-year-old I babysit has been taking great photos for a couple of years now. His short videos are sometimes amazing. Try putting a video camera into your nephew's hands...if you dare. LOL

i. said...

Your nephew took a great picture of both of you. You look incredibly happy and relaxed!

Do me a favor and thank Kevin for me? I've been thinking of him and my other military friends all weekend. I'm honored to know all of them and to think of all they have done for us.

Jodi said...

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!
Thank you to Kevin and all our Veterns and active military personnel! Thank you for your services and sacrafices!

Les, you two look FANTASTIC! This trip has been so good for both of you and that is great. I am glad Kevin is doing "normal" teenage things. Thank you so much for all the pictures. They absolutely warm my heart and put a smile on my face! Thank you.

Enjoy your Memorial Day!

Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Strength for Leslie and Breezy.
Safe thoughts for all military personnel and strength for their familes.
BIG HUGS AND ALL MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Unknown said...

How absolutely perfect! I am so glad you are experiencing nothing but powerful friendships, loving family, and a grateful community!

Leslie and Breezy, you both are incredible women. You support this country by the sacrifices you have made. A quiet strength, that few of us, have to muster or experience.

Kevin, throughout these past days we, as a blog community have passed on our unrelenting passion and gratitude for your bravery, your strength of will, and your every day determination. You represent what is the very best, not only in our military, but in our youth of today. Today is your day, to be celebrated with those who love you so.

Thank you for your inspiration, your smile and your willingness to put up with our doting and our praise. It is so very little for us to give, compared to what you have given us, as friends, and as a country.

And one more message...my father is retired Navy....fought in WWII...He is 92 years old...I have kept him up to date on your progress...to Kevin from Chief Rex Christner of the USS Wasp (among others!)..."May God continue to make your body strong, so that it finally matches your strength of character and heart of dedication".

Love always.

Anonymous said...

Happy Memorial Day Leslie, Breezy, and Kevin! Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much for posting all of the pictures!!!! Looks like you guys are having a great time!
Take care,
Kathy in IA

Lisa D in Ca. said...

I too am thinking about Kevin and all of our military heroes today. Gratitude doesn't seem like a big enough word to express how I've come to feel.

It is SO wonderful to see the images and hear the stories of the wonderful time that you are having. The smile on Kevin's face and the confidence in his eyes are fantastic.

Simpleswine said...

Kevin, from this old Marine to a Brother in Arms... Thank You...
YOUR Strength, Determination, Discipline, and Courage are Exemplary of what makes this Nation Great.

Keep Marchin' on... and you are doing Amazing things! Looks like you just may be giving that quad cane to some one else, or putting it on your Honor wall! Amazing!

Semper Fi,
T

Leslie, YOU are Amazing as well, and show just what Family and Love is all about!
Keep Strong...

Anonymous said...

My warmest thanks to Kevin, all our other military heros and their families.

I am proudly flying our country's flag. God bless the U.S.A.

Hugs,

Cathy M

LISA said...

Now is he doing great...or what ??

Thank you Kevin and those who serve and have served...on this Memorial Day.

Unknown said...

Happy Memorial Day Kevin and all the other service members. Also, a very special prayer for all the familys.

It has been great to see all the pictures and those smiles. It makes today just a little more special. Enjoy you time. I am sure it will be one of many.

Love you guys
debbie

bigD said...

There's no place like home! You and Kevin seem to be having a great time, I am so happy for both of you. It is amazing what a change of scenery and some good family & friends can do to lift the spirits.

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.
~ Maya Angelou

Anonymous said...

Is that the Sheetz in Kittanning?

Wow, Kevin looks so great!

I wanted to come to the Alstars and meet you but didn't make it because of family stuff.

Maybe next time you are home, I will get to see you all.

Please be safe on your journey back (I won't say home because seeing these pictures we know where HOME really is).

GO PENS!

Jessica said...

What a great day! I'm glad Kevin had a buddy to hang with and that he remembered the directions to your sister's! Thanks for sharing all the photos. I hope you had a good Memorial Day; I can imagine it was an emotional day for you. You're both in my thoughts and prayers.