XVI

Hey kids,
Daddy here. Mom and I began dating in January of 1997. A year later, we went to Hawaii. Before we left, I asked Grandpa if Mom could come with us on our family vacation. He asked me why and I said, "I'm thinking of asking her to marry me." Grandpa said nothing. So, I had to ask, "What do you think about that?" He smiled and said, "I think that would be a good idea." He always loved her so much. I asked Grammie and Papa's permission for her hand before we left and they said yes. Mom and I  went out to dinner at a little seaside restaurant across the street from our condo. Before dinner, Mom and I took a little walk on the beach. I got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. She started crying. I said, "Is that a yes?" She said, "Of course!" and we hugged. A little boy, about 11 or 12 years old and his friends were standing close by. He shouted, "Congratulations dude!" and waved at us. I said to Mom, "We're going to remember that kid for the rest of our lives." A year later, we got married at Joseph's Church. We had to go through these marriage classes before the wedding because I wasn't Catholic at the time. I thought they were dumb at the time, but it really helped Mom and I to work together as a team and to talk about everything to each other.

Today Mom and I celebrate 16 years of marriage. I told Mom I could not afford to get her a new ring, but I did shave my beard up nice and neat, like she likes.  It's the middle of the week, so we couldn't do anything crazy but we did go to Nello's (local Italian restaurant). We had never been there but heard from Gramie and Papa that it was good. We both decided to get veal and it was awesome. After 16 years of marriage, Mom is still my favorite person on the planet. I sincerely hope that you guys will someday find a person who compliments you as much as Mom does me.  Marriage is a sacrament from God and I feel truly blessed to share my life with Mom.  I love you guys,

Daddy

Great America

Hey kids,
Daddy here. There have been many great field trips that you have been on during your time at St. Joes, Al. However, the 8th grade trip to Great America was one that I couldn't pass up. So, I took the day off work and we had us a road trip of epic proportions. We were supposed to be at school at 5 a.m. We stopped at Jack in the Box to get some food on the way in and we were stuck in the drive thru for 12 minutes! 12 stinkin minutes! When we finally got to school, the bus pulled in literally right after we did. We boarded the bus and our road trip began. Our first stop was in Red Bluff to pick up the kids from Mercy. They loaded into the front, and St. Joe's took the back. Back on the road and down to Great America. When we pulled into the parking lot at Great America, Alex said "Dad, is that Levi stadium?"

It is!

We were all terribly excited to get into the park, but we had to take a pic first.

Once we got in, the first ride we went on was the double decker merry go round. We went up top, because it was a double decker merry go round! Gabe got yelled at by Mr Grobbel because he was horsing around, see what I did there? After the merry go round we split off into our groups.

The boys were with me and we wanted to go on Gold Striker, the highest and fastest wooden roller coaster in California. Before we could though, Will had to use the bathroom. After we found the bathroom, we were standing right next to Flight Deck, so we decided to go on that. Joe opted out so Alex, Gabe, Will and I rode Flight Deck. it was the first rollercoaster Gabe had ever been on, and he loved it! We all did. We collected Joe and moved on to more rides. Al, Will, and Joe all decided to ride the water ride. Many times in a row. Gabe got some money and tried to shoot water at you guys as you passed by, but missed and hit another lady instead, who gave him the stink eye! I lol'd. There was one ride where we got to drive cars. Now, for Daddy that's not a big deal because I drive all the time, but it was still pretty fun.

No hands on the wheel and taking a selfie while driving, why not?

Near the end of the ride, you're supposed to slow down so as not to ram the person in front of you. However, Al decided to see what that lever on the side of the car does. What it does is make the car go faster than you can by stepping on the gas pedal. If you're at a dead stop when you do this, the car lunges forward and in the case of Alex, slams into the car in front. So Al got the stink eye from the lady. I lol'd. We had such a great time walking around the park which was totally empty. We didn't have to stand in lines at all, all day. Most of the rides we just got right on, and a lot of them they let us ride multiple times.

NOPE

One of  the rides Alex wanted to go on was the Drop Zone. However, after standing there looking up at it he said, "Dad I'm not so sure." So we decided to pass. After some time, I got a call from Mr. Grobbel who wanted to get our groups together. Our groups met up when Al, Will, and Gabe were on the Grizzly.

The Grizzly

Nancy and Marie Claire asked me if we went on Drop Zone and  I said that we had chosen to pass. They insisted that I ride with him while you guys were on the Grizzly, so I did. It was totally awesome! We rode it three times in a row. Nancy asked me why we had chosen to pass and I said that Alex looked a little squeamish. She said, with complete confidence, "I'll get him on it." And she did!

Pictured: Nancy winning

Driving boats

It was a wonderful day with the 8th grade class. Everyone just had the best time, including the chaperons! We were about to head out of the park, but we decided we needed some souvenirs first. Alex bought a Batman shirt, under my direction that may have been a little bit too big for him. In other words, I got a new shirt and bought a shot glass for $1! Even after being there all day I really believe we could have stayed another 12 hours and still not run out of things to do. It was so much fun. We loaded back onto the bus and began our long ride home. By the time we got home, everyone was tired and ready for bed. we drop Gabe off at home and went home and went to sleep. The next day was a school day, and I was wondering how many kids would actually show up. I was stunned to see that everyone showed! I will truly miss this class of kids. You guys just get along so well and have so much fun together. I hope, Alex, when you look back on this day and these kids you remember how great they were. I know I will. I love you guys,

Daddy

Lewiston

Hey kids.

Daddy here. This weekend we headed up to spend the day with Uncle J and the fam at his house up in Lewiston. We had an easter egg hunt and went for a walk. I think a lot about Uncle J and how I wish I could help him find his way. He's had a rough few years and I really think if he got more involved with the Church, he'd be doing better. Anyway, Violet let me take a pic with her!

The is the 1st ever selfie Papa was involved in

We had a great day with our family and headed home, tired from the day and the drive. I love you guys,

Daddy

Midway of Fun!

Hey kids.
Daddy here. We have may traditions in the Mansfield house. One of my favorites is the attendance of the Midway of Fun at the Mt Shasta Mall parking lot. When I was a kid, Tutu used to say to me, when she saw carnival rides in a parking lot, "Those rides will kill you!" and I never got to go on them. Well, we've been going to the midway for the last few years and no one has been killed yet. One of the years we went, we saw the Hiners there, so now I always ask Mr. Hiner to meet us there.

Nancy & Izzy

We got the all you can ride wristbands and started out our day of fun with some swing action for the boys.

Izzy was not convinced about the swing, so she started off with the spinney dragon ride.

I like how in the above pic that Alex is pointing out another ride to Nancy, while they're on this ride. Another big hit of the day was the slide.

What you cannot see in the above pic, is that Jake started off behind and elbowed Nancy in the chest to gain his spot. I promptly deducted 5 points for unnecessary roughness and awarded the win to Nancy. 

This ride Alex and Nancy tried to go on and the guy said, "We're closed for right now, someone threw up on the ride." LOL. They did open it up later and the big kids went on it and had a great time. All in all, I'm gonna say it was another successful trip to the Midway, and more importantly, no one died. Just another fun weekend with good friends. I love you guys,

Daddy

Easter 2015

Hey Kids,
Daddy here. We headed down to the Clickner's new house in Chico for a little pre-Easter party. I'm so glad that they live close now, so we can spend more time with them.

Mom spending some quality time with Ab and Lily

After a beautiful Easter mass, we headed to brunch with the family at River-view golf and country club. It was an all you can eat buffet, which means Al and I had to put ourselves to the test. We had a wonderful lunch and a wonderful time with the family. I know I say it all the time, but we a re very blessed to have such great people and opportunities in our lives. I love you guys,

Daddy

1 of 200 out of focus pics Uncle PP took

The Ladies

We had a wonderful lunch and a wonderful time with the family. I know I say it all the time, but we are very blessed to have such great people and opportunities in our lives. I love you guys,

Daddy