August, 2001

Admiring a jeep at a car show he went to with Scott. Vito's a graduate now with his high school diploma. He pulled through at the last minute, barely passing English, and didn't have to go to summer school. We are all relieved but it was so close he didn't order a gown and couldn't be in the ceremony. He gets a job with a flooring and carpet store doing installations. I give him my old grand am so he can get back and forth to work. The boy has become a man.

Photography 101

Vito took photography his senior year. Most of the pictures he took were of friends and classmates, some of his teachers, some album covers and some of home. Above is his picture of his Dad's Dodge Ramcharger plow truck that Vito spent many hours working on to improve it's condition.


Here is his picture of his computer workstation in his room. Note the wires coming out of the front!



His South Park calendar.

Kit Kat hanging out in his room.

School Days, Senior year, June 2001

Vito's girlfriend gave me these pics of him goofing around with his friends in school.

Obviously a very serious course discussion.



Some censoring required.

Festus Success!

A truly proud moment for Vito after he convinces our cat Festus to sit on his lap. Festus is a stray we took in 3 years prior to this picture and very afraid of people. At that time it was rare for him to let someone pet him much less hold him. But Vito never gave up and slowly Festus warmed up to him. We still have Festus now, we estimate him to be about 13 years old. He's still terrified of strangers but extremely loving and loyal to Scott and I. There has never been a more devoted cat.


No sudden moves, don't want to startle him!

March, 2001

A relaxed Vito and silly Scott enjoying Grandma Goldie's 80th birthday party.

Christmas 2000

Ooooo presents!! Our last Christmas with Vito :-(

This beautiful leather jacket I picked out didn't go over so well. He ended up returning it, not really his style (he looked so awesome in it), oh well.

More clothes, not exactly the 4 wheeler he was hoping for.

Success, this "Spear Britney" was well liked and worn often.

Not enjoying getting his pic taken while eating at Grandma Linda's house. Of course he's never too far from the computer.

Age 17

Scott posing with our carved pumpkins. Vito's pumpkin is on the far left and reflects his growing lack of enthusiasm for our yearly carving tradition. He did make an effort but at 17 trick or treating is definitely not "cool".




Vito, far right, with some friends in December.