Senior picture

Vito wasn't going to get his senior picture taken despite my begging. I had to work the Saturday of his appointment so it seemed hopeless that I would get a picture. Luckily Scott was able to guilt him into it. I was so pleased. As you can see it's very nice. The vignette and frame was added by me using picnik photo editor (free).

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!

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.

July 2000, Family Reunion

Spring 2000

My two handsome guys. Despite the solemn occasion, my great uncle John's funeral, I insisted on a photo. Vito being dressed up is a rare thing indeed as his usual outfit was jeans and a T-shirt. We arrived to the funeral in the nick of time and not many seats were left. There wasn't room for the three of us to sit together so Vito had to sit a couple isles ahead us to the right. The minister gave an incredibly touching eulogy with many lovely, personal anecdotes about our uncle John. At one point he spoke about how God loves us all despite our faults and sins. I looked over at Vito and there were tears in his eyes.

Same outfit but a different occasion. My graduation from LPN school. I never could have done it without the help and support of Scott and Vito. They both sacrificed so much to get me thru those grueling 10 months of classes, studying and endless hours of homework. I am forever in their debt.

March, 2000

Scott and Vito posing with my beautiful blooming Amaryllis in Scott's newly updated shop. The Amaryllis was promptly returned to Vito's room where he accidentally bumped into it. The stem broke in half and Vito thought for sure I'd be furious. I bit my tongue and smiled and, despite the hopeless looking situation, told him we could fix it. We got some wet paper towel and some tape, straightened out the stem and put a makeshift splint on it. It looked ridiculous but the other 2 buds actually opened and the plant thrived for a few more weeks.