Congrats Dr. Jessica Colantonio, Ph.D.!!!

I'd like to dedicate this post to Jessica, for graduating and attaining her PhD! It's been a long road, and lots of hard work, but you've made it! I'm so proud to have a sister-in-law that has been able to do so many great things!

Dr. Jessica Russell Colantonio, Ph.D.

After she gave her one hour talk, her lab set up a party for her with tons of food, drink, and dessert.

she works with fish....so it fits...

Jess' family

Isabella was attacking the balloons all during the festivities

After the celebration at the lab, everyone trekked down to Westwood where we had dinner at BJ's. Here Mom and I took a picture with the lights of Westwood in the background. It was a busy night and we got to park atop the strip.
Congrats Jess on everything that you've done. And like Kent said, "Their loss is Harvard's gain!"

Who You'd Want To Be With If Ever Found Overboard

A doctor, a dentist, and an attorney were in a boat together when a wave came along and washed them overboard. Unable to get back into the boat, they decided that two would hold on, and the third would swim to shore for help. The doctor volunteered to swim, but the dentist said, “There are hundreds of sharks between here and the land. You’ll get killed.” Without further discussion, the attorney took off. As he swam toward the shore, the sharks moved aside. The dentist said, “That’s a miracle!” The doctor replied, “No, that’s professional courtesy!”

My Brand Spankin' New Car...

I am proud to show off my new purchase....a brand new 2008 Toyota Yaris! It's my first BIG purchase, and one that I don't think I'll ever let go of...

Thanksgiving Feast 2007

Happy Thanksgiving! As per tradition, the entire Fortmann, Colantonio, Reinzuch and Bonewald clan got together to enjoy a day of food, drinks, and thanks. There were a total of 21 people, all able to sit around one huge table.

the yummy dessert table

my Old World Chocolate Spice Cake with Orange Essence

the table

Mom and I

being our true selves

nothin' like good ole' football on Thanksgiving

anyone want a drink?

I am finishing the preparation of the yams for the first time ever

Dan and Christine

~the food~

table shot #1

table shot #2

Addie and Mike

After the meal we had to do some sort of exercising, and what better to do so than with a Wii.

Cindy and Brandon playing tennis

Addie teaching her Dad how to "bowl"

It was yet again a very marvelous Thanksgiving. The yams didn't burn, there weren't any dishes left out, and the ambiance was great. I now can say that I am thankful for having spent such a great Thanksgiving this year.

Silly Kitty

Is that a cat dangling from the toilet bowl? Why yes it is. In fact, it's Java! Still too small to reach, but curiosity gets the best of her every time :-)

This is just one of the many little silly and fun things that I deal with every day when I get home from work. Java has now graduated from her kennel! During the day I now leave her out and so far she hasn't ripped down the curtains, nor has she torn a pillow apart. She's also turning into such a cuddle-bug and purr machine. You can't but help falling for this little one, in her polka dot and bowed collar.

Girls Night Out Suzanne Vega Concert

Saturday night Mom and I went out on a very needed Girls Night. We went to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano for dinner and a concert. To see whom, you may ask....Suzanne Vega no less. We went early, had ourselves a couple glasses of wine, appetizer and dinner, and had a fabulous time listening to the melodies of Suzanne. She played classics like Caramel, to newer songs off her latest album like New York is a woman. When she asked what San Juan Capistrano would be, someone belted out 'a hippie'. (not far from the truth) The first song that she performed was an acappella version of Caramel, which sounded phenomenal!

Suzanne Vega solo

Suzanne and the drummer

this view actually looks further away from the stage than we actually were

the stylish Suzanne Vega

I can only dream of being able to play the guitar like she can

As is the norm, mom and I spent a great night together enjoying a night out. We had ourselves a sleep over at my place afterwards, and headed out for breakfast in the morning at a local french bakery. If you ever have the chance, try Savoie's Fare Saturday morning for breakfast, you'll think you died and went to food heaven. (and if you can't make it for breakfast just order a pastry)

How Fast Time Goes By

Arnaud, Jess and Isabella came down to Orange County on Friday to spend the day with us. Mom and I first went shopping in the morning, we couldn't help ourselves, it was a denim sample sale. And when we got home, the LA gang had just arrived. Isabella has gotten so big, and now has 6 teeth! I'm not going to even have to mention how sturdy she is on her feet. We all were in the backyard enjoying the sun.

Arnaud looking around

I, Jess and Isabella

Isabella heading to Dad

When she gets excited she pulls either at her pants or pulls her shirt up :-)

Ready Set GO!

the perfect shot....MID STEP...

I'm thinking she's enjoying all the attention surrounding her

the happy family

What's that Nonno?

Well whatever it is lemme see!

darn, it's not candy

Caught in the act

Yes we're talking to you....

Nonno just couldn't get enough of Isabella

While Arnaud, Jess and I went to run errands, mom and dad took Isabella to the nearby park. Apparently dad and Isabella went down the big twisty slide twice, and mom took Isabella down the little slide. If only I had been there to witness that!!!