Spring Break in Virginia

Since Ian will be leaving soon (this summer) on his 2-year mission, Jim and I took Ian on a 1-week vacation of his choice. He chose Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia. We had a great time and learned so much about the Revolutionary War that we could hardly absorb it all. All three towns have much of it preserved where actors and volunteers walk around in time-period costumes, talking, working and performing throughout the day. We left with renewed appreciation of our country's forefathers and early patriots. This 1st picture is Jim dressed as a Continental Army officer in Yorktown, putting his 'best foot forward.' The 2nd picture is Ian and Leah in the stocks in Williamsburg. The 3rd is of Leah next to a Powatan Indian house in Jamestown. The 4th picture is Jim and Ian in fort armor in Jamestown, The 5th is Leah and Jim at the Yorktown Battlefield where the Revoluntionary War was won.

Happy Birthday Big Boys

Having two birthdays in the beginning of the year, we get to take advantage of after-Christmas sales. Aaron(29)received a new set of golf clubs and bag, and Nicholas(22) received a Wii game system. And we love any excuse to eat tons of fattening food and race a few laps on the go-carts..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONS!!!

A Wonderful Time of Year

January is coming to an end so I'd better get the Christmas pictures posted. Xmas is two days long for the Cassaro family. It starts with Xmas Eve at Jim & Joanne's house (Jim's parents). It's a small family so anyone absent (Nicholas) is sorely missed. Since they live in Buena Park, it's quick trip for Mom (Judy) to join us on Xmas Eve. Xmas morning, Leah cooked up a big breakfast. The boys and Mom(Judy) arrived by 10am. Everyone received one big gift, plus their stocking filled with goodies. After more eating, playing games, napping, and shared conversation, Mom left for Rachel's house. Aaron hung out the rest of the day and we were back at Jim & Joanne's for dinner. Instead of our annual Xmas trip with the boys, we went to Las Vegas during the week of New Years. But that's another story.

Ian and the Holidays

While Aaron was consumed in daily holiday performances with the All American Boys Chorus, and Nicholas was working double-time hours at Citrix-Online in Santa Barbara, Ian spent his Christmas season in a variety of performances, including Sax Solo Ricitals, Symphonic Band concerts, and being hired for voice work. This picture is of Ian with a fan after a concert. The video clip is Ian narrating "The Night Before Xmas" for a local high school's holiday program.

Christmas is Coming....the Goose is getting fat!

The annual White Elephant Xmas Party is a highlight of the holiday season for the family here in Southern California, held the Sunday before Christmas. Instead of dinner, everyone brought desserts. A small birthday recognition was included for Kevin Guthrie (age 19), Katie Muldune (5) and Jim Cassaro (54). As usual, the most awful gifts were the most coveted. The evening ended with Randy joining us live via a laptop webcam and the Guthrie/Cassaro brothers foozeball play-offs.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 24th Anniversary to us on December 8th. Jim was working (driving the big-rigs) and took his "lunch" around 6pm. When Ian heard I was meeting Jim at a little Italian restaurant in the area, he decided to join us since the food there is great. While we were waiting for our meal, Jim and I took turns telling Ian some of our dating stories. It was nice!

Happy Turkey Day

Southern California's record heat gave us a break Thanksgiving Day with rain and cool Autumn weather. We enjoyed a relaxing, tummy-filling feast at the Casssaro's (Jim's parents). Playing Cribbage is a Cassaro tradition after all good meals and the kids (anyone under 30) spent hours showing each other YouTube clips. We had such a good time that everyone returned the following evening for another plate-full of left-overs.....naps included. Jim and I took the "kids" go-carting. Then Ian went with Jason's family to the Redlands Temple to do some baptisms. What a great weekend.