Steve's graduation ceremony: It was pretty nice! I learned that Island County co-leads the state (along with Bates College) with firefighting accreditations they offer. We are very lucky that not only did he receive his Firefighter I status from the state, he got paid to do so! He wants to go on and get his EMT certification this winter (here on the island also) and set himself up for a full-time career some day. Steve was singled out that evening to receive a plaque and "Chief's Choice" award for most outstanding recruit of the whole north battalion! That's the man I married... puts his heart and ethic into all his work. "If something's worth doing, it's worth doing right!"
These are the recruits for the city of Oak Harbor (they has had South Island and North Island county recruits), and who's that handsome one there on the left??? (Click on the photos for a bigger image)
... receiving his certificate from Senator Haugen who was the key speaker for the ceremony.
... all squared away with his new badge!
*Giggle* Steve stands a little bit straighter when he wears that uniform... I'm so proud of him.
And here we have now the mandatory playground pics of the kiddos...
I just love this next picture of the three boys:
playing in the bubbles with Uncle Nate. and cousin Delion:
And now we have the Hazel Dell Parade. Boy do the Pecks know how to do parades! Check out their sweet setup for the 95 degree heat, complete with a cooler for cold drinks and something like a 50 pound bag of sunflower seeds! My father-in-law gets out there hours before the parade starts to set up in the choicest spot along the street, and they meet up with some family friends and just have a great time! I think I can officially say that this is my favorite tradition on Steve's side of the family and I'm thankful to be a part of it. (We just need to live closer to family so we can do this every year!)
Ha, ha! Writing this out in front of our "post" got most of the bands to march a little crisper and play a tune! School-aged kids will believe anything... :o)
Dominic has a ball and a lap... what else could he possibly want?!
The boys got loads of candy!
Aunt Mandy put beads on Nico and is about to teach him Blackjack... ha-ha!!
Here's the water fountain at Esther Short Park in Vancouver. Dominic took a bit to warm up to the idea:
And if this isn't the sweetest photo of the brothers I've seen in a LONG time!
... the boys looking through photo albums.
... my attempts to turn my thumb green. The kids had fun in the dirt at least!
... and finally, the sweet signs of summer around the corner!
