For Zachary James Pratt

Good Afternoon Zach, I think it's just past 1PM back there in NY but still morning here in Cali. Hope you have been having a fabulous time in New York City and can update me when you have a chance. Well we had a huge party for Cody's graduation and 18th birthday last Saturday that went really well. Over 40 people came by to wish him well, including Nana & Granddad, Uncle Gregg & Auntie Kim, Aunt Christine & her folks, Aunt Shari & Uncle Bernie, Paul & MaryEllen from nextdoor, Lisa & Michael, Brittany, Michelle & her new fiance Dean, Mel & her parents and many of Cody's school friends. We had pasta with bread & salad and everyone brought appetizers to help out. Cody had an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen which worked out perfect since he doesn't like cake. The whole thing was icecream with a layer of cookie-dough blizzard on the bottom. Needless to say there was none left over. Everyone remarked at how much Cody has grown and matured. ...

Hi Zach, I know it's not Friday but I was thinking about you more than usual today knowing you are leaving for New York. Not sure you are viewing this blog or if you will check it during your trip, but I wanted to tell you to have a wonderful and safe vacation in the Big Apple. It would be great if you could post something about your experiences when you get back as I would love to hear how things went and if you got to see any great shows while you were there. As always, I send all my love to you. Miss you so much. Mom XOX

Dear Zach, Well it happened. Your brother graduated from high school!! It was a long, hard and very bumpy road, but he perservered and was able to walk with his fellow students from the class of 2010. Nana, Granddad, Melissa, Aunt Christine and Courtney (Jessica had to work) were all there with me to witness the event along with all of his friends. I was so proud and happy for him but it was bittersweet seeing how quickly time has passed. Cody is turning into a wonderful young man and we are all so proud of him. I think he was surprised at how much this accomplishment meant to him but you can see his happiness and pride in the photos. He went off to grad night with his friends and had a fabulous time. We will now look towards college and the future with great expectations. In other news, the kitties are doing much better. Rudy is 'back' with more energy and mischieviousness than before. I am getting ready to help your aunt Christine with Jessica's graduation that takes plac...

Hey Zach, hope you are having fun during your last few days of being a freshman and getting ready for your trip to New York. Jeff found an underwater camera that had pictures he had taken a while ago but he didn't know what they were. Guess what came back from the photo shop?...Looks like you are as at home underwater as you are on stage. I remember how good you were on the swim team and how hard you worked. I didn't know how much until I did the parent relay at city meet that almost killed me. I found new respect for what it took for you to compete in swimming. Skill and Stamina and you had both!! In other news....I have been on a fund raising team for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society for the past 3 months in order to help Lisa become woman of the year. We have helped her raise a lot of money for this cause by holding car washes, wine tastings and restaurant nights and will find out tomorrow at a big charity gala dinner in San Francisco if she wins. Jeff, Michelle and her fiance,...