Arianna’s Valentine’s Day Party

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO EVERYONE!

Arianna invited us to her school’s Valentine’s Day Party.  Manuel could not go but I went.  I took my treats for the class and we had so much fun.  Arianna, as always, was so excited to see me.  I was so happy to see her as well.

Arianna is coming back from recess and I am waiting for her in the hallway!  My Beautiful little girl!

She poses with one of her friends, Devine.

they are to decorate this heart cookie and all the round ones, too.  They had pink and white frosting and different kinds of sprinkles.   Oh what fun they all had doing this.

Arianna did a great job decorating her cookies.   They look delicious!

Her friend took this picture.  It is too blurry!

They play games and had a lot of fun!

Arianna got a box full of Valentines.  She decorated her box really nice.  Great job, Ari!

You are MY VALENTINE!!!!

Bus Trip To Coushatta

On Monday, we left on a Knights of Columbus trip to the casino in Kinder, Louisiana.  This is a two night stay and will return home on Wednesday night.  There are two buses traveling on this trip.  We were on bus #1 and our Compadres, Frank and Adela are on bus #2.  Also is Compadres Mom and 3 sisters.  We made our first stop at Buc-ee’s and everyone is happy with their goodies.  This group was fed before we took off so everyone is good to go.

About an hour after this stop, Bus #2 started to have problems so we stopped with them and our guide stopped to see what the problem is.  Well, the radiator line busted so they called a mechanic and we took off while they waited.  We were later informed that a 3rd bus was sent to pick them up as the repair would take too long.  They were picked up by the 3rd bus and they were on their way but were about 2 hours behind us. 

Going through Houston….

Going through Lake Charles…

We arrived at the casino at about 3 pm…

They got to the hotel and we met up for dinner.  Right after we ate, Manuel started feeling bad.  He had fever and chills and tummy aches.  We went up to the room and he layed down to rest.  He insisted that I go down to the casino which I did.  Comadre Adela and I hung out for a while.  Went back to the room to check on him and he was ready to come to the casino, although he did not feel great.  He played for a while but then went back to get more rest.

By Wednesday morning, he was vomiting and just did not feel good.  We left the casino at 1 pm and arrived home at about 8 pm.  Wish he had felt better so he could have enjoyed this trip. 

Shopping With Larissa and Arianna

Lari is scheduled to have her Military Ball at her school, Texas Military Institute, next week so off we went to shop.  She got Daddy’s credit card so off we went. 

  

We had an awesome time.  Daddy met us mid-way through our day.  We had lunch and then were off to get our nails done.  We all got manicures and they he took off with them to get their hair cuts.  She is ready for next week now and we are looking forward to her big day.

Girls and Guitars

Veronica bought the girls guitars.  They have been getting lessons and can now play!

  

They can now ply “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.  Great Job, Girls!

Friends Birthday Celebration

We wee invited to The Flores Home for Rose’s celebration with Family & Friends.  We used to live right by them and have kept close contact with them.  We had a great time and the party was great!

Rose and Art with all of their family!  Awesome family!

My Little Soldier Girl!

Lari began the 2nd semester of 6th Grade in ROTC.  She looks so cute! Very proud of you, Lari.

  

Grandpa is so proud of these girls. 

Driscoll, Texas

We try to make this annual event every year but last year, Manuel was pretty sick and we could not make it.  So glad we were able to make it this year.

This event is to honor PFC Leonel Aleman, Korean War, Killed in Action 9/11/1950 and SFC Richard M. Garcia, Vietnam War, Missing in Action March 19, 1971.

All Hometown Veterans are also honored during this event.  Here are some pictures of the event.

The Veterans Band directed by Mr. Ram Chavez prepare to perform.  The band is made up of Veterans from all branches of the Military. 

Jesse Aleman, Host of this very special event.

The Gold Star Families:  Gilbert & Debbie Garcia, Brother of SFC Garcia.

Frances Hernandez, Sister of SFC Garcia.

Esperanza Aleman, Sister of PFC Aleman.

Homer & Tina Aleman, Brother of PFC Aleman.

The Mayor of Driscoll, John Aguilar.  I missed taking his picture as he welcomed everyone to Driscoll.

 

My Brother, Jesse and My Niece, Elissa Molina who is the Driscoll Commissioner.  She gave an update on the renaming of two streets which is in the works.  Streets will  be renamed Aleman and Garcia. 

The Keynote Speaker, Amado Gonzales, Retired, Military Order of The Purple Heart.

He was a great speaker and had a lot of information on Aleman and Garcia’s backgrounds while in the Military.

The Gold Star Families receive the Laying of the Wreaths.

The Special Tribute to the MIA/POW is such a touching presentation.  It brings tears to many.

Then they called each of the military branches…  I missed the Army picture.

This was the US Marine Corp

The US Navy.

The US Air Force.

The Coast Guard/Merchant Marine.

All Military Veterans present….   Thank you Veterans!

There was a good attendance. 

The Patriot Riders are always present…  My Brother Jesse is a member of this group.

Cristian Aleman recording the program….

Mr. Ram Chavez has been a great mentor to my Brother, Jesse.  Thank you both for all you do.

The Nueces County Sherriff is always present at this function. 

Esperanza is such an inspiration to all of Driscoll.

Gabriela and Cristian Aleman, My Brother’s grandchildren.

My Sister in Law, Berta, Me, my Brother in law, Raul and my Sister, Alma.

Year after year, this event continues to touch many lives.  We truly enjoyed all aspects of the program.  Thank you, Jesse for all your efforts and for recognizing our Fallen Heroes and our Veterans.  Love you, Brother.

A Big Thank You too to all those that helped cook the delicious meal that was served, along with wonderful home made desserts!  All was delicious.