Celebrating our 30 year anniversay

Steve, Donna, Jessie & Beckie in Pisa, 1982.  

The Italy friends at Jessie & Matt's wedding. 

Terry, toast master & honorary Uncle :)

Barb & Dan at Jessie & Matt's wedding

Steve, Terry, Donna & Pam in Cancun for Thanksgiving in 2009.

Dan with Beckie & Jessie in Cancun 2009. 

Steve, Barb and Dan in Cancun for Thanksgiving. 

I got an email today from my mom that I thought would be fun to share on the blog.
 From Donna sent on September 25, 2010 

To all our “Italy” friends,

Today marks the 30^th anniversary of our first morning in Vicenza, Italy.  We were staying at the Europa Hotel, it was Jessie’s 3^rd birthday & Beckie was almost 11 weeks old.   So on this day or shortly after we met all of you, who became our great friends !  We had such a great time in Italy with all of you.  It was really the opportunity of a life time !  We are happy that our friendships have continued thru the years.

To all our Italy friends, Happy 30^th Anniversary :)

Donna & Steve

 My mom got this email in return from Becky Miller:

Donna,
I think and celebrate every day having know such a wonderful family.  I still remember little Becky's face so tiny, and little Jessie with her braids.
Not to mention, the day you rushed her to the hospital beacause of the peaches...
What wonderful times.  and so great that we are able to stay in touch.
As you know we are still here in Aviano.
Love to all
Rebecca

When people ask me where I am from, which happens all the time during rotations for nursing school.  Actually the questions happen like this:
Jessie, where are you from? I moved to Scottsdale six years ago from Salt Lake, but my dad was in the Army so I've moved around.
Are you old enough to be my nurse? Yes, I am 33
Are you married? Yes & my husband is wonderful. 
Why don't you have any kids? It might be better if I finish school.  

Today in class we had to bring a food from our own culture.  (This potluck was held under the premise that we were learning about different cultures but I know the real reason, nurses love to eat.)  I brought rice crispy treats, I figured I am an American.  I told the class I brought them because when we lived in Italy my mom dazzled our Italian friend's with her rice crispy treats.   What better way to explain my personal culture?  I'm so lucky to have the experience of living in Italy and knowing all of my parent's wonderful friends.