Party Pals-Established 2004

2010, December, Christmas Celebration

2011-01-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Large Picture: L to R Back: Mike, Terry, Ramiro, & Ray

L to R Front: Letty, Esther, Teresa, & Carol

August 2010, Rancho California, Bella Vista Winery

2010-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Teresa's 50th Birthday

2010-09-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Ramiro's 60th Birthday - Vegas Style!

2010-06-17T17:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Michael!

2009-12-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

Michael's Birthday was held at Original Mike's in Santa Ana.

2009 Annual Party Pal Christmas Party

2009-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Original Mike's in Santa Ana

Ester's Birthday - Ristorante Genovese

2009-11-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Ester's birthday at this wonderfully eclectic Italian Restaurant Ristorante Genovese in the city of Anaheim. The food was incredible the decor over the top (well maybe that is too generous of a description) but we had a great time! We went to the Elk's Club afterwards for drinks and partying! Happy Birthday Ester!

Rose Canyon Cantina - Carol's Birthday

2009-11-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Nick & Dani's Halloween Birthday Party

2009-11-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Oktoberfest! Oi! Oi! Oi!

2009-11-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Angels vs. Texas Rangers

2009-10-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

Friends
Dinner and drinks at The Knot
Angels 11 - Rangers 0 Whoooo Hooooo!

Letty's Birthday - Pop the Cork

2009-09-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Letty's Birthday Bash at "Pop the Cork"

2009-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Party Pals together once again . . .

Big Bear Lake Sunset

2009-09-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Latin Festival - Big Bear Lake, CA

2009-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Big Bear Day 2

2009-09-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Girls Day - Big Bear

2009-09-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Big Bear September 2009

2009-09-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Aquarius Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV

2009-09-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Laughlin - Dinner at Harrah's

2009-09-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Road Trip to Laughlin August 2009

2009-09-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

2009-08-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Terry & Esther Bromfield are dear friends of ours and we would like to share this with you:

This is a story written about Travis and his plight with cancer. Please read and then forward to everyone you know, also log onto this site and read stories about other soldiers.

Terry & Esther Bromfield

--- On Thu, 8/27/09, SisterSoldierFSB@aol.com wrote:

From: SisterSoldierFSB@aol.com
Subject: R. B. Stuart: "New" Huffington Post feature:"The Harley to Heaven"
To: SisterSoldierFSB@aol.com
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 5:50 PM

Good Afternoon:
For those of you who have been supporting my work of soldiers returning from Iraq with cancer. My latest feature for The Huffington Post:
"The Harley to Heaven:" Soldier Dies From Cancer Before Tour Ends
Please visit and share the following links. Click on the link or copy & paste it into your browser:
The permanent link to the published post can be found at the following address
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/r-b-stuart/the-harley-to-heaven-sold_b_267293.html

After reading the story, if you scroll further down you can read the readers comments....or write one of your own, and help generate exposure for these soldiers story's.
It will also be permanently listed with the other posts in my author archive at the following address:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/r-b-stuart/

Thank you for your support. Yours ---R. B.

---R. B. STUART
author ~ freelance writer ~ columnist ~ poet
telephone 212.724.2800
SisterSoldierFSB@aol.com
http://sistersoldier.blogspot.com
http://operationpurpleheart.blogspot.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/r-b-stuart

Party Pals Fleece Jackets

2009-08-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know the girls have been waiting a long time for these - about two years! It has taken me that long to find the time to learn my machine well enough to make our jackets! Hope you like them!

Party Pals B & B

2009-07-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Breakfast and Bowling that is! Terry and Ester met us for breakfast at Keno's in Anaheim and then they went on to their grandaughter's soccer game. The rest of the Party Pals went to Concourse Lanes for some bowling. The ladies of course spent most of the time with poodles and the boys tried hard to correct their pumpkins and sour apples. There weren't any of us that could convert the picket fence but we tried we really tried! If you are having trouble understanding this check out the site below!

http://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/12/technology/bowling-s-fast-lane-of-slang.html

Mike's Birthday at Original Mike's

2009-03-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

We all met at Original Mike's in Santa Ana. They have this cozy room with a fireplace in the center of the bar. We had so much fun being together celebrating both Mike's Birthday and having our Christmas Exchange.

November 2, 2008 - Salt Water Creek Grill Restaurant, Dana Point, CA

2008-11-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

Happy 52nd Birthday Carol!

PPs & JPP & PPPS - T's Baby Shower 10-25-2008

2008-11-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ester made T a diaper cake filled with all kinds of useful goodies, Teresa gave Jack a denim jacket she made with patches all over it and Letty, Marisa & Dani gave Jeremy his own diaper bag complete with Pee Pee Tee Pees, blue print changing pad and the funniest item was Jack's first Pinata!

October 25, 2008 - Teresa Hord's Baby Shower

2008-11-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

October 25, 2008 - Teresa Hord's Baby Shower

2008-11-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Letty, Carol, Esther & Teresa together once again to celebrate with Carol's daughter Teresa at her baby shower. We are all so fortunate to have so many things to feel blessed about in our lives right now. Wonderful new spouses for our children and new grandchildren on the way.

Robert + Cori = Baby Carriage

2008-10-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Robert & Cori celebrated their upcoming expectation with a couples baby shower at Terry & Ester's home in Anaheim. Both Robert and Cori's family were there and the ladies had fun playing the games Ester had planned. It was lots of fun and the food was incredible as always when you are at T & E's. Cori opened many beautiful gifts, lots of clothes for the new baby and items for their nursery. Nana Ester made the adorable ducky diaper cake for the baby.

Letty's Grandparent's History - Hispanic Heritage Month 9-15 thru 10-15

2008-09-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Juan and Trinidad Mendoza in front of their home on Olive Street, in Westminster, Circa 1950.

This was taken from the Orange County Register and was submitted by Ricardo Juan Valverde, Letty's relative.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15. To commemorate the period, The Register asked readers to tell their family stories of the Latino experience in Orange County.

My grandfather, Juan Ornelas Mendoza, was born in 1905 in Mexico in a small ranch town called Villa Hidalgo in the state of Jalisco.
He had two brothers, older brother Natividad and younger brother Rosalio. His father Cypriano passed away when he was two years old. Due to their loss, the family suffered and lived in extreme poverty.
As you can imagine life was very difficult. He told stories of eating food picked up off the streets to survive and the fact that he went naked when the only clothes he had on his back needed to be washed.
His mother Librada had difficulty making ends meet so my grandfather decided to join his older brother Natividad who had just left for the U.S. with the hopes of working and sending money home. My grandfather was 17at the time.
He met up with his brother Natividad in Kansas City where he was living. They soon found jobs on the railroad with the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe.
He often spoke of their adventures on the railroad and their lives on the road, which were reminiscent of scenes in the movie the "Grapes of Wrath." He connected with scenes in the motion picture depicting life in the camps and on the road in caravans of old model A trucks. His stories always carried some lesson to be learned.
My grandfather was a good son. He sent money home to his mother who unfortunately passed away in the mid 1920's. He tells of the time he wanted to see her but his mother wrote to him forbidding him to visit because at the time the Mexican government was killing and persecuting Christians. It was the time of the Cristeros. He never saw her again and he regretted heeding her words.
He met my grandmother Trinidad Torres in Kansas while she was with her father, Matilde Torres, on a business trip from Mexico. She stayed and they married in 1928 and had three daughters.
They traveled, moving all over the U.S. My mother the oldest is named Ludvina. Her other sisters are Luisa and Socorro. My grandparents and their daughters worked the fields as campesinos. I remember stories about their travels through Stockton, Valle Imperial, Indio, and other towns. They followed the picking seasons migrating crisscrossing California to make a living. The whole family worked in order to make ends meet.
One story I found interesting was how the family wound up making their home in the city of Westminster. My grandmother at the age of eight wound up in the area while traveling with her father and was a student at the old 17th Street School where she befriended a young girl named Florentina.
They became friends and began a relationship that would change the road the Mendoza family would travel. Years later, married and with family in tow, my grandmother remembered her friend and returned to visit her. During the visit my grandparents decided to set up camp at a house nearby that was rented and later purchased. It became the Mendoza home on Olive Street in what was later to be called the city of Westminster.
With time my grandparents became well acquainted with the neighbors in the predominantly Mexican neighborhood. They used the home as a central hub for family, extended family and friends who followed the harvesting seasons in California.
My grandparents also worked side by side with the Japanese farmers in Westminster and recounted the fond memories of the life in the fields. My grandmother served as a midwife and many people claim to have given their first breath in the house I call home.
The home was full of activity for many years housed many relatives and friends. My grandparents allowed their daughters and husbands to get out and work to make a living by raising me, my sister Elsa as well as the other four grandchildren. Their home was a 24-hour childcare facility. My parents as well as my aunts and uncles lived there until they saved up monies to purchase their first homes.
Being the oldest of the grandchildren and male I was given the privilege to rub elbows with the patriarch of the family, my mentor, my grandfather. He was a well-respected man of whom I never heard an ill word.
I learned about the past from him and his friends by listening to their conversations and stories. We were inseparable and were always seen driving around in his green 1955 Chevy truck. I soon learned to drive that truck at age nine in front of the L.P Weber School on Hoover Street. I own the old truck to this day.
My grandparents, along with grandma's friend Florentina and her family, as well as many others in the community are considered founders of the Catholic Church down the street called Blessed Sacrament. They as well as many friends are also listed as the builders of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. They were members of the Progresista Mexicana a mutual aid society that concerned itself with local social and labor issues. They were Guadalupanos a church social group that honored the Virgen of Guadalupe and provided support for the church and its fiestas. The fiestas became famous nationally and attracted many famous celebrities of the period.
I was in college at UCI in the 70's and the Gonzalo Mendez case came up in a political science class.
I then realized that it had taken place in Westminster and that they were talking about people I knew in the barrio. No one in town, to my knowledge, had ever mentioned the case.
I came home and asked my grandparents if they knew about it and they were surprised that anybody remembered the case. They asked why people were interested in Mendez. They had been involved in the group of parents formed (by the different barrios) to support the cause. They didn't understand the hubbub.
It turned out that one of my grandparents was either the secretary or treasurer of the group. Furthermore both grandparents were friends of the Mendez family and helped raise one of the Mendez family members as their own.
I live in Westminster and will most likely die here. There are many stories to be told about my family and the wonderful people and neighbors of the old barrio. My wife, my daughters and myself continue to stay active and are a part of our hometown. My grandfather instilled in me a sense of community spirit that I, my family, and many others will never forget. I hope I am fulfilling his wishes. He once asked I stay in touch with my roots and work to help the people he fondly called Raza.
He stated, "We need to demonstrate we are all equal and deserve to be treated justly." He didn't understand why people would get educated and then move away to spare their children from being raised in the barrio. He loved the neighborhood.
Because of them I have dedicated my life to serve our people, La Raza. I didn't move away. I have spent most of my life in service to the community. I will retire soon after 31 plus years currently in service as a social worker with the County of Orange. My wife works at the old Catholic School that just celebrated its 60 years from which my daughters, relatives, friends and I graduated. My daughters are now doing their part. They have all worked with the Westminster Community Services Department. One is a currently a school teacher, one works as a counselor with juvenile dependents of the court and the other is planning to work as a police officer.
I lovingly remember my grandparents, relatives and friends past and present when I cruise down Olive Street.
In my office I look up at my grandfather's picture hanging over my desk and the words of Cesar Chavez, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."
If my grandfather had received a formal education he may have been able to express himself like Cesar. He did what he could and I remember his words, he was a wise man.
p.s. My grandparents and their families stories were deeply impacted by the Mexican Revolution and poverty in Mexico. They traveled and met many wonderful people in Mexico and the U.S. Your wealth in friends was usually measured by the amount of compadres you had. My grandmother once stated they were Godparents to over thirty-some children!
Ricardo Juan Valverde, 55, is a senior social worker for Orange County.

Summer's End Party - Pitchin' Horseshoes

2008-09-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

"Listen"
by Claudia Emerson

Some of your buddies might come around for a couple of beers and a game, but most evenings, you pitched horseshoes alone. I washed up the dishes or watered the garden to the thudding sound of the horseshoe in the pit, or the practiced ring of metal against metal, after the silent arc - end over end. That last summer, you played a seamless, unscored game against yourself. Or nightfalling. Or coming in the house. You were good at it. From the porch I watched you become shadowless, then featureless, until I knew you couldn't see either, and still the dusk rang out, your aim that easy; between the iron stakes you had driven into the hard earth yourself, you paced back and forth as if there were a decision to make, and you were the one to make it.

Summer's End Party at The Bromfields

2008-09-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Summer's End - Games, Music & Water - September, 2008

2008-09-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

We played Spite your Neighbor & CLR, listened to music on the jukebox, and watched as the "kids" swam. It was a great day spent with family, friends and some even newer friends. Thanks Terry and Esther for a wonderful ending to a wonderful summer.

Summer's End - What's a party without food?

2008-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Terry once again surprised us with his culinary expertise by preparing the best hamburgers and hot dogs this side of the Mississippi! Just what is in that secret sauce????

Summer's End Party - September 2008

2008-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yeah they was dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin'
and just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right

Holly Golightly and more of her guests

2008-09-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Cocktail Party Guests - TIMBER!!!!!!

2008-09-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Theme - Decor by Marisa, Dani & Christine

2008-09-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

All the girls worked so hard at transforming the Gomez's home into a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Set. It was done beautifully and tastefully, including chocolate fountain, hors d' oeuvres, even a blue tiffany box cake, and of course champagne for the toast. Letty aka Holly Golightly is a lucky lady to have such creative daughters and adopted daughters in her life! Michael aka Paul "Fred" Varjak of course is the master of deceit! In keeping Letty in the dark, so to speak, they went to Morton's for drinks and dinner and then had to make a "stop" at the house!! She was truly surprised as they drove down their street into a large barricade of people waiting to wish her a very Happy Birthday!

Breakfast at TIffany's - Letty's Surprise 55th Birthday Extravaganza

2008-09-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Holly Golightly aka Letty Gomez in her first starring role!

Party Pals celebrating Fred's 30th Birthday Party

2008-09-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

We just couldn't seem to get one good picture - but these are pretty funny. Notice super models Mike and Letty must have experience in posing as their pose never changes! Of course all the rest of us are unmangeable, untameable, and unruly, and that's the way we like it!

More Party Pictures

2008-09-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Fun & Games at Fred's Party

2008-09-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mike and Letty set up a game in the front yard that we hadn't seen before. It is called Ladder Ball - check it out on the web it was a lot of fun. If you notice those hats on the PP's - Teresa gave them to the boys - they have headlights on the brim. Of course they took every opportunity to use them!

Happy 30th Birthday Fred!

2008-09-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

Marisa being the wonderful wife and friend threw Fred a surprise 30th Birthday Party on Saturday, September 6th. She is quite the hostess with the mostess. Martha Stewart has nothing on her! She hired "Taco Man" to feed the many friends and family who came to celebrate this special occasion with Fred. Marisa you rock! We are proud to call you a Junior Party Pal! The Premies have a long way to go!

Making New Friends at Rancho

2008-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Luau was held Sunday night at the clubhouse and we made some new friends, Brooke, a wonderful young lady from Long Beach, her mom Claire who lives at Rancho, Diane, Gina, Steve and Myron who all traveled to Rancho from Palm Desert. We were kicked out of the clubhouse at 10:00 and had to finish up the game outside by the pool under the stars. Ester and Brooke walked away the winners sharing the pot! We hope to see them all again on our next visit to Rancho.

La Cereza Winery - Temecula, CA

2008-09-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

(Sing this to the tune of the Beverly Hillbillies theme song)

Come 'n listen to my story of a man named Terry.

He's a great party pal and also a Harley rider.
And then one day he was shootin' the bull
and the girls came along and he couldn't turn 'em down.
Wine Tasting that is, merlot, chardonnay.

Well the first thing you know old Terry's the driver.
The other men said Terry we ain't subscribing.
They said relaxing is the place you ought to be.
But he loaded up the truck and drove to wineries.
Wine that is - pinot noir, cabernet.

Well now it's time to say goodbye to Terry and all his friends
They would like to thank you folks for kindly droppin' in
You're all invited back again to this locality
To have a heapin' helpin' of their hospitality
Party Pals , that is, set a spell, take your shoes off,
Y'all come back now, hear?

Mike Gomez in Spirit

2008-09-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

We really missed Mike and Letty on this trip as they were not able to join us for the weekend. But when we were wine tasting funnily enough we ran into Mike!

Do you see the resemblance? We sure did!

"Saturday at the Ranch"

2008-09-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

We swam and relaxed at the pool all day Saturday and partied the night away in the local clubhouse - they had a local band performing. We then took a short ride to Cahuilla Casino for a few hours of fun.

Stagecoach Inn - Dancing and having fun!

2008-09-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

We all had such a great time and there are more pictures to come so keep an eye out for them!

Labor Day Weekend - September 2008 - Rancho California RV Resort

2008-09-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Friday night we all unpacked and headed over to the local saloon - the Stagecoach Inn in Aguanga - it is the hot spot on Friday Nights with everyone going there for dinner, drinks, dancing and karaoke! We had a great time and the award winning infamous group "The OC" even took to the stage and performed for the locals. It was the highlight of the evening.

2008, August - Terry & Esther's 19th Wedding Anniversary

2008-08-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

Terry and Esther are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary. The gift for the contemporary anniversary is bronze. Hey Terry I know a certain bronze statue that Esther really likes!! (See our 2005, June - Downtown Palm Springs Post!)

2008, July - Terry & Esther on their Harley

2008-08-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

2008, June - Ray's Birthday at Hernandez Hideaway Hotel

2008-08-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

2008, May 24th - Dani & Nick's Wedding

2008-08-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

2008, April 5th - Dani's Bridal Shower

2008-08-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

2008, April - Dani's Bachelorette Party in Palm Springs

2008-08-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

Pics to follow . .

2008 - March - St. Patrick's Day at Rancho RV Resort

2008-08-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

Pics to follow . . .

2008 - February - Oscar's at Ramiro & Teresa's

2008-08-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

Pics to follow. . .

2008, February - Teresa & Jeremy's Wedding Celebration

2008-08-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

2008, January - Matt & Becca's Wedding

2008-08-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

2008, January - Rancho RV Resort - New Year's Party

2008-08-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

2007, December - Becca's Bridal Shower

2008-08-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

2007, December - Christmas at Original Mike's in Santa Ana

2008-08-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Pictures to follow . . .

2007, November - Carol's 50th "Do Over Birthday Party"

2008-08-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

2007, October - Dromo Racing

2008-08-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

Look at those men!

AAAhhh ALIENS!

The Winning Team!

2007, October - Halloween Dinner at Terry & Esther's Home

2008-08-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

2007, October - Halloween Dinner at the Bromfield's

2008-08-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

2007, September - Letty's, Fred's and Grandpa Robert's Birthday at Newport Dunes

2008-08-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

2007, September - Labor Day - Junior Party Pals

2008-08-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Here are our "JPP"s as we refer to them as or Party Pal wanna be's.

They try really really hard, but haven't made it into the inner circle yet!

2007, July 28th - Becca & Matt's Engagement Party

2008-08-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

2007, July - Mike,Letty, Ray & Carol - 30th Anniversary Trip to Monterey, CA

2008-08-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

Mike, Letty, Ray, & Carol are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversay this year. They took a road trip to Monterey, where they went to the aquarium, golfed, spaad (is that a word?) & the 17 mile drive to Pebble Beach. They stayed at the Portola Hotel in the waterfront area of Monterey.

2007, July - Nick & Dani's Engagement Party

2008-08-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Pics to follow . . .

2007, June - Ramiro's 57th Surprise Birthday Party

2008-08-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

2007, May 5th - Cinco de Mayo - Nick and Dani's Announcement

2008-08-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Nick and Dani shared the news with the Party Pals at our Cinco de Mayo celebration that they had just gotten engaged!

Look at that Bling!

Party Pals always ready to celebrate especially when it comes to one of our kids!

2007, March - St. Patricks Day - KOC

2008-08-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

See that smile - it means she knows where the pot of gold is! But she's not telling!

Jeez - I just can't get this thing on my head straight!

Okay, we are all ready now - take our picture!

2007, February 20th - Travis Bromfield, Son of Terry & Esther Bromfield

2008-08-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Travis...

Dear Travis, It has been a year since you lost your battle with cancer. It is not the same without you. Though your presence is felt. You are missed dearly by all."God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be: so He put his arms around you and whispered "Come to Me". With tearful eyes we watched you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest, "God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best."We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.With All Our LoveUntil We're Together Again, Dad, Mom and your family.

My First Year Without You Travis

I wait for you to walk through the door everyday and it won't happen. I call you to dinner and there's no answer. I go to your room everyday hoping you'll be there and it's empty like my heart. You hear people say the holiday's are the worst but their wrong everyday is the worst. Not having you to talk with or to watch "The Green Mile" for the hundreth time is so hard. You sure did like that movie.Hearing your laughter and seeing your wonderful smile, is something I miss the most but I'll never forget the sound of your voice or the look of your smile.I miss you so much. Going to weddings and hearing our friends become new grandparents pulls on our heart strings because we can never share that with you. Travis you would have been a wonderful father, you showed that by the way you loved and payed so much attention to Nathan, Caeli and Emma.There is so much we will miss, but we have so many wonderful shared memories that no one can take away from me and dad. And by the way Yvonne, Jimmy, Robert and David are keeping their promise to you about dad.We go to the cemetary every week and sit for hours just to be near you. I gives dad and I great comfort to be there we feel very close to you. Oh, and your song we hear it all the time. We know your with us we feel you we smell you, your presence is near us always. Dad and I spent all day yesterday with you. So this year has been heartbreaking and every year after will be. It will never get better. We just love you and keep all our memories to help us get through the day.I Love You With All My Heart, Mom

Dear Uncle Travis,
I just want to start by saying thank you for everything. Thank you for watching me plays
soccer. Also thank you so much for being my friend.
We have so many memories together, that I will never forget. One of the best
memories is when u picked me up from school, and we spent the whole day together. We
went to Dave n' Busters for lunch. We had so much fun. The other memory is when I first
joined the polar bear club. It was so cold. Those memories and all the other memories I will
never forget.
But whenever I saw you in pain, it felt like someone put a knife through my heart, I
would feel like I wanted to cry. I never did because I never wanted you to see me cry.
You weren't just my uncle to me you were the best uncle in the world. You were also
my best friend. You have a positive look on everything. You never gave up, you always had
spirit. I will always love you and will never forget you.
Love you Uncle Travis,
Caeli

These special letters were taken from My Space. The web address is:

http://latino.myspace.com/inmemorytravis

2007, January - Rancho RV Resort - Wine Tasting

2008-08-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

Letty, Esther & Dani tasting a variety of wines.

Do we look like we are having a great time or what!

L to R Teresa, Michelle, Carol, Letty, Esther & Dani

Ramiro and Terry were our designated drivers for the afternoon. Mike, Ray and Nick were on the golf course back at the RV Resort.
Why is it we can have so much fun! Because there is always alcohol involved! JK! We had a whole day of wine tasting at the local Temecula Wineries it was so beautiful. Mike and Letty's cousins David and Michelle live out in the area. Michelle gave us the tour of the area. She even packed a snack basket for the wine tastings filled with crackers, spreads, cheeses. She is such a sweetie!

2007, January - New Years Eve at Rancho California RV Resort

2008-08-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

2006, December - Lunch at Lucille's - Christmas Exchange

2008-08-09T11:38:00.001-07:00

We all met at Lucille's BBQ in Brea. We shared their family meal of ribs, corn, chicken, potatoe salad. Everyone exchanged Christmas presents. The girls were all given scarfs from Letty and Mike.

2006, December - 2nd Mother Daughter Weekend Glen Ivy Hot Springs

2008-08-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

The moms and girls went on their Second Annual Mother-Daughter Weekend at Glen Ivy. Pics to follow. . .

2006, December - Mike's Birthday at ESPN Zone

2008-08-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Michael's Birthday at the ESPN Zone in Anaheim, California. The guys putted on the putting green.

2006, November Esther & Carol's Hospital Stays

2008-08-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Esther and Carol were able to celebrate their birthdays in an unusual location this year. Esther was having her gal bladder removed. Carol was transported by some really handsome firefighters (yes I am biased) to Mission Hospital as she couldn't get out of bed! Imagine that! No pictures of this event! Not that you would of wanted to see them!

2006, November -Day After Thanksgiving Party - T & Jeremy finally meet the Party Pals

2008-08-09T11:15:00.001-07:00

Teresa and Jeremy (who live in Sacramento) had not yet met the Party Pals so we had a game night at our house the day after Thanksgiving.

2006, October - Dani's 22nd Birthday - Poker Party

2008-08-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Party Pals all helped out by being the "Staff" at Dani's 22nd Birthday Party. The guys were dealers and the gals served and helped in general. We all wore uniforms of white shirts and black pants. Carol was the amateur bartender. It as so much fun and the kids seem to really enjoy themselves too. Pics to follow. . .

2006, October - Halloween at the KOC

2008-08-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Party at KOC. Pics & more to follow. . .

2006, Summer - Travis Bromfield

2008-08-09T10:02:00.001-07:00

More to follow . . .

2006, September, Letty's Surprise B'day at Angel Stadium

2008-08-09T10:00:00.001-07:00

We all surprised Letty by attending the Angel Game for her birthday. Pictures to come.

2006, August - Orange County Fair - The Fab Four Tribute Band

2008-06-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

The 2006 OC Fair was themed "Flower Power, Year of the Garden."

Terry, Ester, Ramiro, Teresa, Ray and Carol watched the Fab Four perform many Beatles hits. If you have not had the opportunity to see them in person you need to! It was fabulous! They will blow you away!
We rocked,rolled, danced. and sang along with them all night long.

2006, July - More 4th of July Snapshots

2008-06-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

4th of July, 2006 - Ramiro & Teresa's Home

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The Party Pals, the JPP's, the PPP's all celebrating together at Ramiro and Teresa's Home.

2006, June - Ray's & Ramiro's Birthday Bash - South Point Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

2008-06-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY & RAMIRO!

At first we were all bummed that Mike and Letty weren't going to be able to make the get away to Vegas and then they surprised us and came anyway. We had dinner at Margaritaville Restaurant and watched the girl slide down into the blender during the rendition of "Margaritaville". It was so much fun!

We ate and drank alot and the girls were having a great time playing wheel of fortune on the giant slot machine.

We danced, watched Terry & Ester dance, we ate, watched Terry and Ester dance, we drank, watched Terry and Ester dance, we swam, watched Terry and Ester dance, we had such an unforgetable time.

Terry and Ester win the award for the hottest dancers!

2006 , May - First Annual Mother/Daughter Get Away

2008-06-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Letty, Marisa, Becca, Carol, Lea and Teresa checking into the hotel.

Letty, Marisa, Lea, Teresa, Carol and Becca at the spa.

The girls all got away for a great Mother/Daughter retreat! We spent the day being pampered by all the amenities that Glen Ivy had to offer - massages, mud baths, spas, and a wonderful fresh lunch. We then spent the night at Pechanga Casino in the hotel and spent the evening gambling the night away! This is the start of a great tradition!

2006, February - VEGAS RUN

2008-06-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

2/18/06: Las Vegas, MGM Grand Garden Arena

Ramiro, Teresa, Mike, Letty, David & Michelle took a road trip to Vegas to see Aerosmith. They stayed at the Gold Strike Hotel and took a stretch limo to the concert. Dani, Nick, Keith and Devyn were there also!

"Aerosmith Rockin' the Joint"

Good Evening Las Vegas
Beyond Beautiful
Same Old Song and Dance
No More No More
Seasons of Wither
Light Inside
Draw the Line
I Don't Want To Miss a Thing
Big Ten Inch Record
Rattlesnake Shake
Walk This Way
Train Kept A Rollin'

2005, December - Michael's Birthday

2008-06-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu!

Karuta Restaurant in Buena Park was the designated location for celebrating Michael Gomez's Birthday. Happy Birthday Mike!

2005, December - Merry Christmas at the KOC

2008-06-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Our family chooses us but we choose our friends

Merry Christmas to all our friends and families.

2005, September - Letty's Birthday - Irvine Spectrum - PF Changs

2008-06-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sun Yat Fai Lok Letty!

We all met at P.F. Changs for Letty's Birthday. We all ordered different items from the menu and shared with each other. It is a fresh contemporary restaurant with great chineese food and a wonderful atmosphere.

2005, November 4th - Carol's 40 Something Birthday!

2008-06-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

ROLLING STONES A BIGGER BANG TOUR - ANAHEIM STADIUM

Ray took Carol, Terry and Esther to the Stones concert for Carol's birthday!

Mick never stopped moving... nor did the rest of the boys. One classic song after another... and when we closed our eyes and just listened.. we were no longer 40/50ish years old.. and neither were the Stones.

Here were the songs they performed that night - just close your eyes and imagine!
Start Me Up
You Got Me Rocking
She's So Cold
Tumbling Dice
Oh No Not You Again
Ruby Tuesday
It's Only Rock' n Roll
Bitch
(The Night Time is) The Right Time --- Introductions
Slipping Away (Keith)
Infamy (Keith)
Miss You (to small stage)
Rough Justice
Get Off Of My Cloud
Honky Tonk Women (to main stage)
Sympathy for the Devil
Paint It Black
Brown Sugar
Satisfaction
You Can't Always Get What You Want (encore)
Jumpin' Jack Flash (encore)

2005, August - Teresa's Surprise Birthday - Red Lobster

2008-06-09T18:49:00.001-07:00

We all met at Red Lobster Restaurant in hopes of surprising Teresa for her birthday. Hopefully we will have a picture of her being surprised as opposed to this crustation above!

2005, July 14th - Juan Mendoza Vega passed away

2008-06-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."

Johnny is Letty's brother. He was born on February 21, 1961. He leaves his parents Robert Gambino Vega and his mother Luiza Mendoza Vega and his only son Nathan.

Mike and Letty we love you and will always be here for you.

Love,

PP

2005, June - Rebecca Graduates from UCLA

2008-06-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

UCLA GRADUATE!

Carol, Rebecca & Ray

Aunt Maggie, Uncle Ramiro and Rebecca, Aunt Esther is in the back on the left.

Ray, Rebecca, Uncle Mike, Uncle Terry, Auntie Teresa and Aunt Letty

GO UCLA BRUINS!