ROSS IS A NURSE!!

One of the biggest events of my summer was the surprise party my sisters threw for Ross, after he graduated from nursing school!!

To review, Ross graduated from college with a degree in broadcasting and he worked in that field for 15 years. First in the newsrooms, as a cameraman -- and eventually, he moved to Brainerd, Minnesota to work for a hunting/fishing television network. We thought his job was interesting, and he did a lot of travel -- to exotic places like Alaska, and South Africa.

Three years ago, his company was sold and he decided to switch careers -- and become a nurse.

YIKES.

It took a while to wrap our brains around what a big change this would be. For all of us. He moved back in with us -- and once again became a full time student. With no science background, nursing school was A VERY HARD ROAD.

If he'd known then what he knows now, he would not do it all again. BUT HE HAS NEVER QUIT ANYTHING...and HE DID IT.

He graduated, and was offered a job at the local hospital.

My sisters, Deena and Ronda, wanted to throw a surprise party for Ross. I had no idea how we were going to manage that. Ross's schedule at the hospital is crazy and unpredictable, and the rest of our kids have families and children of their own with busy schedules...baseball, summer vacations...

But they were determined. Ronda's husband Dean figured out what Ross's schedule was...and Deena told Ross she was having the first ever "Glenn Little family reunion" picnic...

Lilly helped me paint a big sign for the party.

I went early, to help set up the food -- and Ross was tasked with bringing the kids. (that slowed him down just enough for everybody to arrive)...

Everybody was in Deena's building before Ross walked in...

Aunt Ronda, Ross, and Aunt Deena...

Lilly was pretty pleased with her finished sign!! 

When he saw the cake, Ross realized the whole party was actually ALL ABOUT HIM...

The food was spectacular.  Ronda and Dean fried fish in their big outdoor cooker (he is a pathological fisherman)...

Our side dishes were all the family favorites...cowboy beans, deviled eggs, jello salads...

It was a GORGEOUS night...and we all enjoyed Deena's back yard.

And I am telling you -- life doesn't get any better than this....