"Family" Reunion

Anyone remember these "kids"???? No!?

What about this "kid"????

Kind of?!

Maybe this will help you....

That's right...The Rivadeneyras!!!!!!

For those of you that don't know, we'll try to catch you up quickly on this very special family!

During the summer of '99 Brooke went home from college to work and earn some money before returning back to school. She met a family over her break that has a son that is autistic. They told her about a company where they use workers to come into their house and work with their son. This company had a satellite office in Gboro and Brooke was VERY interested in a job. She filled out her paperwork, completed her training and then went out for an interview. That's when she met this woman...

That's Mary, AKA Danny's mom!

Mary (and her husband, Richie) were looking for a worker that could help them with their son, Danny. They were a little hesitant about hiring such a young girl but Brooke was eager and willing and God was on her side so she got the job. At that time Danny was 11 years old, Angela (Angie) was 8 and Ryan was 6. Brooke's main job was to work with Danny but getting to babysit the other kids, travel with them to NY, and grow attached to this family was a bonus.

For some extra fun facts...Brooke was actually in town and spending the night at the Rivadeneyra's house when Bobby proposed to her. They had a bottle of champagne to celebrate the special event when they returned to their house that night. Brooke even lived with the Rivadeneyra's for one summer before moving back home to become a teacher. This family was her extended family in Gboro. This family was such a blessing to her during her college years. This family was amazing and we all grew VERY attached to them.

Last weekend we traveled to Greensboro to spend the day with this special family!

Danny is now 20 years old, Angela is now a high school graduate, and Ryan is way too tall! :)

We went to celebrate Angie's recent graduation and to spend some quality time with the entire Rivadeneyra/DiGennaro family! It could not have been a better day and we could not have had more fun! We are so excited that our kids got to meet them all!

More than that though, we loved getting to spend such a beautiful day with such a beautiful group of people that has not only been a HUGE part of our lives in the past but are still a huge part and will continue to be in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead! We are very proud of Ang and her accomplishments but eagerly watch her as she continues to blossom and grow as a UNCG Spartan...just like Brooke!

We love you Richie, Mary, Danny, Angie, and Ryan and we're so thankful for each one of you!