Of course, you can already read about Roger,
Kathy,
Melanie,
and Andrew
on our pages...
But, we wanted to introduce you to a few of the other members
of our families as well.
Parents
Roger's parents, Gene and Suzanne Balettie, live in Austin, Texas.
They have been perfect role models on how to raise Andrew, and I can only hope to live
up to their example.
They're fantastic grandparents for Andrew, too!
Mom and Dad have "been there" for me more times than I can count.
I love them both dearly.
Mom is co-owner of a private company performing medical billing and management services
for a group of radiation oncologists here in Austin.
Dad owns his own rigging company,
Action Rigging and Pump Service, Inc.
Mom and Dad own a really cool boat, a 35' Formula cruiser, so they spend a lot of
their weekends out on Lake Travis!
Kathy's parents, Paul and Geri Opsahl, live in Sterling, Virginia.
Paul and Geri are both Lutheran pastors (they performed our wedding ceremony!!!).
They are incredibly kind and loving to their kids, grandkids, friends, and complete strangers!
Paul is currently Pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Sterling Virginia.
Geri has "officially" retired, but still fills in from time to time for her former congregation at King of Kings Lutheran Church.
Siblings
Kathy has one sister, Leann, and one brother, Steve.
"LeeLee" and her husband, Tim, live in Sterling near Paul and Geri.
They recently were blessed with a daughter, Kiersten.
LeeLee works for xxx.
Tim works at xxx Country Club.
Steve and his wife Patti live in Georgia with their two boys, Matt and Nick.
Steve works for the University of xxx in the field of xxxx.
Patti stays with the boys, providing a strong home environment.
Roger has one sister, Angie, and her husband Russell.
Angie is a stay-at-home mom to Ben and her two... um... "spirited" dogs, Jasmine and Murphy.
She's a wonderful sister and has been a great friend, too.
Russell is a primary owner of Inevitable Entertainment,
a video game production company here in Austin.
Grandparents
I'm also very fortunate to have 3 of my 4 grandparents still with us!
My Mom's parents, Howard and Bess Dixon, live here in Austin.
Grandpa is an avid golfer, and he is also a WWII and Korean War veteran.
He was a flight engineer on a B-29 during both conflicts.
My eternal debt of gratitude goes to him and his entire generation for the sacrifices they made, literally, to save the world.
Grandma is one of the world's best quilters and the sweetest woman you'd ever want to meet!
My Dad's Mom still lives in St. Joseph, Missouri, in the same house that
he grew up in!!!
Grandma Balettie loves everyone and is a wonderful cook.
Her lasagna is legendary!
Grandpa Balettie passed away a few years ago, but he was a fine man and
a lot of fun to be around.
We all miss him.
Kathy still has "Nana" with us...
She's Paul's mother and lives in Minnesota, where he grew up.
Nana is an amazing woman, still remarkably spry at 90 years young!
She made the drive with Paul's sister from Minnesota to Austin for our wedding.
It was a special time to have her with us!
Niece and nephews
insert picture of Matt and Nick
Matt and "Notorious" Nick are Steve and Patti's boys.
They're both very smart, which isn't surprising, given their parents!
Matt's into space-related stuff right now, much to Roger's pleasure!
Nick's focusing on dinosaurs right now!
Kiersten is LeeLee and Tim's precious angel.
She's growing like a weed and the apple of Paul and Geri's eye right now!
Ben is Angie and Russell's son.
He's an incredibly handsome little guy, and has a smile that will warm anyone's heart!
Friends who are pretty much family
Then, there are the three guys who were, are, and will be my best friends in the whole world.
We've known each other since grade school!
The are, left to right, Nat, (me,) Scott, and Randy.
I love them like they were my brothers, and I consider them family, too!
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