Trunk or Treat

Zion hosts a Trunk or Treat each year.  The school invites parents to park their cars, open their trunks and pass out candy.  It is a safe fun way for the school to celebrate Halloween.  I wasn't able to go this year due to an illness, but Daddy, Olivia and the Buescher family were happy to go.  The evening started at Pizza Street with Grandma Beaty.

James and Olivia modeling their festive bibs.

Our penguin!

Visiting Grandma Beaty's classroom.

James is ready.

Olivia is ready.

Great night for fun.

The 5th grade teacher and her class.  How creative!

A Package Arrived

In celebration of Halloween,  Aunt Martha sent Olivia a number of books and an adorable Halloween bib.  On the day the package arrived we took a couple of pictures.  Aunt Lisa was here to see the package as well.  It should be noted, the package also contained a Reformation card for Dennis and me.  The card was homemade, seems you can't purchase one at Hallmark.

Olivia playing.

Aunt Lisa is excited to see Olivia.

Mommy is reading one of the books from Aunt Martha.

Olivia's nightcap.

8 Months And Counting

Olivia turned 8 months old on October 20.  We have been taking photos of her with her bear Bernice since she was 1 month.  The picture taking used to be easy.  Prop up the bear, prop up the baby, take a quick picture, make sure Olivia's eyes are open so on and so forth.  

Now, with Olivia on the move it has become...well, a bit more challenging.  Here are a few of those pictures.  It is a process.

 

 

 

 

All of that, for this one perfect picture.  Whew, exhausting!

Fall Photo Shoot

I had to work extra late one Monday evening and was surprised with a number of Olivia pictures later in the week.  It was such a blessing.  I decided the following weekend I would take advantage of the beautiful weather and season.  I will let the photos speak for themselves.  Enjoy!

Oktoberfest

Each year the Seminary hosts an Oktoberfest for the community.  It is a great opportunity for fellowship with friends both old and new.  The menu includes brats, german potatoes, kraut, pretzels and fruit cobbler.  There are candy apples, apple cider and root beer.  Later the polka band entertains the crowds and Schafly beer is served from the keg.

Olivia enjoys Kyle's glasses.

Dennis shows off his food.

Aunt Lisa flashes a big smile.

James and Olivia are having a wonderful time.

Basket of Love

Thursday evenings are designated for laundry in the Matyas household.  Dennis takes the laundry down to the corner laundromat and does homework while they wash and dry.  He brings them home and I fold and put them away.  Typically Olivia is in bed by the time the clean clothes come home.  Last Thursday she was awake and joined in the fun.

                Standing up so tall.

Close my eyes and make a wish.

                                                                                     Basket of love, a bundle of joy.

    

Dennis Preaches, Olivia Drives

On the last Saturday in September, Dennis preached at Immanuel, Olivette.  Aunt Lisa, the Buesher family, Grandma Karen Beaty, Olivia and I all went to listen.  On the way home Olivia got behind the wheel.


        
        Olivia and James are "Sharing the Peace."

Group photo.

                                                                                    Let's go Daddy.

Farm Tour

When Olivia and Mommy were in Michigan in July, she had the opportunity to take a farm tour with Papa.  Mommy dutifully photographed the event as Grandpa explained all about the farm.

Olivia and Grandpa are ready for the tour to begin!

The first point of interest was the tractor in front of the shed.  

Grandpa explained the importance of cultivating and spraying your crops.  

Olivia was impressed.

The Hank dog soon joined to the tour group.  

Olivia seemed more interested in Hank than Grandpa's new truck.

We couldn't forget Grandpa's other truck.

Olivia was interested in seeing Grandpa's steers.

But they were too stinky for Olivia to touch.

When Grandpa told Olivia about the sweet corn, she was all ears.

Can't forget about the seed corn.

I think Grandpa is tired from all of the touring.

Later, on the farm, Olivia hung out with Aunt Lindsey.

She got to see the bales of straw get unloaded.

Up, up, up they go!