Mother's Day

For Mother's Day this year, we spent a relaxing day in the park after going to church in the morning.  We dined on Subway while picnicking in Forest Park.  We had great weather and made very pleasant memories.

Mommy and Olivia going to church.

What a nice day for a picnic!

Being a mommy is a blessing.

Enjoying the sunshine.

From the back.

All smiles.

Graduation Day

On May 20, Dennis earned his Master of Divinity.  Nana, Aunt Lisa, Mrs. Beaty and I were able to attend the service.  Because the ceremony started at 7:00 PM, Olivia was snug in bed by the time Dennis received his degree.

Four years in the making...Hurray!

Sarah, Valerie and Julianna

Kyle, Dennis and Jon

Dave and Dennis

Mom, Dennis and Valerie

Karen, Dennis and Valerie

Matyases and Fittjes

The next day, Kristen, Sarah and I hosted an open house for our newly graduated husbands.  About 35 people were in attendance.  We had a great time!

Beautiful cake

Decorated hall

Cake table

Olivia checks out the scene

James, Connor, Caroline and Olivia

Worth Comparing

I thought it would be neat to compare some pictures from Easter 2010 with Easter 2011.

Adopt a Kitty

Dennis and I were informed by Lisa that we had a mouse in our house.  We thought our mouse problems were over, I guess not.  After asking a few of my colleagues what they have done about mice, it was recommended to me to get a cat.  We can't have a cat, but we can certainly borrow one, or two, from our friends Tim and Emily.  Zeeb and Oreb stayed at our house for two days.  Olivia hunted the cats, the cats avoided Olivia, I was indifferent, but Dennis felt strongly that the kitties had to go.  They had worn out their visit, and we are not sure if they were successful.  Dennis decided he would rather live with mice than cats.

A trapped Zeeb.

Olivia and Oreb.

Fun with Oreb.

Oreb tickles the toes.

Screeching at the kitty.

A Pony for Olivia!

Dennis and I attended Zion's school auction and this little pony caught his eye.  The pony sings, neighs and make gallop noises.  Olivia enjoys her pony from Daddy.

Daddy and Olivia.

Giddy-up pony!

Ye-haw!

Tour of the Seminary

Nana and Grandpa came to visit in March.  Their visit included many fun adventures.  One of the events was touring the Seminary.

Dinner before the tour.  Daddy made homemade pizza!

Grandpa and Olivia hanging out.

Enjoying the fresh air.

Tour guide Tim plays the carillon.

Grandpa and Nana with a bust of C.F.W. Walther.

Smile for the camera!

Easter 2011

Easter 2011 was quite enjoyable.  We started our day by going to church.   Cooked a large meal for our friends and played games into the evening.  Olivia had a great time.

Mommy and Olivia ready for church.

Olivia modeling her Easter dress.

Olivia in her chick outfit.

Daddy reading Olivia an Easter book from Aunt Martha.

The table is set.

Olivia in the game box.

Daddy explaining the rules.

Emily and Tim listening to the rules.

Kyle and Kristen.

Olivia being Olivia.

Yummy dinner.

Easter decorations.

Matyas Family Easter Basket.