Kristen's Birthday

On January 2, we celebrated Kristen's birthday at the same house we rang in the New Year.  I made a cake for the event.  While I was decorating it I remembered that Kristen had surprised me with a birthday cake back in May to celebrate my birthday.  Kristen and I have had many fun times decorating baked goods together.  I will miss her dearly when we part ways later this summer.

The Birthday Girl with Ethan.

Olivia drawing with Kali.

27 candles on Kristen's cake.

Kyle with an unhappy Olivia.

"Hello"

Big sister with little brother.

Chillaxin'

Ringing in the New Year

We celebrated New Year's Eve in St. Charles this year.  Our friend Kyle and Kristen were house sitting and it proved to be an excellent location to watch the ball drop.  Although we missed our six year run of parties in Sebewaing with our college buddies, it was memorable and enjoyable to share the evening with our Seminary friends.

Happy New Year!

Olivia went to bed at a reasonable hour.  Ethan snoozed on and off throughout the night.  Dennis held him in his arms at midnight.  Our count down did not disturb his slumber.

Festive hats for the holiday, Kali, Kristen, Molly and Valerie.

Kali brought a unique family tradition to the party--hat making.  45 minutes before the ball dropped the ladies were in the kitchen happily making hats for their husbands and themselves.  We took time to pose for a picture.  I plan on keeping this tradition alive in my family.  A little construction paper, some scissors, markers, glitter and glue goes a long way in the hat producing industry.

The Sebewaing Library

While we were in Michigan, we had an opportunity to visit the Sebewaing Library.  Much has changed there since I was a kid.  One of the changes is an expanded children's room.  We have been to a number of libraries in the Saint Louis area and I was quite impressed by Sebewaing's facilities.  Impressed enough to take some pictures and write about it.  The colorful character murals decorating the walls, wide range of books, age appropriate toys and clean environment made an inviting spot to spend an hour or two.

Olivia checking out some puzzles.

Dennis enjoying a good book with Ethan.

Comfortable chairs for lounging.

It is never to early to get your kids interested in books.  Libraries are a wonderful resource.  When the space is as inviting as this room, it makes an easy decision for parents to bring their kids to the library.

Olivia's First Hair Cut

When we arrived in Sebewaing over the holiday break, my mom mentioned that she had a hair appointment on Tuesday and offered to take Olivia with her.  I instantly agreed.  Olivia was long overdue for a hair cut that would take her from '80's mullet to cute bob.

Welcome to Hair Benders.  This is where I got my first hair cut some 26 years ago.

Snip here.

Snip there.

How cute!

Olivia is playing with a toy from the old toy box.

New look!

  10 minutes and $3.00 later Olivia had a whole new look.

A Christmas Picture

We worshipped at Immanuel Sebewaing on Christmas day.  Dennis assisted in the service.  Nana helped me wrangle the kiddos.  Olivia walked down the center aisle at the end of Communion.  She waved bye to Nana and casually left.  I was left stunned.  It didn't help that we were sitting in the front and the whole congregation quietly watched.  First of many church stories, I am sure.

Christmas Day 2011

Ethan was baptized happy day...

Ethan Charles was brought to the waters of Holy Baptism on Friday, November 25, in the Chapel of St. Titus and St. Timothy on the campus of Concordia Seminary.  About 25 people attended the 5 PM special service.  Pastor Paul Rueckert of Immanuel, Olivette, (our former fieldwork church) performed the baptism.  Our friend David Herald and Ethan's Uncle Andy and Aunt Lindsey are his sponsors.  Later we hosted a reception at our home to celebrate the event.  It was a wonderful occasion. Praise be to God!

In the Name of the Father...

Ethan with Pastor Rueckert

Happy Family

Proud Sponsors: Dave, Andy and Lindsey

Irion Clan

Baptismal Cake

Banner for Ethan from Grandma Karen and Grandpa Tom

Washed Cleaned.

Ethan is the fourth generation to wear this gown.  His Godfather Uncle Andy wore it as did his sister Olivia.

Happy BIRTHday Ethan Charles!

Ethan may have missed his due date (Nov. 3), Martin Chemnitz (Nov. 9), Martin Luther (Nov. 10), and of course 11/11/11, but he didn't miss his birthday: 11/12/11. We are happy to announce the birth of our son Ethan Charles. He is a healthy 8lbs, 6oz, 20.75", born at 5:12AM. Big sister Olivia was excited to meet him at the hospital. Mommy is delighted and Daddy is proud as can be.