Adventures in Albion

Moving Day for the Kochs

Our dear friends Tim and Emily Koch are moving to South Dakota. Coincidentally, they are moving out of the house that our family is moving into at the end of July. Dennis was on the moving committee. Olivia and I came for moral support. Later we dined at a pizzeria to celebrate a successful move. We will sorely miss the Koch family, they have been very close friends of our since our first year at the Seminary, we wish them God's blessings as Tim starts his ministry and Emily becomes a stay at home mommy.

A St. Patrick Day picture in June.

An empty truck.

Tim shows off his dolly skills.

Mr. Koch flew in from Minnesota to lend a hand.

Dave using his muscle.

Olivia enjoying the moving day.

Dennis pitching in.

The truck is filling up.

A graham cracker makes a great moving day snack.

Duck Curls

I don't have curly hair, and although Dennis's hair is thick, it certainly isn't curly. Olivia has curls in the back of her hair that flip up like duck feathers. I don't know if she will have them past her toddler years so I wanted to make sure to document them. I guess this is what you do when you are a stay at home mom. Strange things.

Curls by itself.

Olivia couldn't figure out why I was taking pictures from behind her? And why I was interrupting her dinner?

Mom, what are you doing?

Peculiar, Mommy.

Marine Week in Saint Louis

Aunt Lisa was very excited about Marine week in Saint Louis because she is currently in a relationship with a Marine who is deployed in Afghanistan. Aunt Lisa's excitement was contagious and Olivia and I joined in the fun.

Olivia and Aunt Lisa watching the canines.

Canine demonstration.

On the move.

Attack!

The dogs are extremely smart.

They know who to attack and when.

Olivia enjoying a quick snack.

About to board an aircraft.

Very impressive.

Minimal luxury, maximum efficiency.

Cockpit.

After the tour.

Aunt Lisa was able to hold this weapon.

Olivia chilling with the stones.

Marching in formation.

Closer view.

Saying thank you.

The end of the day.

Taking down the nation's colors.

A bugle played in the background.

Guarding the Memorial.

Fits Like A Glove

A short episode in the life of Olivia.

Olivia found a glove.

But one was not enough.

She needed two.

Now Olivia has two gloves.

Editor's Note: I have been reading many baby/beginning reader stories. I think I could publish the captions above and be a children's author. I kid you not, that is how the stories go. To boost my reading capabilities and keep my brain from turning to mush, I am half way through Tolkein's Fellowship of the Rings. Dennis is delighted. I never in a million years would have thought I would enjoy it. Right time, right place I suppose.

Concluding A Tradition

At the beginning of our Seminary career, the Matyas family and the Buescher family started sharing Wednesday night dinners. We swapped weeks of cooking and hosting dinner. We played games and had a wonderful time. After vicarage we kept up the tradition, but with little ones and tight schedules the tradition evolved a bit. Last Wednesday we concluded our tradition. The Bueschers are moving to North Dakota where Jon will serve as a pastor. We will miss our Wednesday dinners, but always hold the memories fondly in our heart.

Dennis and Olivia waiting for dinner.

Two kinds of chicken and rice.

Olivia and James having a good time.

We Are Happy To Announce...

Dennis and I found out that we are expecting a new baby in November! During our June appointment we were told the gender of our newest addition. To spread the great news we hosted a party for our friends. I made a cake that had an inner layer of frosting that revealed the gender of the baby: blue for boy, pink for girl.

The surprise cake.

Cutting the cake.

Blue!

Olivia is going to have a baby brother!

Later that week I went to the Seminary Re-Sell It Shop. Many people are moving this time of year and it is a great time to grab a bargain. The Shop frequently has bag sales (fill a paper grocery bag for $5.00). I was able to buy this whole lot of baby boy clothes 0-6 months for $5.00!!! Whoot, whoot!

Our son will not be naked.

I was especially excited to find this little onsie.

Father's Day

When I asked Dennis what he wanted to do for Father's Day he reported: go to church, grab some fast food and watch the special features of the Lord of the Rings DVD. Sounded easy enough for me. Here are some pictures from our day.