German meal

We thought we would celebrate our German heritage by making a German meal.
German spaetzle with pork schnitzel. Say that 5 times fast!

School has started, summer is fading... let's hit the beach one more time! 

Clayton's 8th Birthday Party

For Clayton's 8th birthday party, he wanted a duct tape theme.  The boys made duct tape pencil cases, sponge boats with duct-tape sails, and decorated water bottles with duct tape.  

 We had "duct tape" races where I duct-taped three boys ankled together and had them race to the finish line. It was hysterical!

Independence Grove fun with the Harveys

We spent a fun afternoon at Independence Grove on a paddle pontoon with the Harveys. It was a great ending to our summer. 

Mass in the Park with Archbishop Cupich

Our St Joseph Parish hosted a Mass in the park that was led by Archbishop Blaze Cupich. Over a thousand people camped out on the lawn to participate in the Mass. 

Caroline got to process in and sing with a school choir. It was such a special evening!

School Photos 2015

First Day of School - August 20th

This pic is from 2 days earlier at the park playdate/meet-your-teacher day.

Macomb and Blandinsville

While we were in the Peoria area for the wedding, we went to see where Kevin's mom grew up (Blandinsville) and where Kevin's dad grew up (Macomb).


The church where Phyllis and Ray got married

 Strolling around Macomb's town square.

 The house where Ray grew up.

 The house Ray's parents moved to when Ray was older and the house the grandchildren remember.

 Kevin in front of the tree his grandparents planted the year he was born.

The house where Phyllis grew up.

This little girl lives in the house now and it was a hoot to see her pick up chickens like they were teddy bears. Definitely a rural farm girl!