crazy summer hail storm

It pounded for a few minutes and we stood on the deck in awe at the noise and sound of the hail.  Our  van took a beating and the siding of our house got a few holes as well.  We are talking to insurance about it!

"I will praise You in this storm" - even a ball of hail speaks to God's creativity and beauty

Dave and I celebrated 14 yrs of marriage!

14 yrs ago

this is the most recent pic we have together taken in April 2017 in Chicago.  I love this man so much!

we checked out a new restaurant called Single Speed in Waterloo.  Very biker friendly, huge and spacious (in an older Wonderbread factory), and neat local menu.  Rachel was able to babysit for us and she took the kids to the Falls! 

small group ministry activity

Our small group donated time/energy at the NE Iowa Food Bank and packed apples and sweet potatoes.  The kids were machines and helped so much!  This took around 1.5 hrs and we tied hundreds of bags of food to hand out to people eligible to receive free food.

I hosted a dinner location (not the food!) for BBC Elders and wives

Dave unfortunately had to miss out on this progressive dinner.  The elders and wives wanted to do something special for Mark and Diane Wooderson (since they're moving in Sept) and for Gary and Barb Anderson (since he stepped down from being an elder recently).  We had a progressive dinner, which involved appetizers at Gail's house, a main dinner at my house, and desserts at Becky Anderson's.  I did not provide food, just the location.  I borrowed tables, chairs, vases, and silverware from the chapel, and got new placemats and flowers for the event.  It was 17 people in one place!  I had to move the couch towards the TV a couple feet to fit everyone in.  Kris, Marlys, and Teresa brought the food.  BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes and salad.  I provided drinks and dinner rolls/butter.  It was a fun time.  These people are so special to us and to the chapel.  We are so encouraged by the fellowship, friendship, and leadership they all provide.

Dave Wilson and Caleb Weikert attacked the dishes in no time!

Jan Dunkerton (wive of elder emeritus Doug) and Barb Anderson (new wife emeritus!)

Vanessa (7th) and Eli (5th) combined birthday party

Vanessa and Eli were in agreement (most of the time) about having their birthday party on the same day this year.  Since we were involved with a wedding ON Vanessa's birthday, we chose Saturday June 3rd to celebrate both kid's birthdays together - we invited family and all celebrated together.  Jay, Theo, Stella, Mama Row, Rachel, Gpa Jon and Gma Jo all came to help us party!

dollar store trip - big lollipops, water squirters, and balloons!

5 and 7 balloons makes 12!

Vanessa helped me make her  choice of birthday cake which was a cinnamon crumble coffee cake...the "ONLY cake she likes" because she doesn't like regular cake with frosting

Eli helped me mix up his chocolate cake choice

that's really messy but it says "happy 7th birthday Vanessa"

yard games with Gma Jo

water toys and squirting, of course!

he's FIVE!

she's SEVEN!

PJ masks catboy tshirt

shimmer and shine PJs

Owlette shirt (PJ masks thing)

new dress from Mama Row

And on Eli's actual birthday, which was Sunday, June 4th, he wore his Catboy tshirt.

hangin' with Tony Myers with his new bubba water cup

the SS kids sang happy birthday to Vanessa and Eli and Eli's birthday buddy Anthony Myers

a birthday gumball that lasted 4 minutes

Eli and Anthony