It's nice and gorgeous out now. It's been a gradual slide into Fall, nothing dramatic. We had such a mild summer that there's not that great relief of cooler weather. But I'm not complaining. I still LOVE this weather.
To catch everyone up:
The rest of our summer was nothing as to busyness than the first of summer was for us. It was a nice change. Kelli, Emmanuel and Joseph came up for a short visit and we took them to Silver Beach, a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan in Michigan. The beach was wonderful, the weather was wonderful, the water warm and shallow for a long way out. Joseph had to be convinced about the water but I knew he'd take to it eventually. And he did. It was a fun afternoon. We also met up with the Castros in Indy to take them to King's Island in KY. Again, Joseph was hesitant with the rides, but finally warmed up.
In August I had a 'mini retreat' for some quilting friends. 2 came up from Indy and the others were from here. 4 stayed here and the others just went home at night. It was a blast. One day we all went up to Grand Rapids, 2 hours north, to a huge quilt show. We met up afterwards with a good friend from GR who had all of us over for pizza and show and tell.
At the end of August Calvin and a few from the ward put in a paver walk from our porch to the mailbox. I've wanted that for years. Now I can get to the mailbox in the winter easily. They did a good job.
Sam turned 22 in September. My baby all grown up. Sorry Sam! He's enjoying school and his job. He is no longer with Nicole though they remain friends. He's their ward choir director again this semester.
I taught our Relief Society how to make these wonderful baby blankets called either "self binding" blankets or "mitered corner" blankets. Either name works and they are fun to make. I've made a bunch for Kelli's NICU and our stake RS is helping out with Catholic Charities as they want baby items.
Our stake got tickets to go to the South Bend Silverhawks baseball game, a semi-pro team. That was fun. We had not been there before, if I liked baseball more, I think we'd do it more in the summer, but I doubt that will happen.
Mom came to visit Sept 24 for a week. I took her down to see Kelli and Joseph and that was fun, but a long day of driving. Kelli's house is such a cute little thing, but will be bulldozed down next month so they need to find somewhere else to live. They want to stay in the Carmel area cuz they love their ward and it's close to Kelli's hospital and Emm's work. So they're looking. I took us all out to have lunch at Cheesecake Factory and it was all yummy. I tried to get a 4-generation shot of us 4 but Joseph wasn't cooperative. I finally got one of him and Kelli. The little stinker!
On Friday night we took mom down south 45 minutes to Nappanee to see the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at the Round Barn Theater. Dinner was served before which was great. Best crème brulee I've ever had! The musical was lots of fun, we had front row seats. Mom really enjoyed it. The next day we took mom up into MI for a Fall colors drive, but the colors really hadn't begun and what had changed was very dull. We ended up near a beach on Lake Michigan but didn't get out as the sand would be hard for mom to walk on. But it was pretty to see. Mom left the next Monday. Calvin takes her to the Mega Bus Stop in downtown Chicago.
We went to Chicago with our friends, the Comstocks for an 'architectural boat ride' on the Chicago River. So interesting. The buildings all have stories.
That night we went to a White Sox game. Chad is a huge baseball fan. It was such a fun night even though I don't like baseball. Olivia and I just talked all night.
Jacob turned 34 in September. He lost his job (the guy didn't know what he was doing) so he's back looking again. He wants to really concentrate on finishing school. Galen and Ethan had their adenoids and tonsils out a few weeks apart. Galen had a much easier recovery than Ethan. Ethan kept bleeding and they couldn't get it to stop. They almost had to go back in and fix things up. Kinda scary for a bit. The kids love their new school. Clara is so smart the teachers are stunned by her. A 2nd grader reading 6th grade books? I'm not a bit surprised.
Kelli turned 32 in August. Like I mentioned, they are looking again for a place to move to but want to stay in the Carmel area. They LOVE their new ward and want to stay put if possible. Joseph is in a new preschool and loves it. Emm will find out next month if he gets to keep his job. His professor at IUPUI accepted a job at Oxford so is leaving and it will all depend if the new professor wants to keep him on or not. Lots of prayers for them.
Holly just passed her written exams for her phd. Her orals are this Thursday. And if she passes, she'll be considered ABD-All But Degree and universities will look at her for hire. She and a friend, Jen from her school, are going to France and Spain for Christmas so won't be home till Dec 31. They're going to have a great time. We're going to Disneyworld for our 35th anniversary Dec. 1. Can't wait.
Colin has decided he doesn't like tv producing anymore and is starting to look into other careers. I don't blame him, working the night shift can really wear on you. He wants something more normal. He's very involved in his ward activities. Not sure he'll be able to come home for the holidays.
Depends if and where he's working. He wants to stay in Utah to work.
Sam just works and goes to school. He'll be home at Christmas for sure.
I'm doing well. Calvin too. He's gone a lot for work and church but that's the norm. I have plenty of projects to keep me busy and engaged.
Till next month......
