Minnesota trip #3- Deac Reunion

On Friday, June 20th, Jim and the kids left for northern MN and I (Marilyn) stayed behind to attend my 35th nurses' class reunion. (Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing) That evening I was able to spend time with my two best friends from class: Margie and Margarethe. After a fun supper, "the three M's" visited for several hours in a quieter place in the Mall of America. The conversation was so great that none of us were even tempted to shop! It was wonderful to catch up on each other's lives and spend that time alone before we met our other classmates the next morning. "Blessings on your heads, dear friends!"On Saturday morning, about a third of our classmates gathered at Sandy's (far left) house
(view from the deck behind her house)
There were many hugs

and lots of catching up on the past five years...

looking at our graduation pictures...
...and remembering "back when"
We sang our class song...
"We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender.

We go not forth alone against the foe.

Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,

We rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go."

I am so happy that I was able to attend a nursing school where the Word of God was central to all of our work and learning. Our instructors began class with prayer; each morning we worked in the hospital, we would have a short devotional in the chapel and then walk as a group to the different floors where we would sing a couple of hymns for the patients who were hospitalized. We were taught not only to marvel at the beauty and intricacies of the human body that God had created, but also to regard and respect each one of our patients as a unique and precious creation of the Lord. We are so blessed! Several classmates could not come to the reunion, but they sent greetings and updates

And of course, there was plenty of food!

We enjoyed the beautiful summer day on Sandy's back patio...

and continued to share our lives and memories with each other.

Unfortunately, the hours went by far too quickly for me, and soon I had to leave with my friend Joanie for another reunion celebration further north!

So, a last good-by to Margarethe...

...a stop by Joanie's son's house so she could hug her sweet grand-daughter one more time...

And then we were on the road for the next events of the weekend!

Joanie and I enjoyed a wonderful 3-hour visit while we drove. It was so good to re-connect again and we enjoyed sharing the joys and sorrows of our lives over the past 2 years since we were last together. How we thank God for wonderful friends!

July 4th Weekend Fun

We are so blessed to live in our great country and to be able to celebrate our nation's birth in so many ways. Not only are there many parades, fireworks displays and other shows to attend, but there are also many "family & friends" celebrations held in many homes and parks! This year we were honored to host a "family & friends" celebration at our home.

Because this was his first year to celebrate our country's birthday, Jayden was the special guest of honor! Doesn't he look mighty proud to be an American??? And because our niece was the most recent arrival to our area, Kari was also ranked as a special guest of honor! (she joined us in spite of the fact that she had just finished working a very busy 12-hour shift all night! thanks, Kari!)

We also enjoyed having Kevin and his family with us for the day. Unfortunately, his wife Kelley had to eat and run, as she was assigned to work on this holiday.

And this special friend had just returned from her work in Asia. It was so fun to hear some of her travels and experiences abroad. We hope to hear more in the weeks ahead!

Some of the kids enjoyed a game of ladder golf...

Others enjoyed visiting about their travels far and wide...

Our family, missing M, who was working.

Later in the afternoon, the girls took this happy little boy for a walk around the neighborhood. The day was warm and so pleasant (No mosquitoes or bugs! Yeah for life in SoCal!!!)

We did not attend a fireworks show this year because of the baby. We just relaxed at home with a movie and snacks!

The following day, we were off to our friends the Walters, for another pot-luck picnic and fun in their pool. With the hot weather, the water was relaxing and fun.

Of course, the food and fellowship was great, too!

On Sunday, after the church services, Marilyn joined Kari for an afternoon at Seal Beach.

Following a delicious lunch at a sidewalk cafe, we enjoyed a relaxing stroll on the beach.

(Of course, we had to share the sand with thousands of other people! But don't their umbrellas splash lovely drops of color onto the landscape???)

We enjoyed watching the kids playing in the waves.

And then we walked along the sidewalks, popping into each and every little shop and alley! We had a great, leisurely time "just looking!" Oh yes, there was the stop at Coldstone, too, for some yummy ice cream!

And just before closing time, we walked through this fun little garden and patio shop. So many cute things to look at and enjoy! It was the perfect store to end our time at Seal Beach. Thanks, Kari for such a fun afternoon (and evening!)

Minnesota #2

After our church convention ended (Wednesday), we left for Minneapolis to await the arrival of our kids, and also to get better acquainted with this fellow--our great nephew, little D! He was a very busy little boy! First his little coup car... then the rake, shovel, and wagon...

then the swing...and racing up and down the hill behind Mema's house...

and then playing peek-a-boo in the front door! He kept all of us entertained!And then, this happy little boy arrived in Minnesota! Of course, he brought his parents along on this trip. And, his daddy decided to rent a Hummer 3 to ride around in while on vacation!
(Not very good gas mileage, but the ride was awesome!) The boys were quite thrilled with the whole "Hummer idea"... and of course, everyone had to take their turn behind the wheel...

even grandpa!

Everyone posed nicely for this picture, but the little boys couldn't keep their eyes off that Hummer!!!

After a good night of rest, we decided to explore Mlps, since Krista had never visited the cities during the summer months. First stop was the Sculptured Gardens in Loring Park.
We loved this arched walkway through a lovely flower garden.

Some sculptures were rather unique...

The day was quite warm and humid, something that our bodies were not used to!

An interesting portrait...

and then there was this huge fish made from thousands of squares of glass. Incredible!

Jayden did very well on this outing!
In mid-afternoon, we stopped for a little picnic at Lake Nokomis.
The lake was still cold, since the spring has been so cool. But the water was wonderfully clear and beautiful, and the breeze was great.
We visited several other parts of the city also, but those were the highlights!
When we returned back to the house, Margarethe had prepared a delicious supper and surprised Marilyn with an advanced birthday celebration--complete with Angel Food cake and strawberries! Such a fun day!