A Wonderful Afternoon between the Fields

Donovan told us that he was a corn stalk and his hands were the corn. :) Perhaps we should mention that the corn cobs were taken only from stalks that the children found broken and lying flat on the ground where two fields meet, apparently knocked down by the wheat harvester. We all loved being outside on this very warm afternoon. The field corn was vibrant, the harvested fields were beautiful for running across. and the wind was wonderful.

Labor Day in Greenville

The whole Greenville Matthia clan got together for cheese fondue. Yummy. Rachell is growing up (2 and a half now), and though she still faces challenges, she is a little bundle of joy.

Last Days and Hours

Richard and the kids went out and picked enough black raspberries to make a batch of jam. I wanted to send some back to Mommy. :) Danae and Dalene each got to have a date with Daddy before they left. The night before they left Dalene and Danae took Devon out for a special ice cream treat. All too soon the morning of departure arrived. Three generations. Saying our last good-byes on the phone.

"Devon's Wall"

That is what we call it, anyway. :) Actually he is helping a mason at Kay's to build a wall in the style of the old town. On the street side it is being covered with old rocks. Daddy, who spent 5 days with us after camp and before flying back with the college kids, did a lot of masonry work during the summers between his years at BJ. He went to see the work they were doing. Danielle enjoyed the sand pile while we were there. :)

Donovan's Einschulungsparty

Richard, our new teacher for this year, arrived with the campers the night before. He is teaching Dustin, Danika and Donovan. We are so glad to have him here. Every German First Grader has a special ceremony at school and then a big family celebration. In our family we have had the party at home with the traditional "Zuckertüte" (sugar cone) which is filled with various school items and interspersed with sweets.

This and That

Here our campers for the second camp at the rest stop near Kassel where they met the bus taking them on down to Tübingen. Donovan made a snowman out of his pancakes. :) During camps for the big kids, the little ones get to enjoy overnights. On this evening Lynette and Helene spent the night with us.

He's Back!

It was an exciting moment to pick up Derek at Tegel in Berlin. The Lord gave Him a wonderful summer for which we are very thankful. That evening we enjoyed a little welcome home party with the Matthias. The next day the 6 oldest went shopping with me. Everyone was excited to be back together, and we got a few pictures before we left. The one on the top of the blog is from this time as well.

Berlin: Waiting for a Delayed Flight at a Nearby Playground

Derek's flight was an hour and a half late, so we drove away from the airport and found a lovely playground right next to the Spree in Berlin. It was a special treat for the kids to be able to wait out the time there.

Sunday afternoon, August 3rd 2008

On this Sunday afternoon Kings planned to come out so we could take pictures for their prayer card. We took some trial shots before they got there to check out the lighting. We took many pictures in various poses and positions. This was not the final choice, but you will have to wait for their prayer card to see it. :) It is very good! :) Dustin and Donovan waving good-bye to me.

Saturday Night

I took a few shots before family devotions. Afterwards Donovan enjoyed giving Linda her bottle.

Lorraine turned 16 on August 1st 2008

I am so far behind on the blog, but will attempt to add a few pictures here and there. Lorraine is Sweet 16 now! Devon, Eddie and Dustin enjoyed soccer in the back yard after supper. Liane (above, 3) and Linda (in Dalene's arms, 1) were our guests for three days while their parents closed up their house before moving to the States for a year. We enjoyed having the little girls with us. A beautiful sky behind the Matthias' house that night.