Mathias turns 5 years old!

This post is a couple days late - Sorry!

On Sunday the 26th, Mathias turned 5 years old! He has been anxiously waiting for this day. A few months ago he gave us a list of the things he would like: cowboy hat (check), cowboy guns (check), boots (check), crossbow (check), cowboy rope (no), and a voltage checker (no). Yes, he did ask for a voltage checker. He saw one at Lowe's and thought they were the coolest things. However, he loves to see how things work and we aren't quite ready for him to be checking the voltage in our outlets.

We actually celebrated his birthday on Saturday. Our Japanese exchange student arrived in the morning and we celebrated his birthday at night. Here are some pictures of the party:

For the last couple weeks Mathias has been talking with Mrs Riggenbach about his birthday. He described his cupcakes and she made a comment on how yummy they would taste. Mathias has a great memory, so Sunday morning he brought her one. I wish I has the camera to capture the moment. I think they were both blessed.

Mathias is a blessing to our family. He has always been curious and loves to learn how things work. When Daniel and him are working on a project, there are many questions. Mathias is also very sensitive and loving. Sara is his favorite sibling right now. Every night he has to hug and kiss her. If she goes to bed before he gets the chance, he reminds me to say "goodnight" to her. In the morning he gives her a big hug. He also gives me lots of hugs and loves to rub my back. Someday he will make a wonderful, loving husband!

Here are some pictures of Mathias over the past 5 years:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Family Reunion 2009

This past weekend we drove out to Iowa for a family reunion. Our first stop was Pella to see the windmill. Daniel just finished reading "Scout" to us, so we took this opportunity to see a real, working windmill.

The Historical Society has a tour of the windmill available, along with a historical village.....

... and a miniature village. It was so interesting to walk through and see how our ancestors used to live.

We took so many pictures, so enjoy this slide show:

Friday night we had a small gathering at the home of Anne, Daniel's cousin. It was a nice time for the children to get reacquainted and the adults to catch up. After pizza, ice cream and fellowship, it was time to head to Aunt Shirley's and get some sleep. They let us sleep in their basement. We were so tired and fell asleep quickly.

Saturday morning Justin went out with some of the men to see a school project one of the cousins his age made. Then they headed over to Uncle John's for a bit. When he returned we drove to the nursing home to see Great-grandma. This was the first time she had seen Sara. Last time we were in Iowa we announced our pregnancy with Sara!

After that is was time to head to the park for the family reunion. The weather was gorgeous, the food plentiful, and the fellowship great! The children played water balloons, ladder golf, volleyball, Frisbee golf, and bean bags. There were also an abundance of slide and swings.

Here is another slide show from the reunion! We can't wait to go back next year!

Mother Daughter Tea

This past Saturday our church hosted a Mother Daughter. The theme was Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The mothers and daughters that attended were treated to wonderful food and fellowship, singing, encouraging speakers, instrumental music and a skit. Here are some pictures from the day.

THE SPEAKERS

Jessica Erber

Maggie Erber

Katherine and Melinda Sanford

Hope Ware

Stacy McDonald

THE MUSIC AND SKIT

Stacey Rupp on the harp

Jeremy and Josiah on piano and violin

Sibling Ensemble

"Cooking with Mother"

"Providence String Quartet"

Sara hugging Jackson

Cara and Natalie

Jesica, Emilee, and Ashly

Our beautiful table

handsome waiter

patiently waiting....

preparing cookie trays

sweet fellowship