TWO COUNTRIES~ONE FAMILY

Happy 15th Birthday Michael!!

Michael has grown up and taken so much responsibility with his big brother being gone more than here. He received a phone for his birthday due to my working and needing to be in contact with him. He was more than thrilled as you can see from the picture. The only requirement is when he txts he needs to spell correctly with no txting shortcuts:)

Happy 19th Birthday Anthony!!

We can't believe our first born will graduate from MNWest next year. He amazes Joe and I in how strong he is in his beliefs and faith. We are so proud of what he has accomplished and what his future is to be.

Easter 2012:

The Homeschool Children put on a play again this year. Each year is so busy and fun. The ages of the children and how they can act is something to see. The play was called "Aesops Redux". Michael was a woodsman and Maria was the Milk Maid. Michael and Maria let go of their fear of being on stage and did a great job of acting.

Michael and Joseph-The Woodsman

The girls

Michael received his purple stripe belt in May and now has one more year to earn his Junior Black Belt.

Maria had her recital in May with her friends and Helen her piano teacher.

The recital was "A night on Broadway" which was very well done. Helen writes the play and the students play their contest pieces as well as duets. The students do the recital at 2 assisted livings-Hillstreet Place and Boulder in one afternoon.

Helen and Maria

Master Knight reserves the Acquatic Center in Marshall in June for the students to go to for free for the night. Joe was able to come for the first time now that he is home. He took Christina down the big slide for the first time. Christina decided after slide that the kiddie pool is more for her.

Father's Day: Saddle Horse Holiday

The kids weren't going to let a downpour stop them from seeing the parade and getting their yearly supply of candy!!

Maria's card from all of us. Maria has taken over the card making. They are always beautiful and very creative.

Aunt Mavis

We were very sad to lose someone very close to us this year. ...Aunt Mavis. She was like a grandmother to our kids and a second mother to me. You didn't see Mom without her sister. Whenever we were at my Mom and Dad's she was there. They were inseparable. She was an amazing woman who touched so many people. We will miss her coffee cake, her smile and her amazing laugh.

Mavis...you are in our hearts forever and will always be missed:)

Carolee and Logan came to visit. The older they get the more fun they have together. Just look at the twinkle in their eyes.

The little ones discovering herding ducks isn't easy:(

The joy of digging 16 rows potatoes.

Even visitors and little ones help!!

Twins Game!!!

My family all went to the cities for one night and took Mom and Dad to a Twins game. Growing up my family used to go every year since I was 7 years old. We have only gone twice since I have been married so it was due. The game was a present to Dad for his 70th Birthday and we went on Mom's 68th Birthday 6 days later. Staying in a motel was for Mom. Darren was the sweet donor of the tickets. It was 100 degrees the day we went but we still had a blast!!

Our Summer Vacation

Thanks to Joe' s job change we were able to go camping for 5 days over the 4th of July. We stayed at a farmer's place that Joe used to stay at while working for Duininck's. It was a lot of fun having everyone in one spot for 5 whole days.

Half Price Appetizers after 9PM at Applebees!!

Willmar train Museum

Old School House

Schoenstatt 2012
Marie went to two camps this year. Vocation camp near Duluth during the flood and Schoenstatt in Sleepy Eye. She looks forward to the camps so much. Can't say the same for her sister. She cried for two days off and on and cried every night until she fell asleep.
The kids put on a skit the last day for parents to attend. The excitement with all the girls and their love of God is truly a sight to see.

Happy 6th Birthday Christina!!

Christina's 6th Birthday. She has really grown up this year. She is starting Kindergarten and is so excited to be doing school. She is still full of energy and smiling all time.

Grandma and Grandpa's.

Mom and Dad's for the Girls' birthdays. We always go to my parents for the kids birthdays. Mom and Dad moved to town last year and live near a beautiful park. While the girls were playing the men were in deep conversation with Grandpa.

Happy 13th Birthday Maria!!

Maria turned 13 this year. She is so sweet and does anything that is asked of her with a smile. She really enjoys art, playing piano and organ, and playing with her sister.