David Cook Concert

The marquee outside of the Orpheum Theatre

How fun it was for Randy, Jensen and I to go to Sioux City to see David Cook in concert. Actually I think it was more fun for Jensen & I, but we were glad to have Randy along for the road trip. Jensen & I called in a lot of votes and were thrilled when David Cook won the title of American Idol for Season 7. It was an awesome concert! Now Jensen & I can hardly wait for September 1 to go to the American Idol concert in Minneapolis.

My Beautiful Daughter

These pictures were taken by Jensen's friend Alyssa Yoder. Jensen, Alyssa, Mikaela, Hope and Trudi spent most of the day on this photo shoot that spanned at least 3 if not 4 counties in southeastern Iowa. If Jensen had any dreams of being a model, this day ended that dream. She got her fill of smiling and being in front of the camera. I think all the hard work paid off in some very fun and creative pictures.

Jensen's Graduation Party

Jensen was happy to see her friend Elizabeth Miller

Mikaela, Hope & Jensen

Aunt Gladys, Cathy Tubbs, Donna Yoder and my Dad

What a beautiful day June 14th turned out to be. I am still in awe of the family and friends who showed up for Jensen's party. Most of all those who drove many miles to be here and be a part of our special day. We love you all and are grateful to have you in our lives!

Party Preparations

Avery & Grandma Widmer making mints

Lots and lots of mints

Peg working her magic

Setting up the tent

Reid & Elijah using their muscles

Hannah helping out

Elijah ready to hammer in the tent stakes

Josiah making the work fun

Autumn

Reid giving it all he's got

Almost done

Monkey Elijah

It is times like this when lots of kids are a blessing. On Saturday, June 13th there was a lot of work to be done to get ready for Jensen's graduation party. The lawn needed to be mowed, a tent needed set up, mints to be made, decorating to be done and of course plenty of house work. Even though it seemed like we were busy from sun up until long after the sun went down it was a fun day. We are truly blessed with wonderful, helpful family and friends. Thanks so much for all you did to make Jensen's party a very special day.

Reid's 12th Birthday

Checking out a baseball that shows how fast you throw with Simon & Grandpa

Cousin London counting Reid's birthday money

Three Years Old

Best Cousins ~ Lane (9 years) & Reid (8 years)

Wow how time flies, how can this post be a month late? I can't believe I have gotten this bad at keeping my blog updated. Here it is July and I am just now getting Reid's birthday added. Luckily Reid didn't have to wait as long to celebrate his birthday. As usual there were plenty of Grandpa's, Grandma's, Aunt's, Uncles, and Cousin's to help celebrate. Noticeably missing was Reid's favorite cousin Lane. Then again Reid had just spent two weeks and his actual birthday with Lane. Two weeks prior to his birthday Reid went to South Dakota with Grandpa Schlabach, Lane, Uncle Eric, and Leighton to do some Prairie Dog shooting. From there he went back and spent a week at Lane's. Reid had a great time, but I was very happy to have Reid back home...two weeks is a long time.