May Minnesota Memories

May Day brought us to Ada, Minnesota for the wedding of my Goddaughter Rachel Fuller. The Fuller family has been an important part of my life since Rachel's mom and dad, Carolyn and Scott, arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, as the intern at Gloria Dei. Their son Scott was born in Anchorage. When he was seven days old he was on our boat in the bay by Homer while we pulled the crab and shrimp pots. I remember Scott trying to get Carolyn to feed him, as he is tucked under the life vest. Rachel and her new husband are both students at Luther Seminary. How lucky our church is to have young people like Rachel and Tim to be future Pastors for our church.
Scott joined Rick at Trinity Lutheran in Tacoma, Washington for seven wonderful years of ministry. Rachel was born while they were in Tacoma. Fast forward 25 years and here we were at her wedding.
Can you see the love between daughter and father in Rachel's face as her Dad delivers their wedding sermon?
There were people from all walks of their lives here at the wedding. They made a milepost to show where all of the people attending the wedding had come from.
Everyone looks pretty relaxed at the reception. Thank you Rachel and Tim for inviting Al and myself to be a part of your wedding.

After our time at the wedding we spent time with Grandma Kaia Emily Halvorson. She is my first husband's mother. She will celebrate her 96th bithday this July. What a grand woman she is. We celebrated Mother's Day early with her. Isn't she beautiful? How lucky we are to be a part of her family!! I loved both of these pictures, so decided to include them both. Enjoy!!

Circus Memories

When I was a little girl in Grade School, the one of the exciting times of the year was when the Shrine Circus came to Sioux Falls. I remember sleepless nights thinking about going to the circus. My parents were working, so I drove the 65 miles to Sioux Falls in my friend's parents car. I'm sure I had many treats, but the one I remember year after year was cotton candy. Still when I see cotton candy for sale, it brings back the memories of the circus. Last week Sara said they were going to the circus with Kaia and her family and asked if I would like to come along. Those old memories quickly came back. I said yes and it was wonderful day. Now I have circus memories as a Grandma.

Our day started with me going to church with Sara, Ava, and Olivia. Aren't they cute in their spring dresses?

Zach had been at a fishing weekend with his friends, but got home in time to join us for the circus. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and warm weather. We spent some time outside of the arena waiting for Kaia, Oliver, and Mae to arrive. Joe is a Shriner and was assigned to be with the Calliope. It was fun to hear the Calliope music as you wait in line to enter the arena.

Ava and Olivia spent the time skipping and playing on the big round seats in front of the arena and also with Mr. Clown.
Grandma had to have her picture taken with them also.

I love this picture of Kaia, Joe, Oliver and Mae. They had been to the circus earlier in the week, so they knew all of the fun things inside to do before the circus started. Joe was also able to get us in without standing in the long line.
Once inside the girls wanted their faces painted, Oliver wanted to slide and have a lighted sword, and all of them wanted to ride the elephant. Joe went on the elephant with them.


Grandma enjoyed having her little ones by her side as the show started. The first act was the tigers.

Two hours later we headed home with our tummy filled with cotton candy, popcorn, drinks and our heads filled with many new memories. I hope they will remember the Shrine Circus 2010 when they become Grandparents