June & July Trips

Here's an update of June and July.  I apologize for not posting for such a long time.  There's really no excuse, I have been busy keeping up with the kids (even the one in utero), sorting through our belongings, packing and repacking for all of our trips.

On our month long trip in May, Sam and Liza made a few new friends, but that trip mostly consisted of family.  Our 2 week long trip around Minnesota on the other hand consisted of a little family time and a lot of time with new friends.  13 boys & 10 girls and that’s just counting our host families’ kids.  Sam and Liza had lots of fun, but of course when your kids get together with other kids there are always more battles.  Why can’t toddlers just know how to share?!  I’d have to say our month long trip was more enjoyable for me as a whole.  It’s just more relaxing when your family gives so much attention to your kids.  Yet, I think the MN trip was a great social time for Sam and Liza.  Exhausting as it might have been at times, I loved watching them interact with all their new friends.

Liza checking out the chickens with her new friend

VBS in Sartell, MN

We got stuck on high ground in the middle of a flash flood on our way to a presentation.  The road was closed down after we started driving on it.  We were stuck between two flooded points in the road.

Thankfully the kids slept right through it.  Of course 2 hours later when we made it safely back to where we started, the kids were done napping and we still had to drive all the way to our next stop.

A few of Sam and Liza's new friends wanted to go home with us

The kids all had the chance to pet horses when we went to a members house for dinner and fellowship after a presentation

We were only home for a week and a half before going to Bremen, IN to celebrate the 4th of July with family.  Sam & Liza really enjoy all the time they’ve been able to spend with all their cousins this year.  

Wildauer Cousins 4th of July, 2014

Fun with the Family on the 4th of July

Cousins playing so nicely together in the sandbox

After being back home for just a few days, we left again for a part work, part family trip.  We spent the weekend with my high school friends and presenting at my home church, where I was Baptized and Confirmed.  After 6 years of living in Milwaukee, Grace will be my home church once again.  Since Micah is called to be a theological educator at a seminary and not a parish pastor, we are transferring our membership to Grace Lutheran in Versailles, MO. 

Rosalie, Hollie, Katie, & myself, 10 years after graduating from high school

VBS at Grace Lutheran Church

Micah and I left Sam and Liza with Grandpa and Grandma for three days to go to the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education in St. Louis.  Since we will be homeschooling our kids in Togo we figured we should probably learn a little about homeschooling.

I think the kids did alright without Daddio & Mama!

We drove to Jefferson City to meet up with the kids.  Spent a day with cousins getting muddy down by the river, and then drove back to St. Louis.

After petting the goats at Grant's Farm, Sam said he wanted a pet goat.  I told him that could be arranged when we move to Togo.  (Side note:  I had goats when I was a little girl)

After preaching and a presentation at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Barnhart south of St. Louis, we journeyed down to Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel, Cape Girardeau for Weston Wildauer's ordination and installation. Weston is Micah's cousin.

We drove to Faith Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IN the next day for a presentation and VBS the next morning.  After VBS in Bloomington, we drove a few hours north to another VBS.  2 VBSs in one day for Sam!  

Our travels with a u-pick-em blueberry farm on the side of the road on our way home from Indiana.