Summer is almost over?!

Well, friends and family,...we just returned to St. Louis to complete Matthew's final year at the seminary. We were able to spend the entire month of July "away". Most of our time was spent in Schaumburg, Illinois. We participated in the National Children's Ministry Conference, matt preached one whole weekend (5 services in 3 days!-whew!), we drove to Green Bay to see friends, we helped with vbs at St. Peter and I sang three times at St. Peter with the Praise Band,....whew! What a vacation,....we needed to come to St. Louis to get a break!!!! ha-ha!

We have been putting the house back together since returning. Our friend from the seminary stayed at our house while we were gone,..he needed a place,...and we were happy to let him stay here. He moved out yesterday, though. So Matthew helped him move yesterday - all day. Today we were back in the swing of things again here - I got a last minute phone call to sing at church on Sunday and Matthew got asked to lead Sunday school too! (good thing we came back!) lol.

We've been to the pool every day since we got back -- even if it's only at night for an hour to relax! It's down the street and has a lazy river (my personal favorite). It's very, very hot down here. (i do love Schaumburg's weather!) It's sopposed to be heat index of 110 tomorrow,....I can't wait! :(

The girls have their home visits with their teachers this week. School for the girls begins on August 14th. Matthew is off until Sept. 8th, - although he has a paper due by August 22nd still.

Enjoy the following pictures. They are all from the conference which was held at St. Peter. Our whole family participated!

This is Elissa up front in front of 500+ people interviewing Vice President Bill Diekleman.

This is me and Beth (our new Vicar's wife). We helped serve lunch and wondered which pop was winning,......coke or pepsi?!

Here's Sara hanging out in the hallway with me during a sectional.

Here's Elissa being interviewed by Pastor Roger Theimer (from King of King's Omaha) He then did a skit with her - once again infront of 500+ people. She loved being in the spotlight. When asked if it was a good thing being a "PK",...she paused,.....and then answered it correctly!! :)

It was a long, long day. Sara fell asleep during the last Festive Gathering,.....such an angel.