Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

I was in China. Teaching kindergarten aged children English.

I went to breakfast on September 12, and overheard others talking about a plane crash. Ok, I thought, plane crashes are bad. It's a sad thing. And that was it.

I got back to my apartment and turned on the computer to check my email, and chat with my Mom like I did every morning. I had a ton of emails asking if I was ok and safe. I still did not have a clue what was going on. My Mom's email just told me she needed to talk to me.

My Mom got on chat and then told me what had happened.

The group I was with spent the morning listening to a live stream on CNN, we couldn't get the video portion to work so we just listened to the audio.

I still had to teach kindergarten that day. I have no memory of what we did.

I was so numb.

We will Not Forget!

Remember on Patriot Day

Millikins Purple 4 Year Old Hair

Millikins turned four!

She wanted purple hair, that we can do!

Don't worry, it washes out in one shampoo. ;)

We made her day with it though.

Seeing the joy on her this day was so work the $6.

I love being able to provide this kind of joy.

Lulu is 8 months

8 months and crawling around like crazy!

She started forward army crawling on August 24, in the afternoon

On the morning of August 25 she started crawling.

By August 28 she was pulling herself up on things and starting to take steps.

As of today, September 9 she can walk if you hold her hands.

She can pull herself up on almost anything to a standing position.

She is starting to get onto her hands and feet in the middle of the floor.

This morning she took a step while in this tripod position.

WATCH OUT WORLD!

Vacation Bible School

Millikins had the opportunity to go to a VBS (Vacation Bible School) at a local Lutheran Church this summer. She had a blast! There was Christian based dance music and friends to play with, a winning combination no matter how you look at it!

Picking up our friend on the way to VBS on the first day, I think she's a LITTLE excited.

You just have to love her fashion sense.

The theme was High Seas, and they decorated the stage like a ship. It was amazing, and so much fun. The two leaders up front wore Gilligan hats and blue tie-dyed shirts.

This was Millikin's group leader, Ms Sue.

Such a sweet lady. It was her first year here too.

On Thursday after camp, the Church had set up for a show by a local entertainer, Eric Haines.

Hilarious!

For both the kiddos and the adults.

I think Millikins just saw herself a stilt walking pirate!

Lulu got in on the apple slices action. Don't worry, she just munged it and didn't actually get any chunks off; no teeth yet.

Can you guess what they yelled for this mob to form?

How about 'FREE POPSICLES!"

The kids came in hordes!

Millikins was waiting to get her turn to get one, but kept getting pushed out of the way by others. I had to go up and wiggle her into the front so she could get one.

VBS was a great experience for all of us. Millikins had a great time learning the songs, of which we have the cd and listen to it at least once a day. She had a great time hanging out with new friends and having some time away from Lulu and I.

We will be looking to do this again next summer for sure!

South Dakota Smores

What is camping without smores?!

Aunt Jaci helped out Millikins do the first smore.

The moment of truth.

Will Millikins taste something that is so delicious but messy?

NO! Uncle Jerry takes one for the team and eats it up.

He said it was his first smore; can you believe that!?

Millikins loved helping roast the marshmallows.

But, she never did try a full on smore.

She stuck with eating the 'raw' marshmallows.

Even Lulu got in on the action, give me some!

Check out that hand!

Getting a hand (wipe) from Uncle Jerry

It is very hard work getting the perfect marshmallow.

Dave and I ended up in a competition because I was able to make the golden brown outside with the inside all melted and gooey. Dave was also able to do this, but not every time. Hence the competition. He had to try and beat me; but I won! :D

Meeting Family in Butte

Visiting Aunt Katie

A photo of a photo of Dave's last visit with Aunt Katie; he's the middle child here.

Cousin Linda

Glenda, Linda, Larry, Dave, Aunt Katie

Who can resist tickling the baby's toes!?

I haven't met anyone yet.

Goodbyes are always hard.

Especially after an almost 2 week vacation on the road.

When you're three.

It was so great to meet this part of Dave's family.

Thanks for the great night of talking!