Staycation

Since coming back from Iowa, I've been trying to take the kids on a St. Louis adventure (aka "Staycation") everyday Haune has classes.  In June, he is taking two intensive two-week courses, each worth 3 credits.  Needless to say, he's been working hard trying to squeeze in all of the readings/papers/presentations necessary.  He joins us on adventures when he is able.  Enjoy the pics!

I've never been able to say "I'm with the band" but two Fridays ago--we did!  My friend Tracie's best friend is married to the piano player for the band Need to Breathe (follow that?)  Anyway, he hooked us and our hubby's up with free tickets--it was an amazing show!!!

Pre-concert date... we don't have many pictures of just the two of us anymore.

We've been spending a lot of quality time with all of our St. Louis friends, many of whom are in our same boat and moving on to another adventure very soon.

"We love Dave and June!"

Ava play date!

One of Julia's best buddies (Cady) had a pirate/princess birthday party.  These kids had a blast!

We've been to the wonderful zoo many times during these last two weeks.  The kids know that place like the back of their hand by now.

Touching the sting rays continue to be a favorite activity.

We've had some sweet brother/sister moments such as this.

A favorite park right by the Sem also has a little candy store right by it.  We've been enjoying their $1.00 flavor of the day icees.

Hauan/Douglas crew.

Julia and Isaac.

Haune had a free morning and decided to set up a Hauan Aquatic CenterSlip 'n Slide for our neighborhood.  The kids had an absolute blast.

We visited the (free) St. Louis Science Center as well with our friends the Douglases.

We never pass up a photo op by a STL birthday cake.

We traveled to (the free) City Garden splash pad with our friends as well.  We were having a marvelous time before Cal accidentally slipped and gashed his chin wide open on the wet marble ledge. :(  We took him to the ER where the cleaned and glued him back together.  He was a brave little boy and is healing nicely.  I was able to get a few pictures taken before the accident... :(

We're so proud of our brave little guy!

We also decided to take a day trip to Meramec Caverns last weekend between Haune's two classes.  We went on a cave tour, hiked around in the bluffs, and basically spent the whole day outside.  All five kids did awesome on the hike and enjoyed the outdoors.

Meremec Caverns birthday cake.

Whew!  That's all for now.  As always, thanks for checking in.

Farm Fun

We spent two lovely weeks at the farm during Haune's quarter break.  It was our last time back in Iowa for a year (until we return in August 2015) so we really took time to enjoy it.  In the middle of our Iowa trip, we traveled up to Rochester to visit our friends and church.  As always, it was wonderful to be back but still difficult to say our goodbyes.  Yet again.

We love you all and had a great time visiting "up north."  Hope you enjoy the pics!

Memorial Day is very special to our family as we all were so proud to watch Dad march with the Color Guard.  It was difficult without him but we're so thankful for previous Memorial Day memories.

Dad's headstone came in time for Memorial Day.  We think he would have approved
of what mom picked out.  Above his name is a small Viet Nam Vet medallion.

Steph and the boys came to visit!  Thanks, Steph.  We always love seeing your sweet family.

Oh man.  Morel mushrooms from our neighbor... a precious precious gift.

Our friend Faye (well, Erica) also came to visit with her sweet little girl, Faye, and
her dog, Jonsey.  Thanks for the detour to Hubbard, Faye!  Loved seeing (most) of your family!!!

Faye and J.

There's always time for lots and lots of books with Grandma Sue!

We had a fun-filled 24 hours in Rochester as well.  We had a play date in the park by our old house, Haune preached at all three services, and we simply enjoyed seeing many of our Rochester friends.  A HUGE shout-out of thanks to the Lanza family for hosting our family!!!! :)

We love our US Bank family!!!

A Rochester visit wouldn't be complete without playing with "Barb from the Bank!"

Thanks for coming, Sue!!!

Here we are with the Lanzas.  This is sweet Emerson and Cal.

Hunter and Julia... reunited at last.

Back on the farm, there was no shortage of kite flying.

We had a mini Dubberke family reunion, unfortunately, this is the only picture I remembered to take. :/

We also spent several afternoons at the Hubbard pool.  It brought me
right back to my childhood!

These kids were outside most every day creating masterpieces
such as this awesome creation from Julia.

Play dates at Aunt Jane's house are always fun too!

Surprise!  Happy early 60th, Grandma Sue!!!  We love you!!!

Our friends from the Sem, the Troxels, swung by the farm on their way to
Chris' grandpa's funeral.  We loved showing them around... and the kids loved Dad's old tractor!

Troxel/Hauan crew (Cal was napping.)

Julia attended VBS at my hometown church.  She did a great job singing her
songs at the program!

My cousins, Emily & Laura, and their families came for the program as well.  We had a blast!

Kair/Hauan clans.

David and Emily... we loved having you back in Hubbard!

Cribbage cheerleaders.

"We love you, Grandma Sue!  Thanks for two fun weeks!!!"