Matt's Graduation 5/17/09

Way to go, Matt! We're all so proud of you!

Matt graduated from the University of Illinois with honors and a Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Technology on May 17th.

We were grateful to have many members of the Stratton family and Heidi's parents with us to celebrate.

Here's some pics!

Matt getting hooded by his advisor.

Receiving his diploma

Matt and Heidi

With Dad and Mom

With Grandma

With Jardel

With the Bokish Family

A day at the park. 5-16-09

We went to the park and had a picnic. It was a bit chilly, so we decided to go to the museum to warm up.




Oma looking at stuff


Matt carding wool


J carding wool


B carding wool


K weaving


Matt showing K and B how to be a blacksmith


J billowing the fire


J with a copper mustache


K being a blacksmith


"G POWER"


G power churning butter


J carrying water buckets


K doing a puzzle- nice hat!


B playing dress up


Heidi in a wigwam


B sweeping the hearth


Jardel riding a barrel horse


Heidi, B, and J paddling a canoe


Heidi and B dressed up


Jardel treating C to a taste of a candy stick


J in a Abraham Lincoln hat


Going through the covered bridge

Josh's Birthday

Oma took us all out for Josh's birthday dinner- his choice. He thought that he would take us out for something new. We went to Ginza, which is a Japanese restaurant. They cooked our food right in front of us! The kids loved watching all the cool tricks that he did. We all tried the chopsticks. J was the first one of the kids to figure out how to pick up the food and get it to his mouth. Way to go J! We loved it. Thanks, Oma.

Oma has landed

Oma made it safely to the stormy Midwest. She arrived at 3:50pm, and now the fun begins!

Can't wait!!!!!!

We can't wait until next Wednesday when Oma gets here. The kids have lots planned for her to see in the 2 days she is here with us.
Then we head off to meet Grandma (Mom), Grandpa (Dad), Aunt Del, Uncle Matt, Aunt Heidi, and everyone else that will be at Uncle Matt's grad school graduation.
We love it when we are able to be with family!