Finally Fall

Fall has reached Minnesota, and we are LOVING it. Taking walks -- or infrequent runs -- in the cooler temperatures with colorful trees and conversant geese have helped to make my weekends a joy. Here are some shots taken yesterday after a nice long walk around Lake Nakomis, in southern Minneapolis.

Living only an hour from John's family is a huge blessing, and we escape to their small town of Hamburg as often as we can. Today, after a church luncheon at the Werners' church in Hamburg, John felt a sudden urge to help split wood in the back yard.

This one above is my absolute favorite.

Unfortunately, most of our time is not spent outdoors or with family but at our jobs. And yet we are both thankful for having jobs that we enjoy. John has a great class of 13 6th graders this year. He is also staying quite busy coaching 5th and 6th grade soccer and directing 5th grade band and 6th-8th grade band. Later this month the band will be performing and even marching at a local Lutheran high school football game.

I'm staying busy with the Shriners Hospital for Children. Just this week I got to start taking a more active in surgery and closed some incisions on my own. Tons of fun! I'm not sure if I like that more or working in the clinic or on the in-patient floor. Talking with the kids is definitely up there, though. A couple of weeks ago I got to sit down with a friendly 2nd grader named Bryce who has osteogenesis imperfecta (a disorder where the bones are very fragile and break easily). He was reading a book about great dads, and he mentioned to me, "This is a great book -- you know why?" I of course was hooked and asked, "Why?" "Because it's true; my dad really is great!" he intelligently explained. I am always so impressed by the supportive families I meet who give so much of themselves to help their children feel important and loved and even "normal."

Well, we pray all is well with each of you. Please keep us updated when you can!