Omaha to Pittsburgh

Union Station Omaha, Nebraska:

Omaha Zoo and Aquarium:

Iowa State Fair, Des Moines

Maquoketa Caves, Iowa

Fenelon Place Elevator, Dubuque Iowa

Marion, Indiana

Salem, Ohio

Ocean Grove 2023

 

Jason's 8th Birthday Letter

Dear Jason (Jace or Jabes):

It was a great year for you as you turned 8. You run hard, and I often find you sweating on the school playground at pick up, or wrestling with your little brother.

You can’t go for a walk without picking up sticks and this year you have fallen in love with things that fly. Drones, planes, or helicopters. You take any chance to fly your own drone and toy helicopter, and will pause when we are walking to watch a plane above your head, or announce to everyone when you hear a helicopter. Your Godparents, Glen and Carolyn, took you to sit in a helicopter this year, and you showed us the pictures they took of you there and asked when we could all go for a visit. 

You can be the best sharer in the family, and are often looking out for your siblings to make sure they get the flavor of drink or snack they want. We pray that this others-focused mindset continues to grow and mature in you this year.

You still love model trains, and have fully embraced building with legos and erector sets. You ask me almost every night if we can go for a bike ride next to the Adams gardens around the corner from our house. You love math problems before bed each night, and want to know how everything works, and why people do things in life. You love visits with Mama Maria. 

You frequently ask your mother and I deep questions randomly when we are driving in the car. You will say “I was just thinking…. Why did God create the snake?” “Does God have blood?” “How much does God weigh?” We do our best to answer your many questions, and I only look forward to seeing how they develop as you get older.

We are thankful for your grateful heart, appreciating the weather, or that your 1st-grade teacher had gotten your class munchkins. As well as your positive spirit, which often reflects when asked, “my day didn’t have a low part”.

We are so glad we get to be in your family.

Love,

Daddy

 

Grace and Marc's Wedding

My niece Grace was an Archambault before I was.

Sixteen years ago (plus a few weeks) she was the flower girl at my wedding. 

This month I got to attend her wedding, with our two youngest about the same age as she was at ours.

I loved the time leading up to it with her, getting our nails done, 

exploring the Penn State Botanical gardens,

and lunching together. 

I also loved the cousin interactions,

as well as Aunts, Uncles, 

and Grandparents. 

The wedding venue had lots of space to play with none of the expected rain. 

Sophia received a new hairstyle with the flowers from the day after the wedding.

And with Noah's help, Jason came home with a duct tape wallet as a wedding favor.