Rose of Sharon - Summer 2010

We have two Rose of Sharon bushes in our backyard. The Rose of Sharon is the official flower of South Korea. Emily picked this plant out 7 years ago when we moved into our new home and when she liked pink!

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Sunflowers!!!

Sunflowers in my garden. August 24, 2010

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The West Boys and Al Kaline - August 14, 2010

Scott took Jacob and Austin to see Al Kaline (former Detroit Tigers baseball player). Jacob was so excited to meet him. As you can see, my Austin wore his Cardinals shirt and hat - HA!

Springfield, Illinois

Emily sitting on the steps in the old Capitol Building


Emily standing in the exact spot where Lincoln gave his "A House Divided" speech in 1858. If you want to read more, go here: http://www.nationalcenter.org/HouseDivided.html


Emily standing next to Lincoln's seat, with his hat and cap on chair.

And no trip is complete to Illinois without visiting a Lincoln site. On this trip, we went to the old State Capitol building, where Abraham Lincoln served his last term as a State Legislator.

Visiting Family in Jacksonville, Illinois

Emily and Hannah Loeffelholtz after swimming



Emily and Uncle Ron Rynders (Ron is my Mom's baby brother)


On the 9th of August, Emily and I headed to Jacksonville to spend time with Mom's side of the family. We really need to get back down more often!!

Family Reunion 2010

Emily and cousin beating a dead catfish with a stick. Why, I have no idea!!


Clarence and Beulah Lair's children. Ernie Mountjoy is the first person - our lost family member and a cousin. We are SO happy to have found him!!! Missing is Aunt Betty, who lives in Arizona.




On August 7th, we had our annual Lair family reunion near Springfield, Illinois. We had a great turnout with plenty of delicious food! :)