Short and Sweet

Sondra, Zach's cousin, got married so we were able to travel to G.R. and attend the wedding. Friday we enjoyed the day by bringing Cal and Hannah lunch at school, celebrating Dad Olson's birthday, and just hanging out. In the evening we enjoyed a Mallekoote family dinner at the fabulous Kobe Grill folllowed by dessert at Cold Stone- what a treat! On Saturday we got to celebrate Mom and Dad M's anniversary, and then we headed to the wedding and reception. We drove back home to Jarvis after dinner. We didn't make it back until about 2:00 a.m. We hit the pillows and were out! Even though it was super quick, it was a fun visit with family and friends- short and sweet.
Below is Zach at Cal and Hannah's school, reading the Star Wars information on the Happy Meal.

Sisters...I love my Sheesh

Grandpa M and Bryce at the wedding

Me, Mom and Zach at the wedding reception.

Under Construction

There is a three-phase plan to remodel our church. The first phase passed so we are currently under construction. A new wing is being built that will provide an office for Zach and our co-pastor (who recently accepted the call- Yeah!), a larger nursery, more classrooms, and craft rooms. It is really exciting to see the progress, and we are looking forward to Zach having an office at church. The construction should be done sometime in November.

Wrapping up the Summer

It's hard to believe that summer is on its way out for the year. This past week Zach and his team wrapped up their summer softball league by playing, and winning, an all day tournament. While we were watching a game I heard some kids playing Jackpot (that game where you toss a football and yell out an amount of money and a group of kids fight to catch the ball). I sat there reminiscing about my childhood days playing games like that, smiling as I listened to sweet, young voices. My sentimental moment was interrupted when I heard a familiar voice that was about an octave lower than all the others hooting and hollering. I turned to see Zach joining in the fun. I have to say he had quite the height advantage, but the kids had a ball with him. (Get it...a "ball!")

Zach and I both continue to golf in our leagues which will both wrap up in the end of September. With the way I've been shooting this year, I don't expect any prizes at the banquet... unless there's some kind of enthusiasm trophy. I had a hard time following the golf etiquette of containing my shouts and screams of joy when one of my teammates had a great shot. Or maybe there's a prize for getting hit by a golf ball...we'll see.
We visited our good friends Jerry and Frieda. Jerry is a volunteer grill master at the retirement home in the area so we came to show our support. Jerry and Frieda "adopted" us as their grand children when we moved to Jarvis. Their hospitality and hugs have been such a comfort. They are a wonderful, wise couple we have come to love. Here is a picture of Jerry and me.

So long old friend

I felt I needed to have some closure after the loss of a long time companion. I got my first Nalgene from Dordt College my sophmore year. That Nalgene has been my faithful companion every day since. Some of our more memorable adventures involved traveling to Nicaragua, China, St. Martin, Jamaica, Cancun and Canada. But after a melting accident in the dishwasher, and the fact that it recently developed a funny odor that I just couldn't get rid of, it was time to say goodbye. (Some family members will be very happy to know that my nasty Nalgene is no more.) :-)

It's time to let go.

Now I have a new Nalgene to enjoy. (Thanks Mom!)

Wet Wild and Crazy Kids

This has been our Wednesday theme the last few weeks. (We stole it from that Nickelodeon show from back in the day.) Zach and I have had a blast hosting the middle-schoolers from church for some fun in the sun. It's been a great way to get to know these kids and have fun at the same time. Throughout the month we've played soccer, baseball and Capture the Flag. We've also had relay races, water balloon tosses and several water fights. Throw in about 35 teenagers, some popsicles, and a guessing game where the prize is a container of candy and you've got some good times.
While we were waiting for the final kids to show up Zach and I decided to have a little fun of our own. We had the kids pose for a group picture. While I was arranging the kids, Zach snuck up to the roof with a bucket of water. (Notice the feet on the roof.) Well....you can guess what happened...

Say Cheese!

There is a park about a five-minute walk from our home so we played our games there. Here is some footage from one of the the water fights.

We ended with a big water fest at our house. Everyone got absolutely soaked...willingly (except for me- I was bamboozled).