Fabulous Fall!

Ella
Jason, Jay and I ~ The old Olive Garden group



We had a Fabulous fall here in Ohio. It was filled with Back to School, soccer games, many fall outings, and time spent with family and friends! Here are some of our highlights.
Jenna started 5th grade and Samuel started 1st. This meant I was home all day without the kids. It was a weird change but at the time Jay was going to work at 2pm so we got to spend time together in the mornings. They both played soccer this fall which filled up our Saturdays. They both really enjoyed it and I'm sure we will be doing it again in the spring.
I was the Nursery Leader at church for 2011 which means I was in charge of watching over the 18month to 3 yr.olds. This was a fun and huge task considering there were 23 of them. They weren't all there every Sunday but it was still very busy for me. I got to spend that time with 2 of my nieces as well. It was fun getting to know these cute, little spirits as we sang, danced, colored and learned about our Savior. I'm grateful to have had that opportunity, as always with a calling, I learned a lot.
We went to the zoo and had a fun outing to Olive Garden with Jay's cousin Jason and his family. That is where it all started(Jay and I met there) so it's fun to go back from time to time. Jason also worked there with us so it brings back fun memories.
We went apple picking then canned applesauce that we get to enjoy this winter. I'm grateful for the friends that we got to go with and that helped me accomplish my goals. It's so much easier with a friend by your side! :)

Jakee's Back!

WE are all so happy he's home!

It was an emotional greeting, not getting to hug jake for 2 years was really hard!
We were waiting and waiting. It seemed to take forever, we made cute signs for him and people smiled and they wished they had this warm welcome!

It has been a long and short 2 years at the same time. We have all missed Jakee so much, yet we knew he was where the Lord would have him be, serving the people of southern California. His flight didn't get in till midnight but there was no way we weren't going to the airport, we have waited to long to see our Jakee. Life was not the same without Jake around. He's the bubbly funny man of the family. He's the joker and he brings happiness and joy wherever he goes. Everybody wants to be around Jake. He draws people in. He's so full of life and so charming! As soon as we hugged and he started talking with us, it was just like Jakee's back. He was the same full of life guy that he was when he left 2 years ago only now he was filled with spiritual knowledge. The spirit was just just beaming through him. He's Amazing! He has served and blessed so many peoples lives in So Cal and we are so glad he went ,but we are so happy to have him back!

Ceder Point- The one and ONLY!!!!

The new ride- The wind seeker
Darlene and Jay were the daredevils to ride the new ride
What do you think of Cedar Point Kids? WE LOVE IT!!!


Jill and I love this shot- this is the beginning of our 4 kids adventures!

Samuel was finally tall enough this year to ride almost all of the rides. Him and Jay were coaster buddies and they had the best time. I had to saw to a few rides, I feared my son's life. Those of you who don't know about Cedar Point, it really is the biggest amusement park in the world! It's insane! If you like coasters you HAVE to come to Cleveland and stay with us and we will take you on the ride of your life! Samuel likes it so much that he asks everyone about Cedar point. Have you been, what ride is your favorite, he has the stats to all the rides. he's an expert! It's a little nuts!
Even the adults were putting our hands up!
As usual Samuel got hot and had to take his shirt off! They went and stood on the bridge where the snake ride soaks them!
Papa Jim and Darlene came into town and treated us all to Cedar Point! It was a dream come true for my kids!



Are you ready to ROCK?!
Yes, we all had to wear blue and match, it's a mom thing
Loving the pink car!



It was a super fun day! WE all had a blast and can't wait to do it again next year!

More Nauvoo

The temple was gorgeous both during the day and at night! I had to post both pictures!

The pageant there was so wonderful and moving. Jay loved it so much that someday he wants to be in the pageant! We never know what our life could bring!

Trip #2 ~Nauvoo, Illinois

The birthday boy at Hotel Nauvoo!
The whole schilling family

the reception hall
At Carthage jail
Making the rope
old friend katie
Jenna was not happy about taking pictures

The happy couple
The beautiful gardens outside the visitor center
the bakery
Statue of the first vision
One of my favorites, My young woman leader gave me a statue like this when I got my medallion. I still have it on my dresser as a daily reminder that I am a woman of god and of the values that I should be upholding.
my cutie boy!

We were so blessed to be able to take a trip to Nauvoo. We weren't sure until the last day if Jay was going to able to get the time off. It was Samuel's birthday weekend and our life- long friend Brittany Schilling's wedding. I was praying that it would all work out, and it did! Jay had never been to Navoou so I was really excited for him to experience this amazing place. I haven't been to another place like it. You can feel the people that lived there. Some one there even told me that the veil is very thin there and that is why the spirit can be felt so strong. We got to see a few things but we definitely have to go back to experience the rest. The day of the wedding was Samuel's birthday. He was so happy to be in Nauvoo for his birthday and to get to be where Joesph Smith lived.
Brittany and Peter's wedding was so amazing! Brittany has always been like a little sister to me so this was truly a special gift to be able to be at her sealing! It was so fun to see everyone again and meet the new members of the family as well! Then that night we drove down to her reception which was in St. Louis. Then we stayed at another old friend's home. The dave and Cynthia Welch were my primary teachers and I have seen Dave every year for 16 years. He sells
Childhood toys and comes into Cleveland every year. It was such a treat to go to his house this year and see his beautiful family!
Then as we drove back from St. Louis we stopped at my grandpa's again. It's always fun to see him. This time Uncle Dean, Aunt Marianne, Mark, Aunt Lois and Uncle Rich and my parents were there. We celebrated birthday's and had a couple very special family dinners. It was so nice to be all together. It was another great family summer trip! I am truly blessed!

The Swim Team

The Happy spectators!

Jenna has been on the swim team now for 3 years! She really loves it! It's fun to watch her compete and have so much fun! She does really well in back stroke, and this year every meet she stripped time off her free-style! We are so proud of her and her hard work and dedication!