New countertops

also master bath and laundry room counter.  I love them and wish they always looked just like this :0)

 

College orientation

Anna's dorm for next year

Ivy is the college of business

 

Chewy.....dog 17 if our counting is correct

Chewy is our friend's dog and we dog-sat while they were in Alaska.  Chewy acts like you are the best dream of his life if you ever are away and return home.  This is his response to "want to go for a walk"....this also makes him very happy.

 

Visitors from the EAST

Matthew was in the Metro last Sunday and stopped by.

Joel came to town to go to Hamilton and for Father's Day.  Rita also is visiting, but she came from the west, while Erin's family is in New Jersey

 

Joel's BAHA:SAE adventure

 Ok - I don't know what BAHA stands for, but I did learn that SAE = Society of Automotive Engineers.  But that is the name of the club he is in that builds small off-road cars.

Iowa State took all these adventurous students to Arizona in May 2025.  Right before finals!!!  CRAZY  But that is just a mom viewpoint.  Joel thought it was great fun (except the very very very long drives that were probably not the most efficient route...he mentioned that someone was trying to avoid toll roads....penny wise and pound foolish to be sure)  Joel is smack dab in the middle with the bandana around his neck (blue shirt)

Orientation day at Caterpiller

 

Joel said there are approximately 600 interns across the world for Caterpillar.  Iowa State has the most engineering interns of any college.  (University of Illinois and some other Illinois schools have more interns, but not in engineering!  Go Cyclones!)

Church award day

 So proud of this girl.  This is the biggest award the church offers a student.  It is for service to the church and community.  (Also participates in religious education throughout school.)

I love the picture of baby Anna from when she was in preschool at the church at the bottom of her photo.