out of the bubble (11/2018)

We signed up for an eye-opening volunteer experience by serving Sunday dinner at the Sienna Francis House. It was somewhat frightening but also fabulous for the kids to see a fist fight erupt between two grown men both hoping to avoid the dreaded goulash given to the last shift to eat. The kids were kept safe behind the counter and were able to see what it really looks like to be hungry. 

let's go bananas (5/2020)

Jack turned 12 amidst the Coronavirus social quarantine but we wanted him to feel celebrated. We tried a party parade with his friends. I wrapped a megaphone that he'd need during the drive bys and asked a few of his friends to simply deliver a decorated yard sign for him & make some noise when driving by. His friends showed up in a very big way. One attacked with silly string, one yelled with a matching megaphone, and another friend showed up in a BIG way by going bananas!

And we finished off the day with donuts! In fact, piles and piles of free donuts from Krispy Kreme for being a healthcare worker. 

canoes vs tubes (6/2021)

Without coordinating together, the YM and YW planned overlapping campouts to the same place. The boys camped and canoed the Niobrara...

and the girls glamped and tubed the Niobrara.

take me out to the ballgame (6/2019)

I love a good baseball game and one of Omaha's rare recreational perks is CWS. Dave's job provides some sweet tickets every year and it is truly a gem! (In fact, when swimming's Olympic trials fall at the same time, it is arguable THE place to be!)

40 with flowers (3/2019)

Turning 40 was a flurry of flowers. David had a fabulous bouquet delivered to work ...and my parents also sent some a bundle - which happened to perfectly match my blouse!

Bucket list item #41 (6/2019)

This summer, Worlds of Fun landed on our bucket list. However, after arriving on the hottest weekend of the summer, we stopped first to buy hats to cool us. We spent a few hours dripping with sweat in the 100 plus degree humidity before rerouting to Oceans of Fun. We hit Le Taxitour - Kindin's favorite, Bamboozler - mom's favorite, a few rollercoasters which Dolly was just short of being able to ride, and lots of drink stops! Obviously, getting in the water was a bit more enjoyable and the peculiar head-bobbing techniques of the lifeguards made the trip memorable. 

We added a day to spend time with Dave's cousin Travis who knew the Stover Street fam from the beginning. We grabbed some KC BBQ grub and spent time swimming with them.

a tale of two turtles (1/2019)(5/2020)

Jack and Dalia have a special affinity for turtles. Jack saved for a turtle tank, purchased his own snapping turtle pet, and affectionately named "Brother" (despite being female). Unfortunately, his turtle pet didn't thrive and 30 days later, Jack's "brother" had died. It was an indecisive year and a half to determine whether he wanted to try it again or if he wanted to sell the tank. 

Just before he put the tank up for sale, Dalia happened across a baby turtle as we walked Zorinsky. Fearing for its life out in the open, she elected to adopt it. (Some might call it stealing but...) She was infatuated - even having some difficulty leaving the home for fear that the turtle was alone in his box in the garage. However, we had serious uncertainty about turtle health at our house so dad devised a promise that we could house the turtle if "Shelby" lived a week. Shelby loves her new home.

trying out the derby (5/2021)

The Kentucky Derby is far from familiar for two non-drinking, non-gambling folk but when my coworker invited us to her yearly gathering, we couldn't resist playing along.

taco 'bout retirement (1/2021)

taco 'bout retirement... both grandparents recently retired. We threw a fiesta for the Eichmanns with burro tail pinning and hot pepper eating

and Omi & grandpa returned from their Albania mission with gifts

We.Were.Robbed 2021 (7/2021)

This year's lake trip fell on Lotowana Days! New to the event, us girls poured over the list of activities and landed on a strong urge to participate in the dock decorating contest. The theme entitled, "Through the Decades" was inviting but vague. After weeding through the inevitable 70s and 80s pitches, we considered the 90s but settled on a unique 40s war-time, Americana theme. Having decorated the cultural hall a time or two, we nailed the scale required for a dock and even added coordinating Rosie costumes. After a quick boat ride to preview the work of others, we were certain we'd earned first place for Mac and Rose. 

Second place???...We.Were.Robbed!  

he's our bishop (1/2022)

As the trauma of the first 2 years wears off, I can better appreciate the kind of bishop Dave is. 

He is a very efficient and responsive bishop. He will drop anything to ensure that no one feels ignored. I often found him like this getting ready for a meeting.

He is the perfect guy to trial the dual call as both bishop and YM president. Although it can be overwhelming to juggle, he much prefers ministering to youth as opposed to the adults with weightier matters. (And he especially loves his own youth!)

He shows by example that his family comes first. Even when and especially when things were tough! There was a meeting or two that he canceled in order to help me through overwhelming panic. Without skipping a beat, he continued being a fun and nurturing dad - even on Sundays! (all pics taken on a Sunday for proof!) 

He was willing to forego some formalities just for the sake of tradition. (suitcoats, facial hair) And he allowed me to sit in on some special moments as the "obispa". He was willing to consider a less patriarchal approach - and I'll never forget him reassuring me that he'd rather have me overstep in my role than shrink as a result of it. Our entire family was able to partake in special moments because of this.

He navigated the never-ending ambiguity of COVID with decisiveness - willing to take caution and care but also omit nonsense rules and appearances. (Seen here with a mask during the first year of COVID but unmasked for the second year.) 

What I always knew was that he'd continue to have a talent for fun that is readily apparent. He proves that accountants can be pretty carefree dudes.

sun & surf in SD (8/2021)

Dave and I escaped for a quick birthday weekend to celebrate his 40th. The main attraction was surf lessons but we also swam with seals, biked Coronado, took a dolphin watching tour, and toured the USS Midway. It was a truly wonderful time together and I cherish these pictures which evoke only a tiny portion of the love I truly feel for my sun & surf companion.