19th Adoption Day Anniversary

On November 17, 2003, we adopted Olivia at the age of ten months old. She was born in Dianjing, China. It is hard to believe it has been 19 years already. 

I had the opportunity to do a quick photo session with her at Bethel University where she is majoring in Art and minoring in Photojournalism. The chair was in the photo studio, so we used that. 

The first photo is the one Olivia liked the best. The second and third photos are ones that make me smile because they capture Olivia's personality and mannerisms. The laugh with her eyes closed, and the hand covering her mouth when she laughs are very typical of her. I'm glad I was able to get these two shots because they are meaningful to me. 

Spreading Milkweed Seeds

It is hard to believe that it has already been 15 years since I took this image of Sophia in the back part of our farm. We were spreading milkweed seeds with the hope that we would see more milkweed plants - and more monarchs - in future years.

By doing this each year that we have lived at our farm, we have many more milkweed plants now than we did in 1995 when we moved here. We are seeing a positive impact of our actions.

Seniors Enjoying a Boat Ride

Last month I coordinated a pontoon boat ride through Let's Go Fishing for members of the Scandia-Marine Lions Club. One of the things I enjoy doing is taking photos of the Lions so that they have current photos of themselves. I do this not only for the club's membership directory, but at their meetings and events. When I post the images on the club's Facebook page, their friends, family, and neighbors see them and comment. They like seeing their friends and loved ones having fun and living life to the fullest.

Tang Soo Do

Olivia did her test and was promoted to the next belt level in Tang Soo Do. She broke the board which always amazes me.

Seniors on a Pontoon Boat Ride

As a member of the Scandia-Marine Lions, I see how hard many of the seniors work to provide services and events to the community. As a "thank you" to them, I arranged with Let's Go Fishing for a pontoon boat ride on the St. Croix River. Here are two of the ten Lions who went on the ride. 

Celebrating 40 Years

The Scandia-Marine Lions Club celebrated its 40th anniversary tonight. There was a lot of laughter, hugs, and good conversations throughout the evening.

Graduation

Olivia graduated from high school today. It is hard to believe that our homeschooling journey has come to a close. What a joy and privilege it has been to be her teacher and mentor!

Prom

 Olivia's final homeschool prom was tonight at the Dellwood Country Club. We both liked the natural area behind the clubhouse which had a variety of rocks and flowers.  

Music Performance

Ashley, one of Sophia's roommates, did her junior flute performance tonight. She had the support of her friends and roommates, including Krista.  

Photos of Lions

One of the responsibilities I have with the Scandia-Marine Lions Club is to take photos of the Lions as they join the club. I have enjoyed doing this and having a directory that shows the smiling faces of those who enjoy serving the community.

St. Lucia Day

Olivia had the honor of representing St. Lucia at Christ Lutheran Church today. This annual tradition is something that the congregation looks forward to not only because it celebrates the holiday, but also because it celebrates a graduating senior.

Sophia in the Handbell Choir

Sophia performed as part of the handbell choir today at Bethel University. The choir did a pre-performance in the lobby as well as many pieces during the Festival of Christmas in Great Benson Hall. 

Senior Photos - 3 More

Olivia loves nature - so spending time taking senior photos in the park and along the Mississippi River were perfect locations for her. 

Senior Photo

Olivia is standing next to a window and there's light shining in. Both of us like this photo and feel like it captures her reflective personality. 

Celebrating Chinese Culture

For Olivia's senior photos, she wore a traditional Chinese dress that we purchased when she was adopted in 2003. She picked out the headpiece to complement her dress. 

Proud Artist

This is one of Olivia's favorite barn quilts that she has designed and painted so far.

Jumping into Lake Superior

 These teens were cooling off in Lake Superior.

Reflective Farmer

We visited this woman's farm. She is standing in a barn with her two Fjord horses and looking out at the pasture.

Clearwater Portage

A family was canoeing and had walked their canoes from one lake to this lake. The father is putting the first of two canoes into Clearwater Lake.

A Girl and Her Goose

 At the 4th of July parade in Marine on St. Croix, there was a girl with her goose.