Kick-off Sunday BBQ

Today at Peace LB church we had rally Sunday and and all wore football jerseys to kick-off the new fall season. The pastor wore one too!! Dan and I were thrown into the mix of BBQ preparation and were so happy that they put us to work right away! The huge blow-up Giant and some church kids.
We had a great turn out for the service and BBQ. This picture was taken by me from behind the grill. Today was the first time I ever grilled burgers. It was great!!
All the food (salads, chips, etc.) were in the trunks of these vans.

BBQ Party!

Our nephew and godson, Kenny was in such a good mood during the afternnoon, so I got to snap a few good pictures!

Kenny was all smiles!
CUTE Kenny and Kristi
Dan, Jason, and Phil standing around the fire pit.
Me, Dan and all of his friends right after finding out that the couple at the end just got engaged!

Construction

This past weekend Dan drove me all the way out east to one of the million dollar houses that he worked on this week. And since I love construstion sites and dreaming about building my own home, Dan took me out to some of the beautiful homes on Long Island. He is currently doing construction with Gordon Stedjan out here and really enjoying it. This particular house is 10,000 sq. feet on the ocean in the backyard. MUST BE ROUGH, HUH!? It's had a 20x20 foot skylight that open from the roof to the main floor. It was unbelievable!! It also had two double-sided fireplaces, a home theater and an elevator. Phenomenal!!

Being a Nanny

For those of you who don't know, I am currently working as a nanny out here in NY. I am taking care of two boys, a 3 year old 4 month old. They are great and I am really learning a lot. Everyday I drive about 45 mins. to an hour in rush hour traffic to and from work. For those of you who have driven out here, you know how these CRAZY New Yorkers drive. It's been quite the adjustment!! But after two weeks of driving in it, I've learned quickly!

A Day at the Beach

After the party on Saturday, the family went to Robert Moses beach and spent the afternoon. This was the first time that we were able to see Kenny (Kristi's baby) at the beach. Grandpa Bob and Kenny sitting on the beach waiting for the waves.
Bob in the freezing cold water!! What a great face!!
Bob and Karen swimming in the huge waves.
I was getting swept by the waves and holding on to Dan for dear life. Me and my sweetheart!

Chinese Dinner

Bob and Karen Lawson came to Long Island last weekend for a Welcome Home party for us/90th Birthday party for Karen's father. We went out to chinese the night before the party. For those of you that read this that are still in Japan, the rice in Japan is MUCH better than here.

"Pops" the Iguana

While we were in Fergus Falls we picked up Dan's iguana, Pops and brought him out to NY with us. Here is Dan holding him on his shoulder. Pops is now about 3 1/2 ft. long.

Evening Service

On Sunday evening, August 19th we were asked to speak at Bethel church to talk about our time in Japan. I wore my yukata and jinbe.. It was really great to share our testimony and reflect on our year in Japan.
Here I am with Susanne Strom and my oldest sister Lisa who surprised Dan and I for the weekend!!
After the evening service Dan and I went out for dinner with our friend, Blaine and his girlfriend, Nikki.

Family Time

Breakfast with some of my siblings at the Viking resturant in Fergus Falls.
My parents prepared a HUGE welcome home steak dinner. It was fantastic!
Here are some of us sitting around after filling up our stomachs.

Our BIG purchase

Here is our first large purchase as a married couple. An 04' Chevy Malibu Maxx. On our way up to Fargo to meet Joel and Emily Davis the transmission on my 1990 Chrysler New Yorker went kaput...so the whole week that we were in Fergus Falls, we car shopped and finally agreed on a car that we both liked and that accomodated to our needs. This car was a steal and has great features like all the seats fold down, so I can eventually carry all my artwork in there. Also, there is a DVD player in the backseat, so people can watch something if they want to. It's also got XM satelite radio, so I can get christian radio on Long Island! We are very happy with the car.My Dad came with us when we purchase the car. We couldn't have done it without him, he is quite car saavy!!
Here we are at my parents with our new purchase.

Bonfire at the Gundersen's

On Thursday night my two very good friends, Julia and Karessa, came over to my parents house to hang out and have a bonfire. We had a wonderful time together and were very glad to have a chance to spend some time together!

My brother, Steven, and Dan started to bonfire pit up for us. The flame was huge! Finally it settled down!
Here we are me, Karessa, Julia and Jane all roasting smores in the fire.
My mom came down to join us too!!

Landing in New York

Well, there is lots to tell about these last few weeks and sooo many pictures, so I will do my best to share with you all that we have done.



We arrived at JFK on August 14th around 7:30 p.m with Dan's sisters' family all waiting to see us! It was soooo much fun to get hugs and see them all again. We were lucky to see Dan Tunick (Kristi's husband) that evening because usually he works nights as a NYPD, his boss just happened to change his schedule for that day!
Ryan, Kristi's oldest son, made us a welcome home poster for us that said Daniel-san and Tante Chris. It was really great!
This is us with Dan's grandparents (Irene and Bill Trautenberg). We will be living with them until December.
We were thrilled to finally meet our nephew and Godson, Kenny Tunick. He is 10 months old now and is such a fun boy!
The family got together for dinner the night after our arrival for a small celebration. It was really nice to have a chance to relax and talk.
Before heading to Fergus Falls, we got together with two of Dan's best friends and their girlfriends for wings and a movie. We had a great time catching up and getting to know the Melanie and Candace.