Surrounded by Snow

hello all - sorry for the long silence. i hope to post some back logs, but even if that doesn't happen there will be more future posts as i'm home with lots of photo ops and easy internet access!

i returned to iowa this last thursday and have been having a fabulous time with my parents and grandparents. it's already snowed a couple of times and here are some pics of my mom's yard blanketed in snow. it's such a beautiful sight and it reminds me of the incredible power of our God. That he created this world and all it's diverse landscapes and climates. he could have made it all desert or all swamps - but he didn't and for that i am forever thankful!

keep checking in,
Linds

The Nichols Besel Wedding

I can't believe this is the only pic i have of kristen and jeff together! hopefully it will be replaced soon - but in the meantime enjoy the goofy shot :)

Jim and Kristin's Wedding

What a beautiful bride and a beautiful wedding!

Ledges State Park

Kippin and I took an afternoon and went hiking at a state park near des moines. we had so much fun enjoying the sounds of the rippling stream, rustling leaves and chirping birds. And as always - awesome conversation! It's just so great when you get to do something you love with someone who also loves it! Thanks Kip for all the great memories from your visit :)

Family Photos

Here are some fun family pictures taken during my visit home in May.



More pics of my adorable little neice! We had lots of fun taking nearly a hundred shots in an attempt to get the perfect one. Her eyebrows are just furrowed because we were outside - she's having a blast. really!




Here is the Kilker family: Scott and my sister Jess with their daughter Karsen and lively beagle Payton.





Here's my dad with Karsen followed by my gram and gramps with Karsen - we were having so much fun taking these pics - karsen's snarl on this first picture sent me over the edge - she just makes the craziest faces!









Here are all the ladies in the family - that's four generations! Cool :)

Schools out for the summer!

To celebrate the completion of our 5th semester of nursing school we headed directly accross the street to Casa 'Ole and treated ourselves to some fruity margaritas! There really are some perks to being a college student again :)

Goodbye Kristin - We'll Miss You

Hey all you ex-shippy people and UNI alumni! After nearly 6 years as a full-time volunteer with Friend Ships, Kristin has headed back to Iowa. It was so sad to see her go, but I don't think she was nearly as sad since she was leaving alongside her fiance Jim! They will be getting married this May and plan to spend the next year in the Des Moines(ish) area. Here are some pictures taken the night of her bridal shower in the Upper Room on the Spirit Ship. We had a great night of laughter, food and fun. We ended the evening in prayer for Kristin and Jim - God is so good. It was awesome getting to share this time with you Kristin - you are already very much missed!

'24' Fan Club

Hey y'all! I'm sorry it's been so long since i've updated!! i can't believe it's been over a month - time flies when you're busy. Not too much new here though, and that's part of why i haven't posted. since returning to louisiana i haven't had any karsen fixes. somehow pictures of me at my desk job and studying mental health nursing just don't seem exciting enough. so, here's a picture of me and some friends enjoying our monday night ritual of snacks and an hour of jack bauer (i'm referring to the tv show '24' for you non-addicts). we're country-fied per request of the fella on the right who actually wears his hat on a regular basis.

My visit with Karsen (and Jess, Scott and Payton)

Picture 2:

While visiting I crocheted a little cap for Karsen - I think she really likes it.

Picture 1:

No, we weren't playing hide-and-seek. This is how my neice likes to sleep. . . with her arms raised and her face covered. Tooooo cute. Of course, a little disconcerting to a novice aunt who is paranoid she can't breathe.

Picture 4:

Payton and Karsen. Future best buds. Karsen is growing to appreciate Payton's kisses. For now: top of head = okay. face = not okay(i.e. screams like a banshee)

Picture 3:

Snuggled up and loved.

Winter Storm Adventure

Hello from the midwest!
We've been having some great winter weather here in Iowa this weekend. As you know, I spent the week with my sister. On Saturday morning my mom and I decided to head back to the QC a day early to miss the ice/snow storm that was predicted. Unfortunately, we didn't leave early enough! We got about 60 miles down the road and had to pull off the interstate because there was too much ice and high winds.

We pulled into the booming metropolis of Belle Plains (or perhaps you might be more familiar with her neighboring 'town' of What Cheer) which consists of one hotel, one restaurant and two gas stations. We stocked up on snacks at the gas station, moved all of our belongings into a hotel room and prepared ourselves for a long uneventfull day/evening. Within the hour the hotel lost power - but the manager assured us they had a large generator that would keep the whole place powered. however, because the storm was expected to last a couple of days they wanted to conserve fuel and so did not turn it on until it got dark. It managed to run sporadically for 5-6 hrs and then was shut off/broke down(?) again. This did not spoil our fun though, nor those who stocked up on snacks AND cases of bud lite!

We were blessed with safety (we saw over 30 accidents along the 150-mile stretch), warmth (over 100,000 Iowans lost power) and food (the restaurant and gas stations closed when they lost power). We were blessed and I thank God for that. And the Lord knows of my love for adventure - He blessed us with safety and an adventure in one!

Here are some pictures of the ice - the day after the storm. Thankfully, the storm passed MUCH quicker than expected and we were able to continue our trip home the next morning. Enjoy! I hope that you and your families fared well through this storm as well.

I'm an aunt!

Here are pictures of the newest member to my family. Karsen was born Feb. 3rd to my sister Jessica and her hubby Scott. Isn't she adorable?! I'm very excited to spend this coming week with them in Iowa and will be sure to have more pictures soon.

Maybe it's just because I'm an absent aunt, but I have a particular affinity for the pictures where she is mad - check out her perfect little grumpy face! My sister assures me that she's a happy 'lil gal most of the time though.