Ancestors

A perk of having lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins is the opportunity to see family often. There's always an occasion to get together. I may not always be able to go, but I try when I can to stay in touch.

This particular event was a funeral of one of my favorite aunts. It gave my sister and I the perfect setting to visit several gravesites from long ago. I'm documenting the sites here in case my children were ever interested in learning where to find them.

My mom is burried in Union City, OK at St. Joseph's Cemetery, as are her parents Vima and Benno.

My dad is burried in Kingfisher, OK, on the land he farmed as a boy. Our clan is the only one allows on this side of the road until the other side is completely full. Dad's ashes are right between his parents, Teresa and Joseph. His marker is on the back side of their tombstone.

Between the two cities in Okarche at Holy Trinity Cemetary, you'll find my great-grand parents, Henry and Dora. This is the Henry who emmigrated from Weseke, Germany.

My grandmother's (Teresa Shaefer Mueggenborg) parents are also burried there.

So now you know where to find your ancestors if that's something you decide to do!

Junior Recap

Our Little's 11th grade year flew by even faster than her sophomore year! Here are some of the moments that highlight her activities outside of sports (since XC and soccer had their own posts).

Holiday week PJ day:

Spirit week dress up day: Geek vs Greek

Multiple times on stage for strings concerts and awards.

With her friend who also shared that same stage for strings performances and awards.

The awards in her packet, namely top GPA in both AP Biology and Dual Enrollment US History. Pretty impressive at college accredited classes!

As one of the top 8 in her class, she was honored as a Junior Marshal to escort the seniors during graduation.

Leading them out to cheers of applause among the Pomp and Circumstance.

Our top 8 in the junior class!

Currahee - Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, I wanted the family to take me to Currahee. All of them had climbed this mountain in Toccoa, GA except me. It was the tallest peak in the area as we were driving in.

This Army camp was used during WWII as a training base. The soldiers would have to run the 3 miles up the mountain and the 3 miles down within an hour or have to do it again. 

When it was time to deploy, the infantry units parachuted down into Normandy, France. There's a memorial here for all those killed, wounded, or missing in action. 

I decided to test out my new backpack. I filled it to the brim with my hiking gear, water, and our snacks. The full pack weighed about 25 lbs. 

Luke wore a 20 lb weighed vest and broke in his new Army boots. Eric and our youngest wore small packs for their phones, wallets & keys.

The road wasn't too bad, but definitely got my heart rate up in places, especially toward the end. I was surprised by how many vehicles were on the road. Each time one drove by, they kicked up dust that made it hard to breathe.

That last stretch up was the hardest, but there was a reward waiting at the top. This graffiti rock had amazing views!

The yougest made it to the top first in just 25 minutes. Eric was next, followed by Luke. I was the last one to arrive. 

There are a few small trails at the top where you can see different overlooks. 

After the hike, we decided to stop by McAlister's Deli for some tea, sandwiches, and a couple slices of their Colossal Carrot Cake. 😋

Sole 2 Soul

I signed up to be part of a 2nd hiking group. This one is affiliated with veterans and family members of those serving in the military. The group has about 18 total, but our training hikes usually have 8-10.

The group is called Sole to Soul, and we're training for a 4-day hike on the Appalachian Trail. It doesn't take long to see why the group is so aptly named. Being out here is so peaceful!

Most of the hikers are former military who served in Afganistan, Iraq, and other conflicts. Their stories are slowly being shared as we get to know each other. 

I'm one of the anomalies since I've never served myself. But having a son in the Army Reserves and a husband in the SC State Guard, I'm welcomed with full support. My other hiking group, the nonprofit CEOs, had a link to this one and introduced me.

My hiking speed is a bit on the faster side, so this group is good for me to slow my pace and enjoy being in the moment.

As we build up our stamina with more miles and higher elevation gain, we're also gradually increasing the weight of our packs. The leads also provide training during our breaks with first aid, camping skills, and cooking demonstrations.

We hike on the training days as scheduled, regardless of the weather, terrain, or who can make it. 

Our lunch spots have the best views!

We don't rest too long or our muscles will tighten. It's time to get back on the trail.

Several more hikes to go before September's AT. Not a bad way to stay in shape!

Junior Prom

Our youngest had her first prom this year. It was on a Friday, so she cleaverly scheduled her online final that morning so she could be excused for the school day to prepare.

She insisted on wearing comfortable tennis shoes under her dress for dancing, but grabbed her dress shoes for the pictures. 

They enjoyed a nice dinner at Soby's in downtown Greenville, then met the parents in Falls Park to take pictures.

Her date was a friend from church, and his mom had an amazing camera!

Most girls now are choosing a flower bouquet, but she still wanted a corsage so it would cover her watch tan.

They had fun taking pictures with all the different scenery downtown.

The two met up with another friend couple, and among the four of them, there were lots of laughs! I think they enjoyed the pre-prom better than the actual prom itself.

One last picture by the water before they head off to the dance.

The official prom photo on Instagram.

Soccer Season

This was Little's first full season on varsity. The team was maxed out with numerous seniors and juniors. 

Eric and I had a new experience this season, too...emcee! During all home games, we made announcements, ran the scoreboard, and played music. We were responsible for their warm up hype music, the National Anthem, halftime songs, and even weather delay songs (ie. The Thunder Rolls). The job came with the best seat in the house!!

The technical equipment was a bit overwhelming at first. One of the speakers blew, we couldn't get the microphone to work, and we learned that the pairing of our phone with the sound system also meant that text message notifications were shared with spectators. Oops!

Her team dominated our region! They usually did a shut out where the other team didn't score a goal. 

As expected, they won region! 😊

All were smiles after a game well played.

They made the playoffs. Here's a nice action shot taken by the local photagrapher.

They continued their streak to win Upper State!

Before they headed out to the State finals, the coaches cooked them a nice meal.

The team received a "clap out" in the hallways by fellow students as they headed to the bus.

Then onto Columbia, SC, at Memorial Staduim in a charted bus!

The weather delays pushed their game back a bit, but the delay didn't take away their engery as they walked out onto the field! It was neat hearing each player's name announced over the loud speaker.

A team prayer before they take the field.

Then at 9pm, the championship game began.

Although we lost 0-2, the girls played well. Here's our Little with the team trophy and her silver medal.

Very proud of our Lady Patriots!