A little taste of Sweden

Here are pictures from our visit to "little Sweden" aka Lindsborg, KS. 

 

Dean covered the local hospital and ER from Sat AM to Sun AM, but thankfully the patient load was light so we were able to discover Lindsborg as a family.  We'd visited before but not since early May 2010 aka "pre-Gracie," so this time we experienced Lindsborg as a touring toddler...

Checking out the view from our room at the Swedish Country Inn

then off to explore...

After walking around for a while we found a nice park so stopped to play.

Climbing up "on my own"

Tunnel!

Trying out the merry-go-round

Sliding with Daddy

Then back to the inn for lunch and a nap -- a must for every toddler whether or not they agree -- then back outside for park number 2.

On our "adult" tours of Lindsborg we never noticed this really cool park, but for toddler touring it is a must see -- and of course a must play, too!

Climbed the tower with Daddy

Swinging with Mommy

and, of course, on my own too!

Can you find the lady bug?

Baby bumble bee

This was a cool set of chimes where kids can play various tunes (by number) or create a song of their own, which is what Gracie and Daddy decided to do.

(will try to add a video here soon)

Talking to the Dala horse, a traditional Swedish symbol, before...

going for a ride!

And what Nordic adventure would be complete without a boat ride?

Our little viking!

We had a wonderful weekend time exploring and discovered we really like this little town.  Hopefully, we can visit again soon.

Since returning home Sunday morning, we've had quite a beginning to our week...

+ Earthquake x 2: one Saturday night (which we didn't feel in Lindsborg) but repeated last night, both without significant damage noted but bizarre and unexpected

+ Power outages at Grace Med (where Dianna works) AND at Gracie's daycare, an entire sector of the city went out due to a storm yesterday, and it took most of the afternoon & early evening to repair

In all of this we continue to see God's love and grace abound -- beyond what we think to ask or even imagine.  How Great is our God!

With thankfulness,

DD&G

Halloween 2011

Well, we are a bit overdue on this post, but we didn't want anyone to miss out on these cute pictures of Gracie dressed up as a ...

                                                      

 pink poodle puppy!

October 31st was a day full of fun for little miss Gracie.  

The morning started with a costume parade at the CDC (Child Development Center), aka "daycare."

                                   

Gracie's classmates rode in the stroller wagon with Ms. Heather 

while Gracie and Ms. Lynn walked behind.

Various Via Christi Hospital employees came out to watch

 and to give treats to the kids.

Gracie quickly caught on to this idea!

Gracie and her bud Cooper "sharing" a hug from Ms. Lynn.

Gracie really enjoyed her costume and parading around the block with her friends.  

So, we decided to go for round two after dinner.

This time Gracie rode in the wagon with Eli & Hailey!

We drove to a nearby neighborhood that is well known for its decorations.  Let's just say it was no secret -- there were literally hundreds of trick-or-treaters filling the sidewalks and streets of College Hill.

Gracie enjoyed this yard full of pumpkins!

There were other neat decorations -- one yard had a cute Wizard of Oz theme but we didn't successfully capture it in a picture.  Some houses were a bit too scary for us, so we strolled on by.  

All in all it was a fun "All Hallowed Eve."

And we'll "leave" you with another fall favorite...

Singing & Dancing with Daddy!

Joyful in His Abundance,

DD&G

Oktoberfest

Yesterday afternoon we celebrated with friends at the Elder's annual Oktoberfest!  The Elders are a wonderful family we've enjoyed getting to know these past 3 years.  They have a farm north of Wichita where we've gone to "get away" for various fun activities:  playing polo, watching the tractors and combine, as well as bringing in the new year.

Here's Gracie getting ready to go.

When we arrived, Gracie was quick to take in the scene.

She found lots of things to explore:

A pair of oversized ice cream churns powered by a miniature diesel John Deer tractor,

We all thought they were cool...and the homemade ice cream was delicious!

Sack races (we were spectators only)

Unfortunately, we are having problems uploading the rest of our pictures.  Gracie really enjoyed the hayride -- she sat contentedly on Dean's lap and watched the older children around her duck under passing tree limbs and bounce around on hay bales.  After the ride she checked out the ducks on the pond and the chickens in their coops.  Then she enjoyed a yummy homemade pretzel while we waited for the traditional German meal:  homemade sausage (brats), barbecued pork, sauerkraut, potato salad, and bread.

We took advantage of the fall setting to take a few family photos.  These are our favorites:

Auf wiedersehen,

DD&G

Daddy's Home!

Yes, Daddy is finally home to both Gracie and Mommy's delight!

Dean spent last week working in Phillipsburg, KS, a small town about 4 hours northwest of Wichita.  This was the 3rd of his 4 weeks away from home working in small towns.  He works these shifts in coordination with Docs Who Care, an organization who helps small towns keep their hospitals and clinics staffed.  In return for Dean's (along with Marc's and the other fellows') hard work, Docs helps fund the International Fellowship.

We are very glad to have the majority of these weeks behind us.  Our last "week" will be in Ashland, KS, over the Thanksgiving long-weekend.

While Dean was away, Gracie sent him a "lego" message:

She also enjoyed doing "girl stuff" with Mommy...like having a tea party, playing with her purse and wearing a hot pink bracelet while sporting her ponytail unicorn style.

                                                        

Who would have ever thought so much pink and purple would be in this Kubacz house?  

Oh, but we are loving it!  She is such a joy!  And so considerate -- well at least in salutations.  Not even the see-saw or "boppy" (a.k.a. potty or toilet) are left out -- they, too, receive a wave and "bye bye"!

Bye (wave), bye (wave),

DD&G

Celebrations

Today has been a day FULL of fun!

The morning started by celebrating with Cliff & Dee Ann on their recent marriage.  We are blessed to know them and happy to see them starting life together as husband and wife.  Gracie enjoyed the yummy brunch buffet while Dianna enjoyed visting with friends, many who no longer live in Wichita but traveled back to share in this special day.

After a much needed nap, Gracie played on the playground outside of our apartment building.

For those of you who knew Dianna as a child, you might recall a similar shot from 30 years ago of another blonde girl happily holding a soccer ball.  Quite the resemblance!

Only a few inches more...

Gracie loves drinking out of water fountains any chance she gets.

We left the playground for a quick visit with some friends who were in town for the wedding...always great to catch up with those we miss.  But we hurried home for the second party of the day.

Yep, Hailey Carrigan is officially 1 year old!

Look how she has grown!

Stephanie did a great job decorating -- a lovely pastel jungle theme -- fitting for our upcoming trip.

Gracie and Eli had fun playing with the party decor.  

And helping unwrap (and try-out) all of Hailey's gifts.

These two really have fun together.  

And now that Hailey is walking she'll be right there with them, too!

A 1st birthday wouldn't be complete without...

CAKE!

Hailey wasn't so sure about it but ...

Eli & Gracie sure were!

Yum, yum!

We are very blessed to share life with the Carrigans and are thankful for their friendship.  We look forward to many more celebrations with them over the next months, and years!

Joyfully,

DD&G