San Francisco. . . . .

Jessica flew to San Francisco early last Wednesday morning for a conference. It was a very fast and exhausting trip. Before she left, she was anxious about going, but in the end, she thought it was so cool. And so glad she got to go! 

Alcatraz

Alcatraz at night......

Jessica & Pat (Executive Vice President)

(Pat's office is right next to Jessica's)

This is a video that Jessica took of the San Francisco Airport. Oh dear . . . . .

Topeka. . . . .

Of course. . . . . I went to Topeka this weekend to see the girls. The last couple years Jessica has told me about "Cider Days". And this year I decided to check it out. A BIG ole craft fair! I think we walked till we dropped. :-)

It was nice bonding. Our girls are growing up. Time seems to just pass us by! Last week Jessica was in San Francisco. (Post to come!) This week Michele is in New Jersey. How exciting!! Roger and I. . . . we will be in. . . . . Voda Kansas. haha hehe 

Random picture of the girls house. We had told Grandma Ummel that we would put a picture on here so she could see their house. Go figure that the last couple times I was in Topeka, we would forget to snap a picture. They have lived here since May and this is the very first one taken. 

 

Yep. . . . they are growing up!

Ness County News

Descendants of the late Henry and Katherine Ummel gathered for a family reunion on Sept. 1 and 2, 2012. Glada Ummel and family were the hosts and organized activities that included a fabulous dinner prepared by Herb Schwartkzopf at the Ransom VFW. Plaques made by Corina Ummel on weathered wood from the home farm buildings were presented to each family. Family members spent Saturday exploring the Arnold countryside and returning to the old homesteads of relatives and family members, the Arnold cemetery, high school and Methodist church. Ralph, who died in 2008, and Glada's family was represented by all their descendants that included 17 members: Audrey Ummel, Hays; Roger and Corina Ummel, Voda; Jessica Ummel, Michele Ummel, Topeka; Gabe Pierce, Topeka; Vicki and Dennis Dick, Cara and Kimberly, Wichita; Conor Travis, Wichita; Alan and Miranda Dick, Kayla and Caroline. Topeka; Kathryn and Tanner Nickelson, Teagan and Thane, Olathe; Other activities included a visit to the Ness County Historical Museum, the Oil and Ag Museum and the Veterans Memorial park in Ness City. Saturday night Roger and Corina hosted the group at their home which most of the younger generation (plus the oldest of the siblings) immensely enjoyed. Sunday morning the group gathered at the Arnold farm for a noon meal and outside activities primarily for the grandkids. A special treat for the noon meal was homemade ice cream made in Grandpa Ummel's handcranked ice cream freezer. Dennis Dick had completely dismantled, repaired the crank and bucket and had it in perfect condition for making ice cream. This brought back memories of past occasions of ice cream made in the old family freezer. Others attending: Evelyn Clark, Linda and Larry Dreyer, Darla and Brad Dauffenbach, Kevin Clark, Wichita; Mildred Fink, Don Fink, Bob and Donna Fink, Eunice Ummel, Salina; Don and Doris Ummel, Des Moines, Iowa; Dennis Ummel, Robyn Cleveland, Urbandale, Iowa; Dawn and John Goodlove, Marion, Iowa; Ken and Beth Ummel, Wichita; Marvin and Bonnie Ummel, The Villages, Florida; Craig and Jill Ummel, Chad, Omaha, Nebraska. A special recognition was given to Don and Doris Ummel who will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov.22, 2012.

The 2013 reunion will be in Wichita with Evelyn Clark and family as hosts.

Never forget. . . . September 11, 2001

Ummel West 2012

This year the annual Ummel Reunion was out here. . . . . West. The planning took some time, but I think everyone had a great time. Saturday evening we had a big meal at the Ransom VFW. Herb did a great job cooking the food!! Very delicious!! I didn't hear one complaint. Great meal. Door prizes. Lots of talking. And LOTS of fun! Can't wait till next year!!!!!!

my funny. . . . . this is the original homestead outhouse door!! :-)

 Don ~ Beth ~ Marvin ~ Glada

Doris ~ Ken ~ Bonnie

Evelyn ~ Millie ~ Eunice

The Ralph & Glada Ummel family.

The Roger & Corina Ummel family

Fun times. . . . . Old

and young

Michele & Uncle Ken ~ Laser tag anyone??  :-) hehe

Our MOST wanted door prize winner ~ Linda

Evelyn

Jill & Craig

The Cousins with their children. . . . .  :-)

Vicki, Jessica & Gabe

 

Michele, Grandma & Alan

Glada

The Marvin & Bonnie Ummel family

Tanner & Thane

Don & Doris

                   

The "Cousins" having WAY too much fun!!

 

Our "Birthday Girl"

Linda & Darla

Linda, Donnie & Millie

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After our wonderful meal, Roger and I were going to have a bonfire and make s'mores. Well, we ended up doing neither. 1~ We are in a burn ban because of the dry weather. 2~ Everyone was too full for the s'mores. But we did have a great time visiting. The evening was planned for everyone. Something for the "young uns". But we got joined by the oldest child. . . . Aunt Evelyn. Now, how much fun is that??!!?!?!?!!

Ever hear of such a thing?? Glow sand! The "littles" had soo much fun!!
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Sunday. .. . another day of fun, food & visiting at the farm.

Happy Birthday Teagan!!

See you next year in Wichita!!!!

Ouchie. . . . . .

Jessica and Michele both nannies as a part-time job. This weekend they nannied for the National Guard in Lawrence. Jessica, Michele and two other girls arrived Friday evening and left Jessica's car with the valet to park. When they were done, they went to pick it up. And were told. . . . . . Whoops! We scratched your car.  Lets just say they down played it just a "little" bit. 

To make a long story short. . . . . .

The car ended up having to be towed to Topeka. Jessica is now waiting for the hotels general manager to call her. And also for their insurance adjuster to come and look at her car. They have also rented her a car to drive until her car is fixed.

SERIOUSLY??!?!?!?!?!

strength. . . . . behind the story. . . .

As you know. . . . I have RA. Booooo!!!!  Some days are good.  Some days are bad.  This is my life.  My motto is to just live one day at a time and take it as it comes.  It can always be better, but it could be worse.  So, I try not to complain too much.  :-)  

For some time I have wanted a tattoo.  But have been afraid.  Afraid of the unknown.  Afraid of the pain.  I've pondered and pondered.  Thought about it.  And thought about it.  Annnnddddd thought about it.  Then one day I said. . . . "What is a little pain?"  After all, this is my life.  So, last week, I went and. . . . . . . . . you got it. . . . . . . . . 

GOT A TATTOO!!!!!!!!!!

It is the word strength.  With the e being a blue awareness ribbon for RA.  And what makes it so cool, is that it is in my own hand writting.  So when I'm feeling bad.  And feel like being a whiner. . . . . I will see the inside of my wrist.  

strength

Yes, I CAN do this!

Family bonding. . . . . . .

 Jessica and I were on vacation last week. Yeah!! Michele hasn't been at her job long, so she had to work. Boo!! Monday we were both sick and spent the day being lazy. Tuesday we spent the day at the beauty shop. Hair & nails. Wednesday we went to Kansas City for the day. Thursday we spent in Topeka. And Friday...... lunch with Mishi. Then the Kaler's and the Mitchell's came to Topeka for the weekend. Family fun and bonding. 

We did a lot of this.......

The "kids" did a little of this........

Went to the Topeka Zoo......

Of course we shopped!!  :-)

Chili's........

And got tired.....

Just had a nice ole' weekend.

Gotta love your family. 

Really??

It is the beginning of August. This summer we have had SOOOOO many days with the temperature OVER 100 degrees. And today. . . . . . today it is 75 degrees. Windows open. Enjoying the light breeze. What a beautiful day!!  (oh. . . and ya. . . Jessica is home!! It is the first day of our vacation. Go Jessica! Go Mom!)

? ? ? ?

You ask??  Where have I been??  I'm not sure.  :-)  I have to say that Roger and I must be B. O. R. I. N. G!  Go to work.  Come home.  And stay cool!!

Mishi is keeping busy with her new job.  She was home for a visit this last weekend.  Going to New Jersey soon.  And is she excited!!

Jessica is also keeping busy with work.  Going to San Francisco soon.  She will be home this weekend for a few days, then her and I will be going back to Topeka.  Having a mini Kaler vacation.  Can't wait to spend the time with family.  Can't wait to spend some time with my girls!!