Leaves are Falling

Just some quick shots capturing the kids having fun outside with the leaves. It is rumored that we could get our first Michigan snow next week. That would so not be cool!

Samuel must have real talent being able to hit the ball with his eyes closed. By the way, Uncle Ben(s), Samuel prefers to throw and bat left-handed.

All the while Emma was playing baseball she kept saying she was a "Tiger". Too bad it wasn't much of a season for Detroit (but then when has it been?)

The more protection for our accident prone child is never a bad thing.

Rev. Jonathan Kleis

Ordination Council - Thursday, October 16, 2008
Grace Baptist Church - Cedarville, Ohio

Pastor Craig Miller served as the moderator

The council, new Reverend and proud wife

Yes, Jonathan unanimously passed his ordination council on Thursday! To God be the glory! Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts for him especially over this past week. He really sensed God's peace and presence upon entering the examination. 16 men (pastors, missionaries, professors...all ordained themselves) comprised the council. We are so thankful to them for the time they took out of their day to serve as an encouragement and challenge to Jonathan. The three hours went by rather quickly and was most interesting to observe. Jonathan's parents and brother were also there and it was so special for us to have them there for support in this huge step.

Our pastor, Craig Miller, wrote these words about Jonathan on his blog: "He was unanimously affirmed and recommended by the council to the Deacons and church for ordination. All the council members spoke highly of both his presentation and his demeanor. He showed great skill in answering questions from the Scriptures, and we rejoice in this step in his continued service to the Lord and the church."

Jonathan received high compliments (and not just from his biased wife!) Truly we give it all back to God for the gifts He has given Jonathan and pray that our lives will continue to reflect that of the transforming work of Christ in our lives.

Ordination Service
Sunday, November 9 @ 6pm
Grace Baptist Church - Cedarville, Ohio

Post Family Farm

Yesterday we went to the Post Family Farm just down the road to partake in a real fall tradition, Michigan style. Growing up in California the seasons were not celebrated as dramatically as they are in the Midwest. I do love the fall with all the color changes and going to the pumpkin patch just can't be beat. It is one thing we miss about our falls in Italy, so we are taking full advantage of the festivities and American traditions since our future time in the States will primarily consist of summer visits.

This farm was ideal for the kids complete with: animal farm, pumpkin train ride, hayride to a u-pick pumpkin patch, playground, kids crafts, face painting, games, pony rides (maybe next time we'll pay extra for the pony rides) and much more! All the kids had a blast! We came home with pumpkins and a dozen fresh, HOT homemade apple cider donuts that were out of this world!

Luca found it very funny that the goats would eat anything he gave them and kept trying to get the donkey to be enticed by the same things.

The goat up top was waiting for it's food to be dropped from the can as Samuel operated the pulley system.

These 3 will never smile and look at the camera at the same time so we'll take what we can get!

Admission was $6 for this endless amount of farm fun...I guess that's how a farm makes a profit these days...I think the Fisher Family Farm should give it a try! What do you think Papa?

The pumpkin train

Playing in the hay stack was great fun. Poor Samuel needed to come home and take a dose of Benadryl as a result.

More pumpkin train

Hayride to the pumpkin patch

Luca was a little upset that the tractor and wagon left him out in the field.

Samuel said his favorite thing was the zip-line. The first time was not so successful but he soon got the hang of it!

And that's about it for one fall day here in Michigan.