Grandma Harriet , Andrew and Kati

26 September 2008


Battle's BarbaQue

The food was delicious and the ambiance of this little eatery was quite charming. A good time was had by all, and we got red velvet cupcakes! :)



Grandma Harriet and Kati at Battle's BarbaQue.
Kati played the violin at the wedding. It was just beautiful! She has been playing since the age of three. She is a very talented young lady!

The kids and Uncle Jerry

Hannah is ready for the high tech world!
What a sweetie pie!!
With Jill's help, so is Uncle Jer! :)

The Koppys

Aunt Cloann and Uncle Bill
Brian and Micah
Jill, Hailey and Hannah
Matt, Julie and Ella
Uncle Jerry

Cindy, LeAnn and them....

Scott and Kinsey make such a sweet couple!!
Maybe they will be next! :)

The Aunts

Sue's sisters and Les speak...

The Tapkens

Words for Andrew and Emily

Here is to you....

Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, Iowa
27 September 2008
The Wedding Reception of
Andrew and Emily Koppenhaver
Salutations and well wishes
from the grooms side of the family.
The Tunwalls

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Emily Koppenhaver

Here in this little church, in front of God, family and friends, a new family was formed. We are blessed to have two such wonderful people gracing our family.
Love you both, always.....Ma and Pa Tapken

Baby Boy is Getting Married!

Baby boy is getting married.
Here are Gram and AD in 1991.

A giggle kiss for Gram...
At six years old...always the orator.

Always into wheels...

Dad and I couldn't be more proud of you and your beautiful wife!
Live Long and Prosper
Ma and Pa

Kathryn Ann is Here!

My sister , Kathi and her friend, Elizabeth are here in Iowa for the wedding of my son. The weather has been absolutely wonderful for their visit. Hailing from the southern part of Texas, they are used to hot weather and even hotter food. You know, the stuff that makes your nose run and your eyes water. Even now, to them, Iowa is an emerald green oasis. In the spring Mom and I drove down to Texas for a visit. We drove out of late winter into spring and on the return trip realized we had not missed spring in Iowa. We still got in on morrell season and the blooming of the apple trees....:) We are all getting excited about traveling to Des Moines for the wedding. Kevin has the buckles on his overalls all polished up to a high sheen. :) We both have our dancing shoes packed and are ready to bust a move (and hopefully not a hip).


Here are Elizabeth, Kathi and Mom at Fifth Street.

Techno junk

I went to the airport with my mom yesterday to pick up my sister and her friend who flew in for my son's upcoming wedding. We were greeted by the familiar 'running people', a huge sculpture that stands outside the airport. Once we found a parking spot and made our way into the terminal we went to see if the flight was on time. I was amazed to see a computer screen with a picture of the USA and airplane icons representing the flights due in and where they were on the map. How cool is that? You no longer have to sit and wonder where your loved ones are or what is taking so long for the plane to get here...:) you just watch the little plane get closer and closer to it's destination.

One Year Out

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my father's passing. The family got together in his honor at the Cork N Fork, a little sandwich shop my dad liked to frequent. Here are Scott, Kinsey, Mom, Marla, Les and Amy waiting patiently outside for the rest of us to arrive.

Here is Marla the clown in the family.

I miss my dad very much... mostly because he simply took me for me. I didn't always have to say things precisely and he still knew what I meant. I didn't have to be perfect for him. He loved me anyway. I could tell by the tone in his voice when there was trouble in the family and he could tell by my voice when there was trouble in me. Even when my father was displeased by my behavior, there was a hug and a smile and an I love you. There are many people in our town who still remember Dad; how good and kind and funny he was. He loved people and people loved him. Now that the hurt is not so new, it comforts me when people tell me stories about how Dad touched their lives. I think my cousin,Cara, put it very nicely when she said that my dad had a way of making each person feel like the special one.

Tractors

My neighbor came home tonight riding one of his Oliver tractors. He had such a smile on his face, as wide as the brim on his hat! He was having the time of his life. He was so happy it was infectious! I have learned a lot from my neighbor in these years we have lived side by side. One man's junk truly is another man's treasure. I can remember one summer morning waking to that familiar high pitched squeal of the metal grinder and thinking Kenny must have another project. When I looked out the window all I saw was a big ole rusty drum. A couple weeks went by and then one day there is the rusty drum, painted bright red, looking beautiful, all put back together. It was a cement mixer from the early 1900's and my neighbor's love for junk saved it from the scrap heap. He doesn't want to mix cement with it, only conversation...:)










This little Oliver has unique tank treads . Kenny had her painted and installed rubber pads on the treads so he can drive it on the street if he wishes.



Here she is all fixed up....and there is that winning smile!!

Aunt Millie

Uncle Max and Irene Arthur













Cara vogue-ing for the camera













Meem and Susie T














Shelley and Sandra
We all remember Aunt Millie for her special way of caring for and loving her family. Each one of us has special memories that we hold so dear of the wonderful and witty woman that was our Aunt Millie. She loved words and sewing and fresh fried potatoes made by Aunt Irene....the laughter and the love that she gave our family will be remembered fondly and dearly missed. Whenever I see pink from now on I will remember Aunt Millie.