Matthew's Service Project

While out on his mission, Matthew has been helping Brother Pfahl with a demolition and rebuild of his newly acquired home. The entire inside was pretty much gutted. The big push was that Brother Pfahl only had about 3 weeks to get the majority of the work done because he HAD to move in - yesterday. Matthew sent pictures of some of the earlier work. As of Tuesday, Matthew felt like it was going to be close but that Brother Pfahl might make it!

Matthew before getting started:

Then they got serious about it:

There was a cast iron tub that needed to "leave the building" so the boys did what boys do - they threw it over the balcony!

Then there was the ceiling issue - it had to be removed!

And finally, the demolition was complete. Now what in the world did they do with all that debris?????

Katherine had an audition!

Update: She is the narrator! Woo Hoo!

Yes, you heard right. Katherine had an audition for a summer kids production of Cinderella. This is the production that Rebekah will work as the assistant director.

Katherine was required to do a monologue and sing a song. She sang "In My Own Little Corner" which is a song from non-animated Cinderella movie. Her monologue came from the end speech of Princess Diaries.

She had a great time. We won't know if she got the part for a couple of weeks. We'll keep you posted!

Got a Great Letter From Matthew Today!

Matthew asks the following trivia question: What's the largest national product of Germany? Read his letter to learn the answer! Click here.

Matthew also bought a fedora and has found that it is working wonders! Not only is it keeping his head dry, but it works for tracting, too. When someone answers the door, he removes his hat and puts it down by his side. Not only is this polite, but it is a subtle hint that he expects to be invited inside!

Also, another fun thing is that his companion is Elder Hafer. Hafer in German means oats. So, they have taken a photo of Elder Hafer in hafer. Apparently, the ward members call him Elder Hafer Flaken (oat flakes)!!

We sent Matthew a birthday package with some icing, a cake mix, 20 candles, letters, cards, and a picture of Christ. The box was no bigger than a cake mix box! I'm a master packer if I do say so myself. Here is Matthew enjoying his gift:

Girl Scout Award Ceremony and Play

Katherine's girl scout troop was working on their theater badge. So, as part of the awards ceremony, the junior troop put on a play - The Wizard of Oz. Katherine played Tin Man. They did a really nice job!

 

She was also the number one cookie salesman in her troop with over 500 boxes! 

Lots of Fun at Biltmore Estate

Because of her great selling abilities and those of her other 4H group, Katherine's Maters and Taters 4H group got to go to the Biltmore Estate this past weekend and take along family, too! Keith and I accompanied Katherine and had a wonderful time. It was a first time experience for all three of us.

I was very impressed with the massiveness of the place and couldn't get over the decorating. Nearly every ceiling in the place was done differently! And the fireplaces were incredible. Of course, add in a huge organ, a swimming pool, bowling alley, grand banquet hall, winter garden room, etc etc and you have the granduer of a Vanderbilt!

Katherine enjoyed seeing all the rooms was was always intrigued with the candle holders, plates, and clocks. She says she is going to have a lot of nic nacs in her house when she grows up! She was also thoroughly impressed with the gardens and tooks lots and lots of pictures. You'll have to check them out on facebook.

 

We also went to the farm area and saw someone spinning wool and then saw a sheep shearing. Finally Katherine tried her hand at an instrument that is similar to a dulcimer/banjo combo!