Summer Ends, School Begins

Summer ended on Wednesday for our new 4th grader! It's hard to believe that the boys are beginning their 3rd school year since moving to Ohio. Noah was excited about his teacher assignment and even more excited that his best buddy is in his class!

Noah and his best bud who will spend 4th grade together in the same class.

Heading off to school for the first time as a 4th grader! Noah had a fun first day and was happy to see his Dad and I anxiously waiting for him at the bus stop that same afternoon. We quickly sat down and finished his homework assignment before heading off to the football field for Alexander's first 8th grade football scrimmage.

I LOVE summer, but I'm willing to transition from summer to fall knowing that the boys' sports begin once again. Noah started practicing soccer last week while Alexander has been practicing football since August 3rd. Wednesday evening was the 8th grade team's first scrimmage against Gahanna South. Although a score wasn't officially kept on the score board, the team was well aware that they out scored their opponent by several touchdowns and a field goal--in fact, they didn't allow the other team to score. I know the boys are proud of this accomplishment as Coach has already indicated that they will run for each point their opponent scores against them--quite the encouragement to do well each game!!

During practice, Alexander has been regularly assigned to play defensive tackle and tight-end. He tolerates the heat well and is determined to give 110%, if not more.

He looked great out on the field and Trey and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him begin his 2nd year of football in middle school!

Coach decided to try Alexander at Center. He wasn't as enthusiastic about this position (he hasn't played Center during practice), but played the position as best he could. The following day, Alexander started 8th grade. Initially, he had some scheduling "glitches", but after 45 minutes in the office, his schedule conflicts were resolved. In addition, the 8th graders encountered locker problems too. If the tables were reversed and I was in 8th grade enduring his first day of school--I would have melted into a puddle of tears. Not Alexander, I'm so proud of the way he handled the confusion--very maturely. Although he seemed to have a day of "one thing after another" he enjoyed his first day and seems happy to be back in school with his friends.

Alexander and Noah--

Dad and I wish you the very best this school year!

We're proud of your many accomplishments and look forward to

enjoying another school year with both of you!

Love you both to the moon and back!!

Mom and Dad

A New Adventure Begins for Haiden!

It's hard to believe that our nephew begins kindergarten later this week!

He reluctantly allowed Aunt Wendy to take a "pre-first day of kindergarten" picture.

Doesn't he look handsome sporting his new shirt and backpack full of necessary

kindergarten supplies?

Haiden, we hope you have a fantastic first day of kindergarten and can't wait

to talk with you later this week to hear all about your first day!

Best of luck as you begin your new school adventure!

Love you tons!

Uncle Trey, Aunt Wendy, Alexander and Noah

Cooling Off During These HOT Summer Days!

Do you ever get to the point where you car feels SO dirty, that it's embarrassing to drive? Or is it just me? Well, I decided that TODAY the car was receiving a much needed "tub"! My assistant was only too eager to be in charge of spraying water.

Once the car was good and soaked, and believe me--it was SOAKED! Noah and

I lathered and removed Hilton Head salty film (yep--it's been THAT long since

it was last washed!) from my car.

While rinsing, my car wash assistant soon noticed that a small, stray spray (say that 10 times fast) was the perfect "drinking fountain". I didn't think to take the loss of clothes progression while Noah was washing the car. He appeared with shirt, shorts and shoes. By the end of the car washing fun, his shirt and shoes were missing and his shorts were DRENCHED!

But, I have to say that all the wet and soapy fun was well worth the end

product--a nice, shiny clean car for Mom to enjoy.

My assistant enjoyed cooling off during this 90+ degree summer day--we both enjoyed our outside time together today! Thanks for your help my special car washing buddy!

Risch (Walker) Family Reunion

Risch (Walker) Family Reunion

Logan, Ohio

Sunday, August 9, 2009

The "Walker" side at the Risch Reunion representing 4 generations.

My Dad was born and raised in the small

Southern Ohio town of Logan; located in the

picturesque hills of Hocking County.

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

My Dad has many memories of the home above--his grandparents lived here for many years. The land around the farm is still owned by Dad's cousin, John, and his daughter and son.

A few years ago, Dad and I had the privilege of touring the home. Dad recounted several memories of his times at the home. To me, one of the funniest memories is of Dad and my Uncle Don sliding down the large banister leading into the parlor. Honestly, I'm not convinced my Grandmother was aware of this fun as I think she would have put a quick end to it!

The white house above is where my Dad was born and raised. My grandparents lived in this home for many, many years. Grandpa Walker had an insurance business that he conducted out of the house in the evenings after he and Grandma spent the days teaching at the school next to their home. My Grandpa Walker passed away when my sister and I were quite young, so my memories of him are limited. I do remember many visits to Grandma Walker's home. I can remember Grandma having a garden in the back yard as well as many flowers; specifically roses--she loved roses. In fact, I can't ever remember a time visiting Grandma's house during the summer and not noticing two, or three roses proudly displayed in a vase on the kitchen table--yellow and pink roses are what I remember best. In addition, I remember baking cookies with Grandma--peanut butter cookies with the hershey kiss on top, playing countless games of Flinch, visiting with relatives and spending many hours in Hocking Hills--touring Rock House and Old Man's Cave. I also remember swinging on Grandma's back swing until the sun went down and then chasing fire flies for what seemed liked hours. Grandma Walker's back yard looked down on the high school football field and I can remember running around the track too. We certainly had a lot of fun visiting Grandma's house.

As years pass, change occurs. The original high school next door to Grandma's house was razed this past year. The school was constructed in 1910 and has been the heart of Logan for many, many years. With the demolition of the school, an era fades into our memories. I can't begin to imagine how watching the slow removal of the school would have affected Grandma--not only did she and Grandpa once teach at the school, but my Dad and Uncle Don both attended the school. I know Grandma watched many football games, including her sons' on the football field that was once her backyard. The purple and white gate above is the original gate and ticket booth which once welcomed Chieftan fans to the football field behind Grandma's house. During the past year, the football field was filled in with dirt and a new elementary school now rests on the former field.

At the new high school, located on the other side of town, the former Logan

High School plaque now rests within the gate to the new football stadium.

These two Buckeye trees, rumored to be two of the largest in the state,

were spared during the recent high school demolition.

This picture was taken March, 2009. The back of Grandma's house is front and center in the picture. To the left is what remains of the stadium and pictured below, is what remains of what was once the high school.

Today, a new elementary school rests on the former high

school football field--pictured below.

The new Logan High School, located on the other side of Logan, opened last year.

Following the reunion yesterday afternoon, we visited Walker Farm.

Dad's cousin, John, and his son, Ryan, have many toys on the farm. Dad, along with some other cousins, thoroughly enjoyed the antique farm equipment. I don't know the specifics on the tractors--I just know that Dad had a wonderful time riding the tractors around the farm!

Meanwhile, John allowed the boys to drive the Gator around the farm.

They had such a GREAT time! And, I'm happy to report that all the barns

are still standing, the gator still functions and the

boys don't have any additional bruises--phew!

Ryan has a 1926 Model T that he brought to the farm Saturday night,

so it could be enjoyed by all on Sunday afternoon.

Noah was convinced that he could out run the car, but quickly realized

that an antique car moves much faster than he can run!

Ryan took the boys and I for a spin in the 1926 Model T.

Noah's first comment--the car lacks seat belts. Ryan also shared that it lacks turns signals, so he sticks his arm out the window to indicate a turn. Noah was quite impressed with these two missing features. Thanks again for the ride Ryan--it was a lot of fun!

After waiting very patiently, my Dad, Harry and Steve were able to enjoy a

much anticipated ride in the Model T. Again, many thanks to John and

Ryan for allowing the "boys" to enjoy all their wonderful toys!

We had a wonderful time in Logan, Ohio!

My parents are visiting this week from SC. On Thursday afternoon, we visited the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. A spectacular exhibit of Dale Chihuly art is displayed throughout the conservatory as well as a "Butterfly in Blooms" exhibit.

Grandma Joan and Papa Bill with the boys in front of Dale Chihuly

"Anemones"--'wall mounted art that appear animated'.

A Chihuly "chandelier"--'a mass of simple blown glass parts brought

together to produce suspended sculptures'.

This is a "small" version of the impressive Lobby ceiling at the Bellagio

in Las Vegas (which I've never seen) constructed of Chihuly "Persians".

Papa and Noah outside a "whispering cave". Noah made a beautiful piece

of "spin art" and is proudly showing it to all.

The "Butterfly in Blooms" exhibit was absolutely breathtaking.

Outside the exhibit is a sanctuary where the butterflies are just

ready to emerge from their chrysallis. Once "free", the butterflies fly freely

in the exhibit. The following few pictures were taken inside the exhibit.

Papa, Alexander and Noah all had "friends" land on them.

Below, Alexander has a butterfly resting on his hand.

Chihuly "Torchier" rising from "Annie's Pond" in the Pacific Island Water

Gardens home to the "Butterfly in Blooms" exhibit.

A butterfly visiting Dad's sleeve. Mom and I noticed that the butterflies,

for the most part, tend to gravitate toward items that matched their colors.

Another Chihuly "chandelier" in the West Terrace.

Chihuly "Floats"
"Macchia" is the Italian word for "spotted". Different colors are used in

the interior, exterior and lip of the "Macchia".

The "Boat"--Dale Chihuly uncovered this rowboat during a visit to Finland.

"Reeds" are formed when 'one glassblower, positioned in a mechanical lift, is raised off the ground while holding the "gather" of glass on a blowpipe. As he blows the glass, the lift is sent upwards and another glassblower pulls the glass down from below'. There are several "reed" exhibits throughout the conservatory, but the blue 'reeds' outside are the most breathtaking.

The flowers throughout the conservatory were marvelous.

Below are some of my favorite flower pictures.

We had a wonderful afternoon admiring the Franklin Park Conservatory

and all the beauty it offers.