Grandma Kaetterhenry's funeral

My grandma on my mom's side passed away on December 23. So since I was already here for Christmas, I was able to go to her funeral. The day after Christmas, my mom, dad and I flew up to Minnesota for her funeral. I am so glad that I was able to be here for the funeral. It was really good to see my aunts, uncles and most of my cousins that I haven't seen in a while. We were able to have some family time and catch up a little on each other's lives. Here a few pictures from the time together.

All of the cousins that were able to make it to the funeral. There are twelve of us here and there are 9 cousins missing.

The Kaetterhenry siblings and almost all the spouses...there is only one spouse missing!

This is my grandpa's brother, Alden, with his wife, Mary, and son, Kevin, and family.

My cousin Andrew wearing his army uniform at the funeral.

White Christmas

Well, I definitely got a white Christmas this year. Shortly after arriving in Chicago we had below zero temperatures and I was COLD! But at least this way it feels like Christmas with the snow. Here are a few pictures of the ice and snow outside my parents' house and of me throwing a snowball for my fellow missionary, Marshall, who asked me to. =)

Motocross

Today I went and watched my first motocross race. It was a lot of fun...if you like getting sweaty, dirty, beer spilled on you and standing in the sun. I had a blast! Marshall taught me how to tell the difference between a 2 stroke and 4 stroke bike. I got to watch one of the middle school students race, along with his dad and another missionary. It made it more exciting to have people I know in the race. Then I could cheer for them and not just for some random person I don't know. I will definitely be going to more races...they can be very exciting.

In other news, my little sister got engaged last night! I am super excited for her and T.J.!

Only 4 more days until I leave!!!

Motorcycle lessons!

Today was my first motorcycle lesson with Rosemary...and boy was it fun! I have never driven a stick-shift car or a motorcycle...so that made it a little tricky. Today I rode mostly in first gear...I did try second...but, well, I need more practice on shifting gears. I did however do something I have never wanted to do. I popped a wheely! Not just once...but twice! I, however, did not fall off and didn't get hurt at all. It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to my next lesson, probably sometime after I get back from Christmas. Here is a picture for proof and to see the size of the bike I am learning on. Small enough for me to touch the ground comfortably!

Good spanish day

This isn't going to be long...but I just had to share. Today was a good spanish day for me. I actually made myself go out and use my spanish more than normal. Now of course it wasn't perfect...but at least I was using it. I went to town and had to get some pictures printed. I thought it would be easy enough...but not so much! The size I needed they didn't have so we had to try and figure out the best way to get a picture to fit what I was doing. Thankfully God is wonderful and helped me communicate what I needed to and the pictures are perfect! Then at dinner the guys and I went to our usual restaurant, Orlando's, and I chatted a little with the owner when I gave her some Christmas cd's. I know it wasn't much, but it was very encouraging to me to see that I actually used some of my spanish today and it went pretty well!

Headed to a white Christmas in one week!!!

Star gazing

Tonight I was able to see some pretty amazing stars. Jeff from the home office is here with his brother, Scott, and they brought a telescope. It was pretty amazing to be able to see so many different things and have someone who knows what they are talking about tell you what you are seeing. I was able to see a nebula, an open cluster, a binary, the moon (really cool) and I think a few other things.

It has been a busy time. Semester is almost over and I head to Chicago for Christmas in 11 days. It is hard to believe I will be freezing in Chicago for Christmas once again. I am going to try to enjoy the snow and cold weather...since it is only for a week...but I am not sure it is going to be possible. =)

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas........