Ortmeier Homestead

My dear friend Lindsay invited Toni and me to stay in her childhood home across the road from Camp Fontenelle. Her parents purchased the 1904 Victorian home when she was a baby and we had a blast touring the beautiful area. Unfortunately, Lindsay lost both her mom (Wanda) and dad (Ric) to cancer in the last two years. They are now both buried along side her brother Chris in the Hartung Cemetery located within the camp property.

She and her siblings are getting the property ready to sell. I believe it was good for her soul to show us her stomping grounds, share childhood memories and make new memories in the place she will forever call home. 

We even took some time to hike the camp trails along the Elkhorn River. It was a gorgeous day and such a peaceful place.

The elephant steps looked steep but I encouraged the challenge. Somehow we made it to the top but not without some sliding in the mud with uncontrollable laughter.

Brunch on the patio with Wanda's tea cups. She would have loved that we were using them.

I got to stay in the "turn of the century" bedroom. It was very large with lots of fabulous windows. I am very thankful that Lindsay waited until we were leaving to tell me about some of the ghost experiences they have had over the years. So much history in this place!

Camp Joy and Hamilton's

While Jentry and I were exploring DC, Mason got to spend 4 nights at Camp Joy. This was his 4th year attending camp and he absolutely loves it!

Grandma Bose picked him up from camp and then he got several more nights in Harlan County being entertained by Uncle Chad, Aunt Kelly and Oxford Turkey Days.

This kid was living the summer dream!

Stonier Banking School

This year my employer provided me the opportunity to attend the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. The executive program is three years consisting of both in person classes and interim assignments. It was a grueling eight days of class but if all goes well, I hope to graduate in June of 2027. 

Penn's campus is beautiful and so full of history! The university is the oldest in the States being founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. I also enjoyed staying in the heart of Philly at the Westin Hotel.

Year 1 Group #1

Washington DC

On May 31st, Jentry and I loaded a bus with 34 other students at 12:00 a.m., yes that is correct... A.M., and we headed east. First stop OMA to board a plane to Chicago. From Chicago we boarded a second  plane to Washington D.C.

Elsa, Kyla, Lincoln, Jentry and Grethe

The first stop was a tour of the U.S. Capitol.

Hiking up the hill!

Chief Standing Bear

Next stop was the The World War II Memorial with Washington's Monument in the background.

Washington Memorial

National 9/11 Memorial on the west side of the Pentagon building. 187 benches, each dedicated to a victim off the attack on the Pentagon and American Airlines flight 77.

Arlington Cemetery

JFK's eternal flame

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

The White House

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam Women's Memorial

Vietnam Men's Memorial

Gettysburg National Military Park

Jentry viewing Devil's Den from Little Round Top

Thomas Jefferson  Memorial

Mount Vernon

The Simpsons met us at Texas Jack's BBQ

Abraham Lincoln memorial and the Reflecting Pool

We also got to visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum which may have been my trip favorite. It was a very powerful experience.

World Classrooms did not disappoint. Every step of the trip was well planned. I may have been a bit spoiled because now I don't want to have to plan nor make any decisions on any future trips. Just tell me where to go!