Amana....to "Remain Faithful"

I love fall!

The colors, the food, scarfs, hats, and boots. I love the crisp fall air, the sound of leaves underfoot, and the excitement of a new school year and football season. Living in a small University town with "Big Ten" tradition allows us to experience fall in a way that no other place can provide. It feels like fall and I am savoring every moment.







We celebrated fall and Oktoberfest with Kyle, Heidi, and the kiddos in the Amana Colonies this year. Amana was founded in 1855 by a community of Germans seeking religious freedom. It became one of America's longest lived and largest religious communal society's.


We bundled up for the festivities. They had the perfect parade for kids. Only about 20 minutes long with plenty of candy.


There were fun crafts and face painting for the kids, and tasty German food and music for the grown-ups.

RoWan was happy about the butterfly on her face....but not the camera in her face.

Going to Amana is like stepping back in time. Life feels more simple, and the little things like sitting on a bench eating old fashioned hard candy feel more important. Time seemed to slow down and our perspective of "Important" was renewed. The name Amana is derived from the Song of Solomon 4:8 and means to remain true or faithful. True to family, true to faith, true to love, true to self.