Every now and then, I find a pile of old photos–sometimes in a box I’m cleaning out, sometimes in an old computer file. I recently found these and enjoyed the memories.

While I was working at St. Charles Community College, I was active in the state organization, MAACCE (Missouri Association for Adult, Continuing, and Community Education), and attended the state conferences every year. I found some of those conference photos.

In 2004, Ted joined me at the conference. He amused himself during the meetings and workshops, then met me for dinner and the evening activities. The 2004 conference theme was Worlds to Share, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Ted and I had a period picture taken.

In 2005, I was elected MAACCE president-elect, which was essentially vice president. That meant it was my job to plan and to preside over the conference. Of course, I had lots of committees filled with volunteers to help, but it meant a lot of extra after-work hours for me to coordinate all those volunteers and the plans they were making, plus all the venue details (meeting, vendor, and entertainment spaces, rooms, food, session schedules, etc.). The conference was the end of my president-elect term and the point at which I became president of MAACCE. The board voted to have a Mardi Gras theme for the 2005 conference, so the newly elected president-elect and I presided as the King and Queen of Mardi Gras. We had a ride around the ballroom in a decorated vehicle, waving our scepters to the crowd.

At that same conference, my friend, Liz, offered to be a fortune teller as part of the entertainment for one evening. Here she is, telling my fortune. That was quite the Mardi Gras queen oufit I wore. It even had a hoop skirt.

Here I am at the 2010 MAACCE conference enjoying myself with no responsibilities except for the two session presentations I gave.

Another photo I found was from December 2005, when I received my doctoral degree. My grandchildren were at the ceremony to celebrate with me, although Zack looks a bit wary.

Quite a few of the photos I found by accident were of our family. When Kari was born, siblings were not yet allowed to meet the new baby in the hospital. In the photo below, you’ll see what I saw the morning after we brought Kari home from the hospital. She was the new attraction in the family! I love two-year-old Tommy on the chair so he can see into the crib.

I found some photos of Jeff’s family that made me smile. Here’s La, reading a bedtime story to Kyra, Zack, and Alex.

When we visited Jeff’s family for Alex’s baptism, the bishop took a picture of Alex with his grandparents and siblings after the service.

Later, at the house, someone (probably Jeff) took a picture of the kids with their grandparents. That was a happy time, as you can see by all the smiles.

We also celebrated Alex’s eighth birthday during that visit. Here he is with his chocolate cupcakes and caramel frosting–a family favorite.

There was surprise batch of photos of Kari’s family too. The first one is so cute–Dean mimicking Baby Sky.

Here’s our first photo of newborn Dylan. Notice that his big brother, Sky, put some toys for him within easy reach on Grandpa’s leg.

Moving on, we have party pictures taken at Dylan’s third birthday party. Dad appeared in costume.

Apparently, Dylan recognized him because he doesn’t look the least bit frightened by the red-faced man.

Annette enjoyed the party so much, she needed a little nap to perk herself up for the next part of the fun.

In August 2005, Ted and I took a trip to Niagara Falls.

From there, we drove west and took the car ferry from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI. I don’t remember how long it took the ferry to cross Lake Michigan, but I remember we had to be at the dock to leave at 4:30 a.m. This is a picture taken in Ludington, looking west across Lake Michigan.

Here are some fun photos. I haven’t seen them for years, but I laughed again when I saw them. Kathy and I found this Beethoven figure when we spent a day in Columbia, MO in 2005. We knew I’d be graduating in December 2005 (above photo) and that, because all of our family was coming for the ceremony, Thom would be there for Christmas. Thom loves Beethoven, and it seemed like the perfect gift for him. After all the gifts were opened and there was a lull in the activity, Kathy and I set up these poses for Beethoven.

Last, but not least, I saw a photo in Jeff’s blog that requires a minor correction. He did not receive this camera for his 16th birthday; it was a gift on his confirmation, when he was 14. The camera is even older than he thinks it is.

I love photo memories.