The first Saturday of October is like Christmas morning for our family. It is on this date that we enjoy the presence of friends returning to Berry. I don't think Randy and I have missed a Mountain Day since we graduated in the early 1980's. Our anticipation and excitement isn't in seeing friends that graduated with us, but the kids that have been in our home while they were students. We have been blessed to know many wonderful students during their Berry days, and love to see them come home!
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Carrie got to march this year!
Last year she played in the band. |
It was a beautiful, sunshine filled and warm HOT day. The students make five trips down the hill before the march is complete. This year there were about 900 students that marched. The band played for about 40 minutes before the flags led the procession for the singing of the Alma Mater
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Carrie and childhood friend, Carroll.
Both ECE majors at Berry! |
One of my favorite Berry/Kindermusik stories goes like this: A set of twins, Sophie and Valerie came to Kindermusik when they were 16 months old. Their family is from Belgium and the girls did not speak English. Because they were preemies, they were not walking when I met them. The girls stayed in the Kindermusik program until they were about 6 years old. Occasionally I would see their mom and catch up on what they were doing. Both were in the band. A few years ago, the girls started swimming with Three Rivers Swim Club. Despite a four year age gap, Kate and Sophie became great friends. When it was time to apply for college, Valerie had already determined she wanted to come to Berry and play tennis. Sophie had her hopes on Stanford. Long story short, both girls are at Berry, and Sophie is on the Berry swim team!
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| Sophie waves to the crowd. |
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Alyssa and Will Graham,
a regular at the Sunday lunch table! |
It is wonderful when the students return with their families. The comment that is uttered most is, "I remember when Kate was little". Kate has been to 14 straight Mountain Days! They love to see how our kids have grown and we enjoy seeing their growing families.
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| Chris and Heather Bragg |
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| Kate, Kevin Llewallyn, Aaron and Alyssa |
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| Recent grads hanging out with friends. |
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| Spencer - happy boy! |
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| Jessica (Spencer's mom) Mills Vandagriff |
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There are a few from my era that return.
Kathy Hawk of 4th West Mary is one I usually see! |
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2 Berry grads and one current student.
Blessed family!
2014 is the Centennial of Mountain Day! You should make plans to come, we want to see you!
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