When the Dorsch's invade Empo-town!

This summer, all of the Tom Dorsch's returned to Kansas for the wedding of my younger sister. They didn't all come back at once...but slowly and surely, the six of us eventually were living on the same continent! woohoo!!! It's a big deal! As they returned, they each made their pilgrimage to Empo-town, and boy, did we have fun! Here are some highlights. 

Melissa was the first to return, and she and Erika came up to help me pick out some grown-up furniture for my new apartment.

It was time to upgrade to a double bed! The three of us had fun trying out all the different mattress varieties--even if they weren't in my price range. :) 

Melissa thought buying a new mattress was a very important affair, so she had to capture the moment of me signing the paperwork. Of course, then we got the giggles. Two different people asked if the three of us were college students. Ummmhhhh.....noooooo...... When one of them found out we were sisters she said she was so happy to see us enjoying each other's company and having so much fun together. 

It was a rainy day, but we had some great help moving the mattress (and later the futon) from the store to my apartment. Thanks, Cornejo!

Next, as I mentioned above, I needed a futon...or as I like to call it, a tufon. 

 I've never seen a box so big!

 Melissa was a pro at assembling it. Erika suddenly didn't feel well and I "helped" in between taking pictures!

So far, the tufon has held up quite nicely.

My sisters also helped me decorate. I am not a decorator. At all. Most of what I decorated was re-decorated when my sisters came! Here's just a glimpse:

Of course, where there are Dorsch's, there is coffee.

Melissa spilled hers three different times in my car. Poor Napoleon. 

Mom arrived second to the US, but I've already shared about her fiery adventures in Empo-town.

Then, monsieur Joel arrived. When he and Melissa came to visit, I had to show him, the Frenchman, where all the wonderful and exciting French learning would take place. Melissa thought it was hilarious that my new classroom is right across the commons from a giant bronze spartan. Naturally, a picture was in order.

We need to work on our posing. Joel didn't want to feel left out, so we had him do a different a pose!

The Frenchman would like to personally welcome you to EHS!

I had a great time with Melissa and Joel. We played tennis and then headed to George's pool (thanks, George!) where we easily entertained ourselves with games jumping off the diving board. 

Andrew arrived to Kansas a week before the wedding. One day, all of them, and I mean all, agreed to come up and spend the day with me. I couldn't wait for them to get here!!! (Notice the shirt my brother loyally sported for his day in Spartan-land.)

When you grow up just south of the Sahara desert, the number one place to hang out is the pool. So, when the Dorsch siblings (and significant others) were all reunited, what do you think we wanted to do more than anything else? Swim!!! Again, thanks George for letting us use your pool. We had a great incredibly fantastic time together. Before they all headed out, we had to stop for some ice-cream.

We were all anxiously awaiting the return of the king...Roi Tom! (He finally made his appearance the Tuesday before the wedding) At last, peace could reign once more in Dorschland. 

Melissa made another trip up to visit me and helped me get my entire classroom ready.

I don't know what I would have done without her.

My parents also came up to spend the day with me. Le Grand Chef (aka: Dad) was so impressed that I had a double bed.

I am so blessed by my family and have cherished the few but precious moments together this summer. We crammed in as much laughing, singing, visiting, and playing games, as possible.