Happy Halloween

Halloween has changed since I was a kid.

I don't believe that there were ever any pictures of me in costume taken -

but it doesn't matter because I always just put on

dad's old clothes and went as a bum -

and I still got just as much candy as anyone else.

Also, my parents use to have over 100 kids come each year.

When they ran out of candy they turned out the lights

and retreated to the back of the house.

We're lucky if we have a dozen kids at our house.

I remember when we would get stuff like homemade popcorn balls,

bags of popcorn and candy apples from the neighbors.

You'd never get away with that stuff these days.

Hard to believe that these pictures were taken just last year -

they have all grown so much since then!

We didn't use to buy all the fancy costumes for our kids -

they were either homemade or those cheap

all in one boxes with a one piece costume and a mask.

But they were still cute and got plenty of candy.

Looks like we may have nicer weather by this weekend -

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

Jackson is 1!

We celebrated Jackson's 1st Birthday tonite

with presents, pizza and, of course, cake.

As most kids - he thought the tissue paper was pretty neat -

But he was mostly into this big yellow truck Jessie's parents had gotten him.

In fact, big sister Ayden had to step in and finish opening his presents for him.

Every boy needs a truck and he was very focused on his - so cute.

However, he was so focused, even after about 9 tries,

I still could not get him to look up for a picture

And the cake - well - he wasn't too sure about all that - but it was all very good.

Hard to believe he could be 1 already!

Happy Birthday sweet Jackson - We love you!

How Quickly They Grow!

Spencer wanted to come for an "Overnite"

and last night worked best for all concerned.

He hasn't spent the night here by himself

since he was 2 and Jen & Karl had a wedding in KC.

I think he had a good time but it reminded me

of how much he has grown in 3 years.

This is Spencer now

( in our 1st of 5 or 6 sleeping arrangement choices)

He still likes to have his 'guys' but

he doesn't want them in bed with him now.

This is Spencer at 2 with his monkey & horse "guys"

Spencer now allowed to eat breakfast in the den

preferred the cinnamon toast -

powdered donuts were not a top choice anymore.

Spencer at 2 when powdered donuts were 'yummy!"

Spencer has always been a really good kid and we enjoyed his visit.

But it's funny how it's almost easier now

when he can tell you what he wants or needs -

and yet, sometimes it was easier

when he was 2 and I could tell him what he wants and needs.

:)

"Children's children are a crown to the aged."

Proverbs 17:6

Quiz and a Quote

QUIZ - Who can tell me where this picture was taken?

I doubt if many will know but a few will.

I took it during a 'calm' and it

made me feel happy and peaceful.

I LOVE AUTUMN!!

This picture also makes me think of the peaceful times

I've spent on front/ back porches.

Therefore - a QUOTE:

"The best kind of friend

is the one you could sit on a porch with,

never saying a word,

and walk away feeling like

that was the best conversation you've had."

Unknown

Stevie is 28 Tomorrow!

My baby boy is having another birthday-

and even after 28 years he's still getting away

with everything with that "who me?" smile.

It's hard to resist - he's still so cute!

This is Stevie when he was 2 -

This is Ayden and Jessie and Ayden is 2.

I'm sure someday we'll see some

Stevie in her but you can't deny that

she looks just like her mom -

such big beautiful eyes.

This is Stevie when he was 1.

Jackson is not quite 1 but he's close.

He has a lot of his mommy in

his looks too -but there are moments

when I get a glimpse of Stevie-

especially when he smiles.

Stevie - Have a wonderful and

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

LOVE YOU ALWAYS

Anniversary Time

The last 3 years we have celebrated our anniversary with

David & Vicki and it's a tradition I hope

we continue for many more years.

They are at 35 years and we are 37.

Had a great dinner at Sam's Steakhouse -

even though the guys were disappointed there

was no Beer Cheese Soup.

Happy Anniversary to all!

20 Years Wait - for This?

About 20 years ago we took the kids down to Branson and on Steve's list of things to do (and anyone who has been on a trip with Steve knows there's a list) was to see the Shoji Tabuchi show.

However, this was his 'last day' event on the list and by that time the kids (who were about 13, 9, and almost 8) had come to the end of their limit with his 'shows to see'.

We ended up going home instead.

Years later there were at least a couple of times when he tried to get us in to see the show but either it didn't fit the plans or Shoji was on his own vacation.

THIS WAS THE YEAR!

I almost couldn't believe it when at intermission he turned to me and said, "This is awful - let's leave." The irony was too much so I made him let me take his picture by the Shoji sign. But at least we got to see the 'famous' bathrooms - they were quite impressive.

Other than that show we had a good time and did several things we had never done in Branson before. We took the Branson Scenic Train Tour, went to the Dixie Stampede, saw SIX, The 60's Show, and Red Skelton show - all which was pretty good. We of course went to Mel's Hard Luck Cafe and stopped in to see Liz (Mel was working at home) and we went down to the Landing where we ran into Jonathas who told us to go eat at Shorty Small's (I think that was the name) - anyway it was yummy!

Now we're back home and trying to get the house back together after having the wood floors finished -which is why we left town in the first place.

Lucky for us none of the local thieves knew that the floor people had left our front door unlocked :).

Ayden is 'almost' 2!

We celebrated Ayden's 2nd birthday today

(it's just a few days early)

and had lots of fun and good food.

Here is the birthday girl sporting her pretty "2" dress and

enjoying her peanut butter & jelly sandwich.

Mommy & Daddy helping get all those presents open.

And somehow cupcakes taste better when daddy feeds it to you.

Brother Jackson found something that made him grin.

Cousin Spencer checking out the toys.

Cousin Gracie showing her mommy how to party.

And cousin Coen trying his best to keep the party lively.

Ayden is kinda like her Nana - she prefers "low-key" parties.

She got a little overwhelmed by all the people and

activity a few times but I know she'll enjoy all her new toys

and I hope she had fun. I think the whole family is probably

taking a nap right about now - good idea!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET AYDEN!!!

Things are Improving

I have walls now - YEAH! Now if I could just get rid of all the pesky flys that have snuck in - I guess I should be grateful there are no birds of creepy critters.

uh-oh

We are doing a little work on the house - just pushing the garage wall a little further into the garage to make the dining room slightly larger. I came home to find the outdoors inside. These pictures were taken from my kitchen - there is no wall at all right now - I'm trying to not be too concerned about heat, bugs, and animals entering my home - but I kinda am.

Jen's Birthday Party

The Reijgers, Kelleys, and 3 Haupt families were there - I just didn't remember to take very many pictures. At least I got some of the birthday girl - hope it was a good birthday for you Jenny - love you!!

Birthday Girl Jenny

Tomorrow is Jenny's birthday. I was remembering the Saturday she was born - I had a doctor appointment and I got side-swiped on my way. The guy took off and there was no real damage so I just went on but when I got to the doctor's office and was telling the nurse I was overcome with emotion and burst into tears. Even though the doctor was sure I was just upset and my mild contractions were premature by a week or so - our little girl arrived that evening. A wonderful surprise!

This was her 3rd birthday - she likes to party!

She was around 7 or 8 in this picture getting help from

her siblings -and Aunt Denise and Grandma McCoy.

My poor children have gone through life being told they are obviously my children.

And I have to admit I've seen some pictures where I have to agree. This is me with the kids when I was Jenny's age now- I think the kids are my children with some major improvements. Every time I look at Stevie though, I think I see Coen. Which is really weird because older pictures of Stevie remind me of my brother Jimmy.

ANYWAY -

Jenny - you've grown into a beautiful young woman.

(I'll post the birthday pictures a few days after the party)

You are a wonderful wife, mother, and loving daughter.

I wish for you every happiness and always love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Death Among Us

The news has been filled lately with death - Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and today I saw that Bill Mays (commercial guy) had died. The saddest part is that most of them were so young.

Well, for those of you who remember where the McKnight Road Variety Shows started - The White House - there is another death to report. You will probably remember Freddie White who owned the hall at that time and contributed to our show with his version of Danny Boy. Freddie was younger than me so he was too young but his health had been declining for years. This picture is about 30 years old at least and Freddie is top man, Steve is in the middle and George is in the front.

Weeds?

This is for you Stevie -

Dad told me you asked why we were growing weeds

around our tree.

(I admit they were looking a little wild and weedy)

But we are seeing the flowers now. I planted these seeds last year

and Steve chopped them all down because he assumed they were weeds.

Steve is our gardner since I can't tolerate the heat or the bugs and

he doesa good job of keeping the yard looking nice -

so I'm not surprised he thought he was just cleaning up.

But I asked him to leave these alone for awhile to see

if they would bloom.I don't even remember what they are -

and I'd rather the ground cover take over -

but at least it's not bare dirt for a change.

Big 60!

Guess who this was just sixty years ago!

I don't know how old -but cousin Dave and Steve.

Cowboy/Pirates maybe?

Just 40 years ago.

The new Sixty - with hair -

or without.

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY STEVE!

On the Other Side of MO

A few years ago my long-time high school friend, Pam, moved back to St. Louis after living in the small town of Richmond, MO. 

 It's great having her in town so we can get together more often but I have to admit that I truly enjoyed crossing the state to spend a weekend with her about twice a year while she was living there.

Below is the view from her screened in back porch - I probably could have just sat out there all weekend and been happy but she had a lot of great places to show me in that area.

To get to her home I spent about an hour on a little 2-lane country road which took you through some quaint little towns, most of which were loaded with Civil War history.  Higginsville was one of the towns but I never did stop there - however, Lexington was closer to her and we visited there a few times.

Below is the 'Lexington Bridge" - it is rated one of the worse in Missouri.  It is a very narrow 2-lane bridge and you can see the river through holes in the bridge.  I always prayed to get over the bridge without having to give way to one of the 18 wheelers that were often crossing there.  I always asked her before I left St. Louis if the bridge was still standing or not - I'm not sure how far out of the way you have to go if it ever falls down.

But Lexington itself was adorable.  We once went on a house tour to see houses like the one below that were from the Civil War era.

And below is the Town Hall where, if you look closely, you can see the cannon ball still in the column of the porch.

Most often we would go to Kansas City on Saturday where she could do any major shopping she needed done but she usually had some 'sight seeing' for us to do along the way.  We would just hit the highlights but I know for someone with free time there are a lot of little museums, etc to be explored. 

 We went to Liberty (Jesse James), Fort Osage, Watkins Woolen Mill State Historical Site, St. Joseph (Pony Express), Arrow Rock, Jamesport (Amish), Independence, and several other places I can't even remember.  

We often went through Excelsior Springs and we had breakfast once at The Elms (below) where Al Capone, Truman, and FDR would come to stay sometimes.

One of my favorite little towns was Weston.  Although there was a lot of history we usually just hit the little shops.  

Below is one of my favorite settings of the church which overlooks the town.

Strangely enough, we never did any sight seeing in Kansas City - just shopping or a movie. 

  This past weekend her youngest son got married in KC so Steve and I went and did some sight seeing.  If you've ever been on a trip with Steve - it's go-go- and go!  We saw 5 museums in 3 1/2 hours!  

On Thursday we saw a Royals game but Friday we went to the  WWI museum, Federal Reserve museum, Hallmark tour, Black Negro baseball league museum, and the Jazz Museum.  

That night was the wedding and Saturday we headed home but stopped in Independence to see the Truman home and the 30-room mansion below which was built for the sole reason to show off the man's  wealth - it had a very interesting history.  As Steve says, it kinda reminds you of the Munster's house.

The Vaile Mansion

Truman Home

Me, Pam, and her sister Dana at the wedding reception which was in a 3-story mansion - very nice!

Steve agreed to play music for the guests as they arrived from the wedding to fill in the time while they were taking pictures.

WWI Museum

The Royals Stadium - Steve was very impressed with their scoreboard so I thought I'd throw in a shot for any one interested.

Well, I enjoy traveling but I'm happy to be home on busy holiday weekends.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Day!