We had a really fun summer - funner than I've had in years. We began by celebrating Christmas in May with a day at a Cards' game, courtesy of Aunt J and Uncle G. Little J is quite the Cards' fan already....
On a work trip to TN I ran into these two cuties in the airport security line of all places. Their flight was about an hour later than mine, so we got to hang out and play at the gate. It was like a little mini surprise vacation. Trust me, little K, charmed the shop owners throughout the airport, but who couldn't be charmed by this face? She is going to be a big sister very soon, too! We got to feed them some homemade ice cream in late August as well, which was great fun for G & I, too.
In late June we headed on a long road trip to Belton, TX, a couple hours south of Dallas. On the way we saw the kiddos in Springfield again and then my cousin, S, and his wife, hosted us in Fort Worth for a couple of days to do the FW touristy things like the stockyards and cattle drive. Here is a pic of most of the cousins who made it to the reunion along with my 2 aunts and 1 of their cousins in the front row. Keep in mind, my aunts are both now in their 90's. Pretty amazing, isn't it? Believe it or not, I am the youngest person in this pic...not that I'm saying any of us is getting old or anything!
On our way back we spent another few days in Springfield where G did some landscaping and attic work for the kids. I'm pretty sure that G sweated off about 53 pounds in those few days. That might be a slight PK hyperbole, but not by much, I assure you. He has a real gift for creating beauty in a yard, and is quite handy with a tool belt, but there was still plenty of time for a 5-yr old to spend some time in grandma's shoes...which were shoes we picked up in Branson at this cute little shop when we were there Memorial Day. The best way for me to describe the shoes in this store was whimsical - artsty and whimsical. I bought 2 pairs but only after asking if I was too old to wear them and was told that I wasn't. Sales ladies will tell you anything, right?
We spent the 4th of July in Springfield and got to share a cupcake with this little guy after fireworks on the Branson landing on the 3rd. Does it get much simpler and better than this, folks?
There was also time for some Andy's frozen custard, cause there's always time for ice cream when little ones are around, right? Mmmm....chocolate....and raspberries...
But then it was time to come home. But it doesn't mean we can't have fun squishing the air out of Grandpa G's air temporary bed! Giggles abound!
Then a few days later, R&E and their 2 boys came to St. Louis! We packed a TON of things in on those few days, too! A ball game, the zoo, followed by a picnic and then hanging out at this really great playground at Forest Park. Here's hoping that the video of O getting totally soaked but having a blast playing in the water works...
But that's not all, folks! We also introduced them to the Soulard Market and the Magic House. I am pretty sure G&I need a grandparent's membership to this place. It has grown soooo much in the last few years. It's always been a great place to visit, but now it is even better.
We ended the trip with a big family dinner at Rigazzi's (no pic from that event) and then a trip to Grant's Farm where even the big turtle was up and moving around and eating. Since O loves turtles so much, I knew it was a special treat from God just for little O! We didn't get a pic of the turtle (I know, Deb the Picture Airhead strikes again!), but Mr. A and I got our first camel ride. Not sure I would want to cross a desert on one of these, but it would beat walking, no doubt.
By August, S&K were buying their first home and we were helping them move in! I am so happy for them. This is more space than S has ever lived in her entire life. It is a great house for them to grow into. Somewhere along about this time, we caught this pic of Aunt B, actually smiling. But shhh!! Don't tell her she's smiling in this pic, or she'll figure out some way to shut this blog down! Know why she's smiling? Cause she sorta likes her nephew. Sorta a lot, as a matter of fact...
I got to close out the summer with these 2 special things. A friend from work got married without anyone knowing. It's kinda his style, but we weren't going to let it pass without making him the center of attention for even a half hour with a "wedding" cake and a gift. A bunch of us had so much fun putting this together for him. He's just about the sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet. We couldn't be happier for him!
And last, but certainly not least, I got to be Mimi for 4 days straight! We went for walks, we played outside, we played in the grass, we went to visit J's great grandmother, and we laughed a lot. J loves the game "Uh-oh!" And Mimi gets to be Mimi and play as long as J wants to play drop the spatula and wait for Mimi to say "Uh-Oh" and just laugh.
Great summer! I smile all over again rembering the fun. Love from J'Deb!!
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