Wild Lights at the Zoo

Fun was had by all at the Zoo tonight. It wasn't as cold as expected, perhaps because we were prepared. Although the only animals we saw were the penguins, the lights were beautiful to see and the hot chocolate was delicious!

Senior Night at Seckman

Senior night at Seckman was a bittersweet night. While I was glad for the Marching Band season to be over, I was sad for Natalie. She may never be in a band like that again. We were laughing because as the announcer announced what the seniors were going to be doing after high school, one of Natalie's item's on her 'to do list' was to become famous.

Another Weekend, Another Hike

Sunday we hike about 5 miles at the S Bar F Boy Scout camping area. It is huge, with a beautiful lake. This is where the boys will camp independently once they are an actual boy scout. They are still 'cub' scouts. When going for their Eagle Scout, they are expected to spend the night in the woods all by themselves. The beautiful lake is decked out with canoes, floating docks, a huge water slide, and a big obstacle course thing going across the lake, including a zip slide. I guess it explains why there is a medical evacuation helicopter pad in the park as well. I wasn't sure if I felt comforted by seeing that or scared.

Christopher finally makes it to Build A Bear

When we went on a field trip to the Science Center, Christopher, afraid he was too old, and well, a boy, broke down and enjoyed a new Build A Bear stuffed animal - along with many of the other boys.

Breakfast with Mammy and Pappy at School

Christopher, quite proud, with his Mammy and Pappy.



Pappy and Christopher being naughty making swords out of their sporks and trays.



Mammy and Christopher doing classroom work.

THAT'S A WRAP!

Well we have come full circle with Natalie. From Kindergarten to Senior Year. It sure goes fast!


Here is Christopher on his first day of 3rd grade. At least I still have a way to go with him.

The Family Vacation

Fun was had by all at the cabin - and no major tragedies!! I did say, MAJOR! ha!

I WONDER WHERE THIS LITTLE THING IS TODAY

I remember this little thing came to us last year, needing our help. Natalie just about stayed outside with it all night, trying to protect it. The next day, it hobbled its way to the woodline, and then to a branch in the woods, where I saw the mother feeding it. It was such a relief to see. I hope it made it.

WHILE ROME WAS BEING BUILT . . .

. . . there were hikes at elephant rock. That is the lovely Lilliana behind Christopher (ask Christopher about her Y) she reminds me of Karlee.

There were baseball games . . . (Is that Gary with Jordan and Kyle?)

And there was scout camp. Christopher earned his Junior USA Shooting Team patch in BB Gun shooting, and his 'Whittling Chip', which allows him to carry a pocket knife.

ROME WASN'T BUILT IN A DAY . . .

. . .OR WITHOUT ALL YOUR HELP. Thank you for all that everyone donated for our Vacation Bible School - we used it ALL! We finished up this week, and it was quite a week.

A Sad Day

My first crush has passed away. What a lonely existence, was his. May he find peace.

I am pretty sure I bought this album, one of my first, from Kovariks grocery store.

Memorial Day Weekend

We didn't make the trip to Alabama, as Anita and the kids came up here. We went out to lunch, and to Ted Drewes during the day, and ended the evening with steak and champagne on the deck, while the kids played Rock Band in the basement.










Sunday, we spent the day at Jefferson Barracks with Christopher's scout pack putting flags on the veterans' graves. They do not leave until every grave has a flag on it. There were thousands of scouts there, and it was hot and a lot of walking, but it was such a humbling experience, it wasn't even a thought to complain. During the ceremony, I noticed Christopher stand a little taller when the speaker compared their sacrafice of being at Jefferson Barracks, instead of poolside or home with their video games to the sacrafices all these veterans made. It was an experience I won't forget. It certainly put the weekend in perspective. You have to click on the last picture to realize the full impact.






We ended Saturday at Gary's brother's Mike's farm. I think I may have secured 275 lbs of happy, grass fed, no steroid beef. I am second in line - if someone else doesn't take it. What a beautiful farm he has. I was able to stand in a field with cows and goats all around me.

Today, Natalie is bowling and Christopher is down with fever - no Mike doesn't have any pigs on his farm, but, you know me, I am watching him closely . . . .

My New Little Bear Cub

Christopher received his Wolf Badge, and has now advanced to Bear Cub Scout. We had the Advancement Dinner this past Sunday.



Emerging from the tent a Bear . . . .

The Big Day

This is Christopher and Father Ed Nemeth shortly after making his First Communion. Afterwards we went to Ruby Tuesdays to eat, and to Target to buy him a football and a new playground ball. Later at night, when having our steaks, Christopher insisted that he drink wine with his dinner. I guess he liked the taste of it earlier . . .



This is him with a few of his buddies.

A Night at the Theatre

Natalie made her directorial debut at Rickman Auditorium. Her production of 'The End of Civilization as we Know it' was performed tonight along with three other one-act plays.

It's Hard to Give this Up

I know he is a little old, but it is so hard to give up. This was taken at the library Easter Event. The kids hunted for eggs in the library, then could get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. I guess I was pushing it when I asked Christopher if he wanted to make the bunny ears craft, he emphatically passed on that.

The Cute come to Visit

Natalie, Christopher, and I (and Bud-Bud) were mesmerized by this little critter that came to my bird feeder late last night. Bud-Bud brought my attention to it by becoming in 'stalk' mode looking out the window. We thought it was a mouse, until it 'flew' to the tree next to the feeder. It took us a while to figure out it was a Southern Flying Squirrel. A few years back, I recall walking around at night with a flashlight trying desperately to find out what the high pitch squeak was that I heard high in the trees. I recall the light catching these eyes, but not getting to see it very well. These are not my pictures.

No palms for me

I was sad when on Palm Sunday, I had to head to Target for antibiotics for a strep infection, (yes, me, not Christopher) instead of church for my palms. Since I don't normally go to Easter mass, (kids and baskets and family things - plus it is soooo crowded!) it made my Easter somewhat anticlimatic. Although, now with the family get together on Saturday, I may go on Easter. But still, no palms for me.

Talent Show-ing

Here is Christopher singing the Jason Mraz hit, "I'm Yours" at his school talent show. He did a better job singing than I did with the video camera - my hands were shaking because I was so nervous for him.

To The Top

We finally made it to the top of the arch with Christopher and Natalie. I was feeling rather terrible that Natalie is 17 years old, and we never took her to the top of the arch. The ride up and down was, of course, the favorite part. Although, the museum at the bottom was pretty cool, too!

Sneak Peak

Just a sneak peak of what's to come this weekend. Looks like it is going to be a fun show!!

Scout Excitement

Christopher busy making his leather belt at scouts. He hand stamped 'cryptozoology'on the belt, which means 'the study of animals that may or may not exist'. Something he is very interested in now.

Next it was the pinewood derby race. Christopher and his friend Matthew watch as the cars come down the track.

Yea! A third place trophy!!

Beautiful Snow

An angel has landed.

Follow each set of tracks to Christopher and JC. What fun they had in the snow!