Peach Picking at Eckerts on One of the Hottest Days of the Summer

Last night, I attended a beautiful bridal shower for Ms. Stacy.

Catherine made the delicious party favor pictured below, and I was encouraged to take two.

They inspired a Holman Summer Tea Party.

Andrew, you were very apprehensive about having to get dressed up to eat tiny food off pretty plates, but you eventually joined in the excitement. When I got out of the shower, I discovered that you had set the pretty table with fancy dishes and picked a bouquet of flowers from the garden.

Thank you both for making this Summer Tea Party absolutely perfect.

Kid's Camp

We had the privilege of serving at Kid's Camp in the Lake of the Ozarks.

It was absolutely beautiful and breath-taking in so many ways.

The lives of children were forever changed, and it was such a blessing to watch.

We REALLY enjoyed Pastor Mark and the Wild West Gang, especially the Narrator.

I spent the week on kitchen trash duty.

Dad worked security and taught a balloon twisting class.

You were both such easy-going children. You served too!

It was EXHAUSTING, but perfect.

Saddle Ridge Ranch

Last week, we participated in Bible school at Concord Baptist Church.

Thursday was family night.

All the students (with the exception of Andrew) performed the week's songs.

Olivia won a blow-up coyote.

We were then invited to watch a horse whisperer break a beautiful colt named Cocoa.

It was life-changing as I found myself relating to this powerful creature.

It was a great (EXHAUSTING!) week, and the perfect excuse to wear cowgirl boots everyday.

Grant's Farm

Last week we visited Grant's Farm, one of my favorite attractions in St. Louis.

Andrew, I am convinced that you were born to be a goat farmer.

You have a real affection towards this breed of animals which is evident in the these photos.

All the other children were weary and afraid while you were giggling and buying for their attention.

National Museum of Transportation

Weekend in Review

On Saturday, we woke up early and headed to our fabulous zoo.

We spent a long portion of the morning watching the penguins and their keepers. We also experienced the stingray exhibit (We have been studying the Ocean and the animals that call it home). Olivia, you were really nervous, but quickly warmed up to these friendly ocean creatures.

We watched the Sea Lion Show; rode the zoo train; bought stuffed baby penguins; and visited the Primate and Reptile Houses.

It was hot...St. Louis hot!

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Grandma treated us to a morning at "Shaw's Garden".

The garden holds a lot of childhood memories for her, and she is creating similar memories for her grandchildren.

We rode the tram, completed a maze, played in the beautiful fountains, fed the gigantic coy, and explored the children's area.

We finished with lunch at a restaurant on The Hill.

A beautiful morning spent with lovely people in a breathe-taking garden.

Great Grandma Turns 79!

We were so blessed to celebrate with great-grandma on Tuesday!

I bought a few garden stones for $.69 each, and encouraged you to let your creativity flow. Great grandma wanted to eat lunch at Ryan's.

You both wanted to sit by her which made her feel so very special.

(I think grandma L was a little surprised and jealous.)

We then went back to her house, and she let you clean out one of her junk drawers.

(This is something that she used to do with Uncle Michael and me.) Treasures, giggles, smiles, and intense smells of perfumes and lotions filled the afternoon.

Happy Birthday Great Grandma!

And yes...I will take you out to lunch for your next 79th birthday!