Only Footprints

This artist admonishes to "Leave nothing but footprints" along the path. I love that the rock shape reminds you of a foot.

Bubbling with Joy

As Hayden said, Lowell is living into the motto on her shirt. She loves bubbles.

Ghost of Golfers Past

These folks that live adjacent to the new Meadowbrook Park are paying homage to Meadowbrook Country Club that used to occupy the land. Howard could see where several of the greens and tee boxes used to be from his memory of playing the course. From a distance, it looked like a golfer standing in the trees.

Treehouse Playground

Treehouse Playground in new Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village is a showpiece and a kid magnet. It is a series of connected ropes and ladders that wind their way toward three elevated huts. It is said to be reminiscent of the Ewok Village or the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. There is an adjacent, less challenging playground for the preschool set. I have yet to drive by when the playground wasn't thronging with kids.

Doggy Bar

Whether your dog is tall or short, these folks have provided refreshment on your walk.

415.7

These folks want you to know that our CO2 level has reached 415.7 parts per million for the first time in history. The higher the concentration of carbon dioxide, the greater the greenhouse gas effect that causes the Earth’s atmosphere to heat up. For reference it was 320 ppm in 1960 and 380 in 2000.

The First of All Five

Too bad this photo is like looking through a rain soaked window but here are the 5 of us shortly after Scott was born. We're on a trip to Jeff City - Susan, Steve, Cindy, me, Scott in seat and Mom.

Enjoying a Spa

Lowell taking a few moments to read in her adorable bath tub at the end of the day.

Frolicking Bears

This fountain is located on land that was once part of the Merriam Park Zoo, home to three bears that apparently frequently wandered away, only to be captured and returned. President Ulysses S. Grant dedicated the park on July 1, 1880. Built by the Ft. Scott & Gulf Railroad and designed by famed landscape architect George Kessler, the park covered 40 acres from Shawnee Mission Parkway to 65th Street and from Grandview to the railroad tracks.

Keeping Watch

This ominous statue is surveying the new Meadowbrook development.

Look for the Beauty

When you feel overwhelmed by the heat, look for the beauty around you.  These beauties revel in it.

Moon Triumph Artifacts

On this 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon walk, here are a few artifacts on display at the Union Station Planetarium. Above is Neil Armstrong's inflight jacket. Below is the Kansas City Times front from June 21, 1969, reporting on the moon walk the previous day. We all remember where we were. I was in Sauda, Norway.

Congenial Guy

Adam is a happy baby. We have a good time together.

In the Good Ol' Summertime

A hot summer night to celebrate my grandfather's birthday. Steve found clothing optional. I'm in the front on the left. I see a second cake that I'm guessing was for my Dad since they were one day apart.

Water Delight

We introduced a new generation to the Round Hill pool. Lowell loved it. On a side note, two of Hayden's former students were lifeguards. How time flies.

Prairie Sunset

The view from the Ferguson Forty as the sun sets. Beautiful. Behind us the moon rising was also inspiring.

The Queen's Lace

I love this time of year when the Queen Anne's Lace is blooming. I've also heard it called wild carrot but I don't know why. Reminds me of my childhood.

Small But Mighty

Cleaning crew at the Colonial VBS carwash was short but exuberant. It was advertised as a carwash of the bottom half of your car, raising funds for clean water in east Africa.

Lighting Up the Night

An exciting night at Kauffman Stadium. Bubba Starling finally made his major league debut to the delight of a lot of Gardner fans. Not on fire at the plate but he did score a run. A car caught fire in the parking lot to the dismay of a few folks. And finally, fireworks! A Royals win and fireworks – the perfect night.

An Over-Sized Salute

This huge flag hangs inside the grand hall at Union Station in honor of Independence Day.

Hanging Out at the Trading Post

A trading post in Colorado, on our way to Gunnison, just a few years ago.

Greetings from Stonehenge

I made a quick trip to Stonehenge yesterday (at Union Station). Hayden and Lowell were with me as were Stacy, Joey and Adam (but they took their own photo). Lowell created some art after the exhibit.

 

Floating Wetland

Last summer, Overland Park launched this floating wetland in South Park Lake to balance the water’s ecosystem because of harmful algae outbreaks. Constructed with native Kansas wetland plants growing on it, the island is supposed to improve the water quality by filtering the water and preventing the toxic algae from forming.The wetland was evaluated in June and deemed to be working but instead of 75 feet, one 1,000-1,500 feet is needed to effectively protect the lake. The fishing lake has been closed several times in recent years because of toxic algae outbreaks. Don't know what the plans are for expanding.

Welcomed

Adam was quite curious and alert during his baptism, welcoming him into the church. He also celebrated his 4 month birthday yesterday.

Flowerworks

I like this description of the allium after the bloom is finished about the 4th of July. Does remind me of fireworks.

Community Celebration

The Village Fest on the 4th is a wonderful celebration of community and Independence Day. We had a bit of rain at the end but the morning was delightful - Americana, a pie contest (where we got to eat the pie while the judges conferred), interaction with law enforcement (including sitting on a bit police motorcycle), and a petting zoo.

All Decked Out

Adam and Lowell were all dressed up for the 4th. Lowell had to change into a second outfit because we got caught in the rain at Village Fest.

Engineering Feat

Stacy and Hayden attempt to build a pyramid out of their young cousins for the 4th of July entertainment in 1996.

Must Be 4th of July Holiday

Because it's time for flag cake!

Lush and Green

Everything is growing and thriving with all the rain. As the heat sets in, we'll see how it goes.

Summer in the City

The great view from the balcony of Community Christian Church. The coloring reminds me of an old postcard.