Egg Dyeing 70s Style

 Scott and Cindy were using their artistic abilities to dye some eggs in 1971.

Antique Rocking

Vala was trying out my dad's childhood rocker. It's about 100 years old.

 

Kansas City Kaleidoscope

Vala and I found this HeARTwork in Sar Ko Park. The artist Jean McGuire named her heart Kansas City Kaleidoscope. It's fun finding these around town.
 

Balancing Act

Hayden was doing leg lifts and keeping the yoga block balanced when Bruno decided to join in the exercise.
 

Glitter Jars

Hayden made glitter jars with the girls. They are showing off their jars below.

 

Yarn Bomb

A knitter described this artwork as a yarn bomb. It's in Mission Hills so I wonder how long it will be allowed to remain.

Snacks in the Garden

Since we couldn't go outside, I took Adam and Vala to Thou Mayest in Family Tree Nursery where we had a carrot muffin and some crackers among the plants.
 

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

Dad liked to have us all at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast in Kansas City. Cindy and George attended in February 1983. It looks like Hayden has a can opener. Probably something from Mom's purse.

 

Heart to Heart

Vala and Izzy were having a moment on a rainy day when we were stuck inside.
 

My Friend Fresno

 

We had the pleasure of meeting children's author Ashley Wellman in Eureka Springs. She owns a bookstore and art gallery there and wrote the delightful book below, which she autograhed for me. Her daughter (pictured with her) is the inspiration for the story.

 

Lunch Bunch 2022

We finally had a Sunday lunch again since the weather cooperated. Even Colin and Cecilia made an appearance.

Fishing in the Mist

We happened upon a fishing derby at Roaring River State Park. It was cold and misty but fishermen were not deterred.

 

Magical and Mysterious

Blue Spring near Eureka Springs has been used to power a grist mill and a lumber mill, and was home briefly to Native Americans on the Trail of Tears. Some folks said it cured their wounds. 38 million gallons of pure water of a blue color flow from it everyday but the source is unknown. It was beautiful even on a rainy day.

Golden Bridge

This one lane wooden bridge is deep in the hills near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It's known as Little Golden Gate. Tricky if you meet someone.

A Jolly Leprechaun

Because this photo of Dad never gets old. He was doing a Children's Conversation at church.

 

The Brave Ones

National Geographic Live this month was a fascinating presentation by Damien Mander, Australian founder the first all-female Zimbabwean anti-poaching unit. He has learned that using the local women puts money back into the community and makes for a less militant situation. The women - former prostitutes, victims of violence and abandoned mothers - are called "Akashinga," or "the brave ones." The women's project is intended to end the financial gap by turning the gamekeepers into caregivers. Mander was an Iraqi war veteran who spiraled down until he found this purpose.
 

Pi Day Treat

Vala and I were going to share a Pi Day cookie from Upper Crust but she didn't think the sharing part was ideal. I did get a bite. Hope everyone enjoyed 3.14 Pi Day.
 

Bear Bundle

Colin and his mom. He's in his bear snowsuit. Almost 6 weeks. Photo courtesy of Stacy.

 

Indoor Campout

 

Lowell and Vala enjoyed camping in the house. Vala would never go in the tent but she put lots of things in it. Lowell loved it. It has binoculars (below), camp stove, lantern, bug box. But how do you get the tent back in the box? 😁

 

Parade of Hearts 1

The first I've seen of the 123 entries in the Parade of Hearts.  This one is called "Sunnier Together" by Jenny Meyer-McCall at Price Chopper in Leawood. All are 2-sided. They began appearing this week throughout the city. More to come.

 

Time for a Checkup

Dr. Lowell is giving the patient an exam. Adam had just come from his 3-year checkup and had his doctor's kit so Lowell got to try it out. Good snow day entertainment.
 

Bugs Bunny Photo Bomb

I'm guessing this is something Dad found to take us all to see. Somebody got a wild hare after 50 years but I can't read who it was. 1990
 

You Are Free to Read Here

 

The Johnson County Library system wants you to know their stand on remaining open minded on issues and censorship. Vala is standing in front of the shelf where the sign is posted.

 

Brrrrrr!

 

As we were reading a book about snowmen, Vala was demonstrating that they were very cold. She kept saying Brrrrr.

 

Wonderful to welcome the children back to Colonial now that COVID appears to be subsiding. Marion Taylor and Renzo, her Canine Companions trainee, gave the welcome back Chancel Steps (formerly Children's Conversation). The peach bow in the front is on Libby's head with Morgan beside her.
 

I'm Big Now

We celebrated Adam's 3rd birthday with a construction cake. He is really in to trucks and construction so it was perfect.
 

Chocolate Is the Answer

Who cares what the question is? I think Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has the right idea. Thanks to Hayden for the photo.
 

Freeze Dance

Vala, Adam and Lowell were having a wild time doing the Freeze dance. It was delightful to watch. Hopping, twirling and freezing were involved.
 

Game Ready

Our first family Final Four after I started at the NCAA. Minneapolis in 1992.

 

Monet's Perspective

We decided to see what Monet would see at this time of year in Monet's Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum. Not nearly as impressive as spring and summer.
 

Spring Planting

Vala and I planted pansies in the front pot. We're optimistic for spring. We disagreed a bit on where the soil should go.