Happy Birthday to Scott

Such a cute little guy. He hasn't changed a bit.

 

Emergence

Vala enjoyed the tunnel at Thompson Park.

 

For the Grandkids

This entertainer in Downtown Overland Park was taking tips for hs "Grandkids Vacation Fund."
 

Seems Clear and Yet

So at 5:30 in the morning, the gate is wide open and no construction workers. Apparently the sign wasn't big enough or clear enough.
 

Indoor Picnic

After cookie baking and sprinkler play, we opted for an indoor picnic out of the heat.
 

Monkey Smash

Just showing their Chiefs support but it looks like the monkey was smashed on the grill.
 

Hanging with the Goats

We had a delightful day at the Deanna Rose Farmstead.

 

Taking a Break

The family sitting outside our tiny home in Ouray, CO just 21 years ago. They are sitting where they can see the river, which was just steps from our door. The cook kettle traveled downstream while we were gone during a storm but we were able to retrieve it.
 

Summer Time Treats

What better on a hot day than Popsicles?! Mine fell in my lap about half way through. I guess I wasn't eating fast enough.
 

Finn Is 5

We celebrated Finn's birthday but he won't actually be 5 until this weekend, when he will be back in Milwaukee.
 

Wrangling the Kiddos for Father's Day

We got everyone in the picture but couldn't quite get them all looking at the camera.
 

In the Garden

I enjoyed the garden tour provided by my friend, Janet, for women of our church. She has beautiful shade and sun gardens. I would have lingered if not for the heat.

 

One Last Heart

The Parade of Hearts ended yesterday with online and live auctions to raise money for those hurt by the pandemic. I have enjoyed seeing all the creativity. This one is at University of Kansas Health System Eye Center on State Line.

 

Best Fun On HOT Day

We took the gang to the Mission splash pad since it was so hot. With the temperature hovering in the high 90s, it was the perfect entertainment.

Celebrating Ray

As we observed Dad's 100th birthday Saturday, seemed like a good time for a birthday photo.
 

Dancing Tradition Continues

Lowell started her tap/ballet class, following the tradition of her mother. She's concentrating hard. All looks very familiar.
 

Just Chillin'

Vala just kicking back in the garden coffee shop with a homemade blueberry pop tart.

Soda Jerks Are Back

It was fun to have our soda jerks back serving up root beer floats in celebration of summer.
 

We enjoyed having author Jim Cosgrove join our book group to talk about his book, "Ripple."

 

First Date

This little guy and I had our first one-on-one visit. Colin had reservations at the beginning but he came around.
 

Cat Rescue

Vala drove the firetruck and Adam manned the bucket truck to rescue a kitten in the magical world of make believe. Adam tells great stories.
 

Bicycle Mechanics

Not sure why Howard and Mom are working on this bike. It looks like the old Huffy I had.
 

Gazing into the Fire

This little gnome was enjoying his campfire. Another interesting scene discovered on a walk.
 

Lowell Is 4!

We had a fabulous celebration for Lowell's birthday, including a pizza picnic.

 

 

Spaghetti Ghost

One of the ghosts signs in downtown Kansas City – I remember eating there with Dad in the'80s. I remember it had a trolley inside that you could sit in. Not sure when it closed but I'm sure it's been 20 years. I recall something to do with a flag on the table when ordering that you moved to the top but maybe that was somewhere else. Fun to see the old signs.
 

Forest Bathing

I participated in a Forest Bathing experience – in the rain – near Lawrence yesterday. Shannon Gorres, a UCC minister among other things, led the session for a group from our church. I'd read about Forest Bathing during the pandemic as a wholeness/wellness idea so was interested when the church scheduled an opportunity. She ended the time with medicinal tea and a discussion about the healing affects of various plants. You can see the pink clover in my cup.

 

The Golden Scoop

We enjoyed cups of ice cream at The Golden Scoop, an ice cream and coffee shop in Overland Park with a mission to provide meaningful employment for people with developmental disabilities. The ice cream is in individual cups to help the employees be most successful. Our Super Scooper provided a delightful experience.
 

Counting Along

Lowell and Adam were counting along so Vala joined in. She does great until 12.

 

Growing Up Fast

Guess who turns 4 on Monday? Miss Lowell!

 

My Little Cookbook Library

The Culinary Center in downtown Overland Park has a new spin on the My Little Library trend. They have cookbooks - take one, leave one.