Treasure Boxes

Hayden created the names for my boxes and I filled them with tiny treasures for Christmas.

 

A Powerful Wish

Lowell and I went to see "Wish", which we enjoyed. Asha makes a powerful wish that changes everything. Lowell dressed up to go but they didn't have a Wish poster to take her picture in front of so she opted for the panda.

 

We Almost Escaped

Stacy, Hayden and I had a fantastic time trying to solve the Pyramid Paradox and escape the room. We were very close when we ran out of time. We said we wanted to finish so they sent in an assist and we managed. Great fun. It was my birthday present and we got it scheduled in the calendar year!
 

A Visit from Santa

Long ago, Santa visited me in the Capital-Journal newsroom. Apparently I was being warned to be good. 1976
 

Santa Claus Lane

It's unofficial, but Rosewood in Prairie Village should be renamed Santa Claus Lane for December. More than 30 homes participated putting these friendly guys in their front yards. Joyful!

 

Opening Stockings

The grandkids enjoyed finding treasures in their Christmas stockings.

 

A Very Merry Christmas Eve

Candlelight pageant and Christmas jammies for bed. Merry Christmas!

 

The Stockings Are Hung

... with hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here. Merry Christmas Eve!
 

The Giving Machine

Adam and Lowell helped me pick a donation at the Giving Machine in Union Station. We donated a hat and gloves to kids in the foster program. We were given an ornament to commemorate our donation.

 

Holiday Reflections

Our excursion to Holiday Reflections at Union Station was delightful. The little train is always popular although Colin bailed early. We enjoyed the new dancing waters and Adam and Joseph made excellent Santas.

 

The Star

Hayden (center) was the Star of Bethlehem above Mary and Joseph (who were part of our long ago playgroup) for the preschool program. We were lucky to have a shiny gold vest that she could wear as a costume.
 

Bringing Me Flowers

Colin and I were meandering through the greenhouse when he decided to bring me a poinsettia. Thankfully it wasn't injured.
 

Gammy Claus

Hayden made me this cool sweatshirt. Notice my grandchildren on the sleeve.

 

Twinnkle, Twinkle Little Tree

My little musical, light-up tree has entranced my grandchildren since Lowell was a baby. Vala does like to stop it in mid turn.
 

Still Glowing 65 Years Laker

Candy Cane Lane lives on and seems even brighter this year. Every house participated, which is not always the case. They've also added a modern touch with a QR code to donate to OriginArtsKC.org, which promotes creative opportunities in Kansas and Missouri, instead of standing out with collection buckets.

 

Christmas Thespians

Colin and Adam performed in their daycare Christmas program. Colin mostly stared but Adam embraced the moment. He even had a speaking part.

 

Full of Vim and Vigor

After her bout with RSV Vala is back racing around and telling jokes. Glad to have this Vala back.
 

The Nutcracker Ballet

A couple of presentations of The Nutcracker in 1992 just a few days apart. Hayden (kneeling front right) danced in a program in 6th grade at Briarwood Elementary. Stacy (below in lavender) danced with Somerset Ballet at the Carriage Club.

 

C Is for Colin

Colin and I were not allowed into story time because we hadn't made a reservation so we entertained ourselves.
 

Naughty or Nice?

Isabella helped herself to a Santa ornament off the tree and was playing with it. I think that qualifies as naughty although her look says she challenges that determination.
 

Lowell in Her Special Glasses

Adam and Lowell participated in Children's Conversation and then Sunday School (below). Lowell cracked me up because she was wearing the glasses I have for our grandkids to look at the Christmas tree and see different shapes such as stars/snowmen/Santas in the lights.

 

Fairy Princess Reigns

Colin didn't like the Fairy Princess any better than Santa so Stacy had to join the photo. He was happier later with his cookie. Lowell loved the crowns they received. Unfortunately Vala was ill and unable to participate.

 

Providing a Helping Hand

Cindy and I worked as helpers at the Cross-Lines Community Outreach Christmas Store. Below you can see Cindy in action with a client.

 

Too Close

I sat with Colin but he still wanted no part of Santa and didn't want Santa to look at him. He was OK for the story time - from a distance.

 

Three Wise Men

I believe Frances and Hayden and the clown are the wisemen for the little pageant the cousins used to do at Christmas. Cindy appears to be the narrator and you can see Stacy and Morgan lurking at the back. I guess we had the clown because we were short a player. 1994
 

Let the Games Begin

Fun to be in Allen Fieldhouse and watch the Jayhawks beat the Roos.
 

Leaving Impressions

The leaves on our patio left prints during the rain. We had dust from when they cut our flooring. We left it to the rain to wash it away. Instead the rain created art.
 

Kicking Off the Season

We kicked off the Christmas season with cookie decorating, a visit from Santa and a chili cook-off with the Donnelly cousins.