Late to the Party

We survived the first round of storms unscathed and then Thursday two huge limbs fell from our oak in the front yard, thankfully hitting nothing. We have a tree company coming to trim the tree this week but they sent a large truck to pick up the storm damage so we didn't have to wait.

 

Clean Cars for Charity

The VBS kids returned for a car wash to raise money for Cross-Lines Community Outreach Christmas Store. Even Stacy and Hayden got drafted. Adam brought his bike to wash. Colin came in time for popsicles but mostly cared about the sponges. We did raise $1,400. I think people felt sorry for us in the heat.

 

 

Vacation Bible School Day 2

Adam participated in storytelling and Lowell created a colorful bird during VBS day 2. At the end an interloper (Vala) crashed in for a chance at the stuffies being shot out of the cannon. She got one.

 

VBS Games

Adam engaged in rolling a lemon on a line competition and Lowell hit the ball high in the air to keep it afloat. Fun and games at Vacation Bible School.

 

Need a Bigger Pool

Susie, Steve and I and neighbor Nancy Love in the backyard pool, circa August 1954. Not sure why three of us are standing so close together or what Susie is gazing at. Unfortunately the photo was folded on her. I see a total lack of shade and our Little Brown Hut. 

As a sidebar, the temperatures that summer were in the 100s with a high of 112 on July 13. It appeared to stay in the 100s through August. So if we think we're hot now ... it's not new.
 

So Many Choices

Colin perused many shelves before finding a book that most appealed to him.

 

Sabotage

With the help of some rowdy birds, my bird feeder was knocked to the ground and this little guy took advantage.

 

Barbie Fun

Lots of fun photo ops at Union Station for the Barbie movie premier. You can even put yourself in a Barbie box so you look like a new Barbie.

 

Fox Alert

This fellow appeared in our yard. We wonder if he/she was displaced by all the tree and shrub removal caused by the storm.
 

Kansas City Cowboys for Cops Trail Ride

A group of horse enthusiasts who support law enforcement have an annual trail ride to raise awareness for and fund raise for Jackson County Sheriff's Mounted Posse's POSSE 100 Fund. The fund is designated for first responders and their families in times of need. The ride yesterday had about 200 riders who began at Kemper Arena and returned there with a Kansas City Police escort. Below the riders are headed back to the arena.

 

Twirl and Stitch

Adam and I took Lowell to her dance class and watched her dance. Then she and Adam enjoyed the activities in the busy box the center loaned us during the class.

 

Too Much Water

In July 1993, our Topsy's factory took a major hit when Southwest Blvd. flooded – as you can see. Howard and Stacy are examining the ruins. We were set to leave on vacation and only had to delay a couple of days because we had to wait for more supplies to restart. We were headed to Springfield, IL and you can see below we made it, although it was tricky getting across the high Mississippi River.

 

The Queen

Queen Vala graced us with her presence. I asked if she was queen of the fairies - she has wings - but she said no, just The Queen.
 

Falling Hard

Mostly it was large branches that went down in the storm but a few were like this - the whole tree. For those who had their wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Nidiffer, it's his old building that bore the brunt of this large tree.

 

A Wonderful Sight

Seeing the new transformer go up on the new pole was a glorious sight, followed by the freezer light showing us power was coming on. 72 hours is a long, hot time without power.

 

Powerful Storm

Still without power 48 hours in after pummeled by storm Friday afternoon. No tree damage for us but plenty around us.

Puzzle Time

Lowell and Howard enjoy working puzzles together on his tablet.

 

The Boy Likes to Climb

Adam loves to get high on things. Here he announced he's on top of the world.
 

Back When We Were All Stars

Stacy and I enjoyed volunteering for the 2012 All Star Game in Kansas City, back when Kansas City had baseball hopes. Let that come again. We were working outside the actual game, directing folks. We could see parts on the scoreboard. And we got these cool shirts.
 

Stingray Bursts

Colin enjoyed the varying bursts of water out of the stingray.

 

Vibrant Blooms

These lilies were bursting with color in the dawn light.

 

Sight and Sound of Summer

A sprinkler spritzing away is just one of the many sounds of summer walks. Caught a little bit of rainbow at the edge of this one.
 

Patriotic Flowers

This clever homeowner found a way to turn their white hydrangeas into a July 4 celebration. I'm guessing a spray.
 

A Fairy Super Hero

Vala needed to wear all the super hero capes to go with her fairy costume.
 

Teamwork

Colin decided to go down the big slide. Thankfully Adam was at the bottom to slow him as I couldn't get around quickly enough from the top. They teamed up again when Colin's scoop got away from him and was headed under the bridge.

 

Sparkler to Sparkler

Dad is lighting a sparkler from Hayden's with Morgan waiting in line. Stacy is standing by with a lighter. 1996
 

Happy Birthday, USA!

Great fun celebrating the 4th. We started with the Round Hill parade. Then celebrated Vala's birthday and lit some snakes.

Happy Birthday, Vala!

Vala turned 3 yesterday and we celebrated with lunch at Fritz's. Adam and Lowell rode the train.

 

Everything Old Is New Again

After seven months, the lower level of Colonial Church is finally open again. We did a ceremonial ribbon cutting after church. Most of the work was infrastructure but we did redo the basement level of the original church (see below) and it reminds me a lot of what the old social hall looked like without the partitions for Sunday school classes. This view is looking toward the west, so the end where the chapel doors are.