Another Star Is Born

Adam got a turn on stage with Mr. Stinky Feet during the Bright Light Friday concert at the Kansas City Library.
 

Gathered Around the Table

We had a fine group around the Thanksgiving table. Best way to get a picture with the grandkids is to sit down and hope they are all looking.

 

In Her Hippy Days

Happy Birthday to Cindy (yesterday) from back in 1971. I do miss the turning plate that sang happy birthday to us.

 

Biggest Ever

Colin thought this was the biggest flower he had ever seen. It was a quite large poinsettia.
 

Happy Birthday, Pops!

We celebrated Howard's birthday with a lot of energy and delicious cake. The grandkids enjoyed it as much as he did.

 

Lounge Class

I stepped into the Sunday School room to get a photo and everyone was lounging on bean bags, and looking at me. Not exactly the photo I was after. I'll have to be sneakier next time.
 

First Soccer Team

Vala and Lowell are playing on the Blueberries indoor soccer team. Both show a lot of energy but too early to tell about talent. Below Lowell is kicking the ball in. Fun to watch.

 

Busker in a Magic Show

Colin performed with Reggie Regg the Magic Man at Grandparents Day at his daycare. He was very solemn but did his part. He also let the bird stand on his arm.

He and Pops played while we waited for our Thanksgiving feast.

 

Sunrise, Sunset

Lowell (center) and her class performed Sunrise, Sunset in the Eudora 1st grade program. Their scarves represent sunrise and sunset. She wore a beautiful red velvet dress with ermine trimmed jacket. The school has 5 first grades so you can see below it is a large group.

 

Barbies Then and Now

This is a combination of a throwback and a now. I was showing the girls the picture of when Hayden and Stacy decided to put all Hayden's Barbies in their original clothes. Lowell and Vala were pointing out Hayden's Barbies that they now play with.

Fall Splendor

Colin thought the geese might like the pine needles and wanted to know if he could put them in the lake. Seems like others already had. Then he was looking for fish. Beautiful day at the park.

 

Book Turkey

Clever librarian Mrs. Ferguson has created new seasonal art. Love it!
 

Thanksgiving Meal Box Assembly Line

We filled 100 Thanksgiving meal boxes for Cross-Lines Community Outreach to distribute to their clients. It takes a village.

Lite Brite Holiday Edition

 I introduced Lowell and Vala to Lite Brite with the holiday edition ornaments.

Kicking Off the Season

Overland Park mayor lit the city Christmas tree in Thompson Park followed by a band under Christmas lights and, of course, Santa (for whom the line was quite long). Lovely festive evening.

Nothing to See Here

But I planted 30 tulip bulbs so check back in the spring. I covered the area with leaves to hopefully discourage the squirrel raiders.
 

Time for a Christmas Card

The grandchildren were gathered for a photo for Mom and Dad's Christmas card. Frances appears to have reservations.
 

Can We Go Swimming?

Who needs summer when you can still play in the water? Colin loved the Splash Pad in Lenexa.

 

Saving tyhe Earth, One Pumpkin at a Time

Adam took his job seriously as he smashed pumpkins at the pumpkin collection at Juniper Gardens Training Farm in KCK. They were collecting old jack-o-lanterns to keep them out of the landfill and from creating greenhouse gases.
 

Teal Time

Continuing the recent tradition of championship Kansas City sports teams, KC Current is advancing to the semifinal of the National Women's Soccer League. Union Station is celebrating them. Teal Time features a clock that count downs to the next game once the date is announced.
 

Ring Security

Topher, nephew of the groom, was in charge of the wedding rings before the ceremony. I enjoyed his Ring Security box that he carried them in.
 

Celebrating Chris and Jessica

We celebrated the wedding of Chris and Jessica at Powell Gardens. It was fun to gather with family. Cousins (and Scott) gathered and the senior siblings.

Pumpkin Art

The doctors office had a pumpkin decorating contest. These are two of my favorites. Such creativity.

 

Motley Relatives

This motley assortment of Burkhardt relatives is an unusual gathering. As I recognize folks, back row: Harold Winter, Steve, Chris, Scott (with winsome hat), Kerry, Bruce Winter, Hal?, me (also in a winsome hat). Middle: Grandma Vala, Gussie, Ethel Winter, unknown (might be Joyce - Kerry's 1st wife), Susie, Helen, Roy. Front: Mom, Cindy, Debbie Winter, Jaryl and Chrissy (outlaws). 1972

 

Helping Others

Colin helped me unload applesauce for the Thanksgiving boxes the church is preparing for Cross-Lines.
 

I Did My Part

Happy Election Day! We voted at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center with no waiting late last week. But yesterday morning there was a traffic jam on Metcalf as folks tried to get in before the noon cutoff. Procrastinating seldom pays.
 

Learning About All Saints Sunday

Pastor Michael was explaining why we light the candles on All Saints Sunday. I loved that Vala wore her backpack and Adam hung out with hands in pockets.
 

Change of Seasons

Moving on from Halloween.

 

Día de los Muertos

Vala and Lowell put the names of dead loved ones (my parents, Grandma Lowe and some cats) on flowers to add to the Día de los Muertos display in Kirkland Hall at the Nelson-Atkins.

To go along with the Day of the Dead, we visited the mummy.