In the Band

Colin and I enjoyed Mr. Stinky Feet and this time he joined the (back of) the band.

 

Wassmer Park Demonstration Garden

I discovered a beautiful little garden in Wassmer Park at 67th and Roe. Tucked in the corner of the park, it's in the care of Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners. Started in 2019 it has since expanded to include a pollinator garden and a stumpery. People are encouraged to talk to the gardeners as they work.
 

Happy Father's Day

Surrounded by grandkids.

 

How Many Will Fit?

 

Tight but all the cousins fit in the splash pad at once. And then the aftermath – warming in the sun.

 

Unusual Cargo

I watched this dude wrestle these pool noodles for quite awhile until he felt he had them securely fastened. I wanted to follow him to see how it went but someone pulled out in front of me and I lost him. 
 

Modern Fairy Garden

I found this fairy garden updated with solar lights. The mushrooms are lights. You can't really tell they are lit up here but I like the modern convenience.
 

Happy Birthday, Dad

Stacy, Hayden and Morgan were on hand to help him celebrate. 1986
 

Jellyfish Bite

Colin said the jellyfish got him because the waterfall looks like a jellyfish.
 

Back in Business

A bit delayed because of unexpected things found during the project but Round Hill pool is open with all new plumbing and wiring, hidden under the new decking. So it basically looks the same but now it filters, etc.
 

Lowell Celebration

We celebrated Lowell with lots of outdoor shenanigans and cake.

And Finn is about to be 8.

Color Our World This Summer

Vala and I enjoyed the Johnson County Library summer reading launch. She played along with a ukulele musician.

 

Meet Me in the Village

I enjoyed meeting Katie Lee, artist for this temporary installation in the Prairie Village Shops while the old Jones Store is being remodeled. My fixation with murals continues. 😄
 

Action Shots

Adam and Colin wanted action shots of them running through the splash pad so here they are. They picked their favorites.

 

Giddy Up

Not sure how Hayden is staying on and Stacy looks annoyed that she's there. I'm sure I hoisted Hayden on. My grandfather's handiwork.
 

School 150 Years Ago

Going to school like it was 1877. We experienced school at the Oxford School in Leawood, using tablets and chalk pencils.

 

Frame It Up

Adam and Colin took advantage of the selfie spot at church for Pride month. They look like they are on a TV screen.
 

Big Sunday!

We are excited to have approved Rev. Michael Vollbrecht as out senior minister at Colonial. The kids enjoyed it as well.

 

Completed

My string art now has the flowers to make it complete.

 

SpraySeeMo 2025

SpraySeeMo mural festival 2025 has concluded but left behind some seriously cool murals. I love this one (with artists) at 14th and Oak. 

And this cool cat at 28th and Cherry.

 

String Artists

My Christmas present from Hayden was a project at Creative Culture. We made these lovely string vases that we are to put dried flowers in. Hayden is tying off mine above.

 

International Graduation

Susan and Ingrid ready for graduation in 1968.

 

Garden Sphere Hunt

We went on a hunt for the new spheres in Antioch Park. In partnership with Johnson County Developmental Supports, 10 garden spheres are on display at Antioch Park Rose Garden. We found 9 easily but the last one was tricky, off the beaten path. They decided the one below was their favorite.

 

Bounty of the Season

I always love the peonies this time of year. These beauties came from Hayden's yard.
 

Foggi Ice Cream Creations

We watched them make ice cream using liquid nitrogen at a an ice cream and coffee shop in Mission. All ice cream is made in front of the customers. It's a very slow process but interesting.

 

Rocking It

For the first time, Colin embraced a performance and fully participated in his spring show. He was rewarded with a sucker and embraced that as well.

 

Last Day of the 2024-25 School Era

Vala is moving to kindergarten and Lowell to 2nd grade.

 

Moving Up

Adam received his certificate of completion for kindergarten and was officially promoted to first grade.

They performed songs but since Adam was on the back row we didn't get a good view. He had a great time, though.

 

Recital Ready

Hayden had some fun costumes in her dance recital days. 1987 and 1988
 

Paul Bunyan At Work

Colin was sure he could help clear the storm damage. He could not. Howard started the work and Colin was going to finish it.

 

They Know Hats

As part of the Children's Conversation, the minister passed out hats, talking about seasons and what you would wear. The Kerns styled them nicely. You can see Lowell has one and Vala is wearing a scarf.