Garden Ambassador

Vala was entertaining visitors to the Kauffman Garden. She also took time to enjoy the flowers.
 

It's A Puzzle

At least this is a puzzle to me. What is the significance of this garage door art? Is it just fanciful or does it have a scientific explanation? Inquiring minds want to know.
 

Surprise!

Matt pulled off a surprise birthday party for Hayden's 40th birthday. Her friend Becky, who delivered her to the event, wore a shirt with Hayden's face for the celebration.

 

Wear Your Mask

Even the buffalo want you to know masks are necessary. The National Parks are strictly enforcing the mandate.

 

Splash Away the Heat

Vala and Adam enjoyed the Mission splashpad on such a hot day. Happy to have water this time around.

 

Under the Willow

Susan was enlisted to pose with Scott for his 2 month photo. I love seeing the willow tree because it was a large part of my early childhood but disappeared all too soon. Such great hiding, and whips.
 

Down in the Dunes

Beautiful sunsets at Indiana Dunes, and the photographers enjoying them.

 

Echoes of the 1933 Chicago World's Fair

These two homes were part of the Century of Progress Homes at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Five of the demonstration homes were moved in 1935 to a special historic district on the bluffs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in partnership with the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana outside Chicago. They are leased to private citizens who must preserve and restore them as needed. 

The Florida Tropical House above was commissioned by Florida to draw tourists who wanted to "live in style". The Wieboldt-Rostone House was created to showcase Rostone, a new building material that would never need repairs. Ironically, by 1950 it had seriously deteriorated.

Below from Lake Michigan.

Hiking the Dunes

 

The dunes often hide under vegetation. The trails are challenging because, you know, walking in sand.

As Far as the Eye Can See

Lake Michigan looking serene.

Model Facade

In front of a new apartment complex going up you can see this model with the paint colors, balcony, windows, etc. Not sure what it's purpose is other than to demonstrate what the building will look like.

Herding Cats

Vala, Adam and I were supposed to be having a snack at Leawood City Park when they decided to head for the pond. All were safely returned to the picnic table and to watch an excavator at work. Never a dull moment.
 

Happy Birthday, Frances

Frances enjoying party time just a few short years ago (1990). Kelly seems really excited.

Enlivening the Hallways

Murals by Scribe, the staff artist at Children's Mercy Hospital, certainly brighten the clinics and hallways at the hospital. We enjoyed this one while waiting in the ENT area so Vala could be checked out after a fall. She was fine, just swollen.
 

Preview of Fall

Vala was enjoying a fall preview checking out the pumpkins at Family Tree.

 

Animals Bring You Books

This fun poster in the library uses animals with book titles to entice readers. You may not be able to read them so I enlarged them below.

In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall

The Redwall Cookbook by Brian Jacques

Self-Care of Cats

Community Cairns

The homeowner said she created these cairns to represent community caring and love. While cairns are traditionally to mark trails or as memorials, I suppose this could be a valid purpose as well.
 

Kicking It Off

The KU Football Kickoff in Corinth returned after a year hiatus for COVID. Great vibe. Maybe this will be our year for football. 😁
 

No Water

Adam's expression says it all as he sits in the Mission splash pad where there is no water. Seems whoever cleaned the drain let all the water out of the reservoir so it was going to be an hour before the sprinklers would turn on. We didn't wait. Too hot.
 

Moving to College

We spent a lot of hot August days moving the girls to dorms or apartments. Here Stacy is moving into her apartment that was across from campus.
 

Annual Surprise

The surprise lilies are blooming – always a nice surprise in the dog days of summer.
 

Grand Entrance

Vala entered the room waving like royalty.

 

Kansas City Jazz Wraps Streetcar

 

Jazz: The Resilient Spirit of Kansas City was created by Hector E. Garcia, a local artist and illustrator as part of the annual Art in the Loop project. In addition to the streetcar wrap, jazz musicians play along the route throughout the summer and special installations adorn several streetcar stops.

 

Adventure Park

 

Lowell, Adam and Vala enjoyed adventures in Big Bull Creek Park - something for everyone. First up, Adam and Lowell had to find the trail and the rivers to cross.😀

 

Master Chef

Adam is helping cook dinner. He is staying with us while his parents are at a wedding in New Jersey.
 

Best Buds

Sometimes. Other times they continually take things away from each other. They've both grown so much!
 

Birthday Shenanigans

I love the photos that have so much happening. The Lafferty girls are delightful here.
 

Dusty Sunrise

Our air quality is definitely affected by the western fires. The early morning sun pointed to it.
 

Is This OK?

This munchkin is fast and adventurous. No, we do not stand on tables.

 

Birthday Celebrations

We celebrated Stacy and Matt yesterday. It's wonderful chaos now with the little ones running around.

 

Kayak Team

 

We had a beautiful morning at Shawnee Mission Park for my first kayak experience. So much fun.