Toddling Good Time

Vala found much to challenge her and enjoy during Toddle Time in Mission.

 

Dr. Adam and Dr. Lowell

Dr. Adam and Dr. Lowell at work. Then they were relegated to a carrot campfire in the jail with Hayden at KidScape at Johnson County Museum.

 

Welcome 1996

Dad and Morgan ring in noon 1996. Dad loved that hat. It saw many new year celebrations.

 

Light the World

The Light the World Giving Machines at Crown Center provide an easy way for folks to donate to one of 6 local charities and two international ones this holiday season. They are on the square next to the Mayor's Christmas tree (one of the charities) and just below the ice rink. As you can see below, you select what you want to donate and then it drops down like a vending machine to show you what you purchased. I selected bedside toys for Children's Mercy. Easy to pay with a credit card. Rather clever way to get donations. There seemed to be a lot of people at least looking. The machines are there until January 1.

 

A Little Snow Magic

A shout out to my snowman spending another Christmas in the snow. She's almost as old as I am so that's a lot of snows.
 

All Prints On

We got the last prints on the tree skirt for 2022. We're going on 3 years, adding new people and prints along the way.
 

The Christmas Story

 

We enjoyed the Christmas Story and candle lighting and then into pajamas to be ready for Santa. Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas Eve

The stockings are hung with hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here.

 

A Cookie for All Seasons

Adam decided to decorate the Christmas cookies for all seasons so we had 4th of July, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Pat's and Christmas. Why not? Colin's baking smock was a bit large.

 

Lighting the Christmas Candles

Preparing for our annual Christmas Eve candle lighting and service, led by Ray. We searched for all the candles in the house for this event each year.

The Latest Handprint

Colin and I added his handprint to the Christmas tree skirt. It's more of a blob but we know what it is.
 

Fire in the Stable

The Paw Patrol is evacuating the animals and people from the manger because of a fire. Adam loves to create emergencies that require firetrucks and police to respond.
 

Riding the Rails

Vala, Lowell and Adam took a ride on the Union Station holiday train. We enjoyed all of the sights of Holiday Reflections, and a picnic dinner.

 

Celebrating Topher

Topher had a birthday party at the Powell Community Center for his 5th birthday. It involved a bounce house and an assortment of things to ride and play on. He and friends had a grand time. Erin lit the candles. He also had donuts that spelled his name.

 

Christmas Talent

Fun to see grandchildren in their various performances. Colin just sat (center) and looked cute but Adam was a great robot. Below, Lowell sang out loud during her performance at school. Hats were the common thread in all.

 

Poinsettia Helpers

They weren't really helping Hayden arrange the poinsettias but having a great time playing in the vicinity.

 

A Visit with Santa En Masse

Yet another visit of all the cousins to Santa at Crown Center. 1996

 

The Wonder

Colin is doing a combat crawl now and was mesmerized when he got to the tree.
 

Not Helping

In the midst of my work creating a blanket for Lowell, two felines attacked. We had to have a discussion.
 

Taking Care

Adam told Vala they had to be careful walking to the car so she should take his hand. Being a helpful big cousin.
 

A Visit with Santa

Colin was intrigued by Santa but not intimidated. Santa visited during the daycare pancake breakfast.
 

Student Sculpture Park

Students at Coffeyville Community College have filled this vacant lot across from the school with chainsaw art since 2014. Sponge Bob and the barber poll are the newest. As the creations disintegrate in the weather, others replace them.

 

A Visit to the Castle

 

Lowell said it was like going to a castle when we entered the Kansas City Museum for a visit to the Fairy Princess. We had cookies in the soda shop downstairs afterward.

 

A Visit to the Fairy Princess

A visit to the Fairy Princess in 1989 isn't being embraced by Frances. Stacy is keeping her in the frame, while Hayden and Morgan are cooperating for the photo.
 

New DJ in Town

Colin is manipulating the controls to create the best tunes. He's pretty proud of the results.
 

Sharing the Joy

Cindy and I were among the helpers at the Cross-Lines Christmas Store. We were doling out dish soap, Kleenex, toilet paper, detergent and housewares to those registered. We were the first day so a bit of a learning curve.
 

More Angels

Joey and Adam fit the wings quite nicely.

 

Float Away

Lowell relaxed into her back float. She was enjoying her lessons.

 

Suds Refillery

You can take an old bottle or container to refill with new soaps and suds at Suds Refillery, new in Shawnee. Their goal is to reduce waste and provide natural products. I found their new bricks and mortar location in downtown Shawnee.
 

Toy Donations

Adam and I bought toys for Operation Breakthrough's toy drive. He put the cars we brought in the box but of course needed to check out the other cool toys.