Let the Festivities Begin

With the Chiefs home opener looming next week, lots of Chiefs celebrations popping up. This one was at Prairie Village Shops.
 

Sleeping

The theory is that perennial's sleep the first year they're planted, creep the next and leap the third. Here's hoping my Cheyenne Spirit coneflower will give me more than one bloom next year.
 

She Won't Let You Win

Looks like a game of concentration. Mom never let the kids win so no hints. Hayden is concentrating to determine her next move as Stacy looks on. 1985
 

When It's 96 Degrees

You have ice pops and splash pad time. Last chance for the splash pad since they close on Labor Day.

 

Killed It

The Kansas City Country Club is undertaking a complete renovation of its golf course. So instead of gazing upon its lush green acres, we see this. Seems it's going to cost them several million dollars for this and for now we have this. With the current temperature approaching 100 degrees, looks more like a desert.
 

Let the Battle Be Joined!

Adam and George concluded Sunday School with the Pharaoh and his general ready for battle. Teacher Cindy said it didn't really have anything to do with their lesson, but they were having fun.
 

Teed Up

This mushroom on its stem looked like a golf ball teed up.

The Good Ol' Summer Time

These folks enjoying a quiet morning fishing seemed to just exude summer vibes. They had even caught some.
 

Time to Say Farewell

The Parade of Hearts is ending and removal has begun. They are being auctioned off for charity. Here is the new street car backed by the old trolley on the Back on Track heart by artist Ben Walters. No hearts next year and then a new format is coming in 2026. Stay tuned.

 

Happy Birthday, Frances!

Happy birthday to Frances today. Here she is sporting the "Ray & Mary's Uninvited Guests" shirt from Mom and Dad's anniversary party in 1991.
 

It's Not Over Yet!

Colin didn't let cooler temperatures or threat of rain impede his joy in water sport as we close in on the end of the season for water parks.
 

Receiving His Blessing

Pastor Michael called all teachers/educators, active or retired, to come forward for a blessing as the school year starts. Colin popped right up with Hayden and stayed for the blessing. We thought he would rush to sit down after he realized he was the only kid but he did not.

 

The Lunch Bunch Together Again

The Sunday Lunch bunch has grown a lot since we suspended it during the pandemic. Now we have the occasional picnic. Really difficult to get everyone to look at the same time. Apologies to Frances.
 

Back in the Studio

Vala wanted another chance to paint so she chose an elephant bank. We'll see the results after firing in a week.
 

Kicking Off the Season

This year the KU Football Kickoff at Corinth featured an inflatable corn hole game with KU pillows. What more could you want? It was hot enough I didn't last until the actual pep rally.
 

Colin's First Day

After Adam had his picture taken with his sign about the first day of kindergarten, Colin got into the act because he had to stay home with pink eye.
 

Moving In

Moving Hayden into the dorm her freshman year at K-State took all of us. Stacy seems to find it hilarious. Howard is putting the loft together. It was a mere 24 years ago.
 

Rain Didn't Dampen

Colin and I went to the garden center to feed the fish but the rain interfered so we had a treat. His enthusiasm wasn't affected.
 

The Girls Are Cooking

Lowell and Vala created kitchen sink cookies that included all the things they like - chocolate chips, M&Ms and sprinkles. They were delicious.
 

On to College

Dodger, a Canine Companion in training, has been attending Colonial for a year under the guidance of his handler, Marion. She took him on as a puppy and now he goes to headquarters in Ohio to see who he is best suited to help. He got a blessing to send him on his way.
 

A community art project in Black Hoof Park allows the artists to bring creative messages of hope to the outdoor space. This one is particularly fun but the others are more traditional poles. You can see them through September.

 

How Far Can They Go

Lowell, Vala and Adam love to line up all my cars. Together they made a line that led from the living room, up the steps and into the kitchen.

 

One Less Tree

A huge tree was removed from our neighbor's backyard. Here are the logs. The crew came to pick them up and Vala and Lowell enjoyed the show. The claw dropped the logs loudly in the truck, sounding like thunder.

Thank You Teachers

Ms. Huggins in her classroom at Brookwood Elementary. 2008. Still teaching but happy not to be in a classroom now. She was back at work yesterday for the new school year.
 

Almost Missed This Surprise

I think they peaked while I was gone but end of July always brings the delightful surprise of the hardy amaryllis or surprise lilies.
 

The Littlest Matryoshka

We brought a set of nesting dolls and the book "The Littlest Matroyshka" back for the grandkids - one for the Kerns and one for the Fergusons. I was reading the book to them and Adam had the dolls lined up.

 

Bringing the Goods

VBS Camp ended during worship with the kids bringing in a kayak they had filled with household goods for the Cross-Lines Christmas Store. 
They also did a dance.

Birthday Celebrations

We celebrated Stacy and Matthew's birthdays with cake between the dates. Stacy's was Thursday and Matthew's is today.

 

Let 'em Fly

The kids lined up and the youth shot beanie babies out of a potato shooter. It's a tradition at the end of VBS.

Vala and Adam each captured one, although not in flight.

 
 

Adventures in Vacation Bible Camp

Camp Firelight provided a variety of fun for Lowell, Vala and Adam. Dancing, crafts, gravity and the discovery of the hidden spiral staircase.

 

Before She Broke Free

Happy birthday to Stacy today. This is back when we kept her behind bars. 😂