Battle of the Books 2022

I've enjoyed attending these competitions among middle school readers but this year we had to watch online. You can see Mrs. Ferguson (who was facilitating the competition) on the left. They were gathered at Hocker Grove. Hayden had five Indian Hills teams there but Hocker took the trophy. She has been very pleased with the participation this year at her school.
 

Burkhardt Gathering

Not sure of the occasion but we're in Topeka and it appears to be 1968 since Ingrid is in it. It's us, Vala and the Jensens and Gussie but not sure of the two others.
 

Bedtime Puzzle

Lowell and I are doing a jigsaw puzzle on my iPad before bed.

 

Cozy Shelter

As we are in the bite of winter, I thought it was a good time for this tiny house in DeSoto. It's a bus stop shelter for school kids. They can wait in it for their bus to get out of the weather - rain or snow. Matt said they had these in Minnesota. Thanks to Hayden for the photo.
 

Feline Hoodie

Hayden got a hoodie for Lola since she had to have her knotted hair shaved. Wanted to be sure she was warm enough.
 

Some Days are Just Too Much

Vala was expressing her opinion of the day. She wasn't sleeping - just flopped down. I've felt this way many times over the last couple of years.
 

The View from Above

Hayden participated in a spouse experience provided by the Air Force to see what the refueling crew does. Matt was not on the flight with her. She was able to lay above where the crew member handling the refueling would be so she could see Matt's perspective on a flight.

 

Make a Match

It was too cold to go adventuring so they tried their hands at matching. Some were better than others.
 

Browsing the Market

I and my friend Jane (to the left) browsed the Straw Market in Nassau in 1978. As I'm vacation planning, it seemed appropriate to travel back to the Bahamas.
 

The Time of Day

 

From Day to Dusk is a fascinating view of Monet's Water Lilies with the different light throughout the day making a profound impact on how you see the painting. Through 10 minutes you can observe the painting change at the various times of day. Here's dawn, midday and dusk but there is so much more to see. Well worth the visit to the Nelson-Atkins.

 

Rock Artist

Lowell received a rock art kit for Christmas and is beginning her design.

 

A Cold and Frosty Start

With temperatures hovering near zero, yesterday dawned with frosty patterns as decoration.
 

Welcoming 2022

 

Haircuts for Kids

Lowell got the Frozen treatment for her haircut. Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids cuts hair in cool cars. Lowell then had her hair braided like Elsa in Frozen.

 

A Quiet Stable

It's actually a shelter house but each morning as I drive by it makes me think of the Christmas stable. I appreciate public works for creating this. I find this a peaceful way to wish 2021 adieu.