Sunday, June 28, 2015

week twenty-six






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With Granddad at the wheel and myself on entertainment and snack committee, we managed to make it to PA in a (looooooong) day's drive!  That meant we had the rest of the week to enjoy being with our extended family.  We're so blessed!

Elise:  Recently enjoyed watching "Dolphin Tale" at her friend Chloe's house and is now captivated by all things dolphin!  While we were driving to Avalon (Thanks, Hayd, Michele and crew!!) she asked where we would have to go to see dolphins in the wild and I told her we'd probably have to be farther south to have a good chance...well, late in the afternoon we spotted four dolphins just off the shore and she could not have been more delighted!

Caleb:  Project Man - at it again.  This time, with the help of Uncle Hayd, the kids dug a gigantic hole in the sand - the perfect recipe for lots of beachy fun!

Lucas:  Watching these two makes my heart almost burst with joy.  For the first two days we were at my mom and dad's, Lucas jumped up and ran to the door everytime he heard it open - thinking it was Makari!  Meanwhile, Makari was at home telling Michele that he couldn't wait another minute to be with Lucas!  Cousin love is the best!!!!

Eden:  In Grammie's kitchen, making up a batch of Blackberry Fool (inspired by the book, A Fine Dessert!) with Aunt Lydia and Elise.  Soooooo special!  She helped pick the blackberries, whip the cream, AND lick the spatula.

The Crew:  Oh beach days, how I miss you!  We'll be back soon!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

week twenty-five






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On Father's Day weekend my dad flew out to St. Louis to spend a few days with us before chauffeuring us back "home" to Pennsylvania. The kids and I planned to stay east for three weeks, with Josh flying in for the middle week to be with us at the cottage and with his sister and her family in town.  We don't usually get to have just my dad for a visit, so it was wonderful to share a little bit of life with him here in the Lou.


Elise:  Sharing "spritzers" with Granddad in her favorite little backyard hideaway!



The Crew:  We spent the morning at the sendoff for "The Great Race" which began just down the street from us.  Over 100 classic cars were participating in a 9 day race that would end in Santa Monica and we were at the starting line!

#2:  Another special treat this week was a visit from our dear friend Kelley and her beautiful children!  We became friends in Japan almost a decade ago and having our seven little ones together was just wonderful. What a blessing it is to live one town over from her parents so that we get to see her when she comes to visit!

#3:  We did put Granddad to work for a little while since our piano needed to be tuned and have some small adjustments made.  I'm pretty sure it was not his most efficient tuning and repair job, but his eager sidekicks did enjoy learning more about how pianos work!

#4:  We managed to hit Tropical Moose twice over the weekend.  No one complained!

Saturday, June 13, 2015

week twenty-four





Uncle Sam's First Visit to St. Louis!

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Elise:  On our first day we took Sam on the "Kirkwood Circuit!"  We rode bikes to town and enjoyed stops at the library, Sammy Soap, and the train tracks.  After all that, we headed home for lunch and rests and then spent the rest of the day at the pool!  

Caleb:  Got his annual summer buzz cut from Uncle Sam - this time complete with racing stripes.  He's just a little bit excited!

Lucas:  Always up for games and adventures, we spent day two biking and exploring around Forest Park.  When we weren't riding, we were either kicking a soccer ball, picnicking, hunting for stray golf balls, or splashing in streams and fountains.  I can't remember the last time I was sooo exhausted at the end of a day!  (Did I mention we also trekked around the Arch and Busch Stadium before grabbing some Ted Drewes on our way to meet Josh for dinner!)

Eden:  Loved watching her dash across the room to hug Sam's legs at random times throughout the day!  We spent our last epic day together at none other than the City Museum!


More highlights below...














Come back soon!

Sunday, June 7, 2015

week twenty-three









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Elise:    Her "Wanted" poster of "Pancake Man" for the wall of art at Nashville's famous Pancake Pantry ... I have been dreaming of those pancakes for a week now... they really were that good!

Caleb:  "The Collector" - this guys takes the phrase "reuse, renew, recycle" to a whole new level.  The walking sticks did not return home with us from the Shawnee Nat'l Recreation Center, but they were put to good use for the few hours that we hiked around the Garden of the Gods!

Lucas:  His happy place...anywhere where he can climb and be just a little dangerous!

Eden:  "I hike-ning, mom!" she said enthusiastically when it was finally safe enough to give her freedom from the Ergo.  (Another verbal highlight of the week was Eden saying "Bless Mommy" when I sneezed!)

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Josh took three days off and we decided to head to Nashville for a long weekend to explore a city that was new for all of us!  The weather was gray and cold and fairly rainy, but we managed to see a good bit of the city and enjoy some of it's finest sites.  We also had a wonderful visit with my cousin Lara and her family and my dear Aunt Gail happened to be in town as well - lucky us!  Music City, we'll be back...especially for more pancakes!!