Maggie turns 11 & Halloween Fun!

Trick or Treat fun with our Friends


Natalie bringing back the 80's, Jake as Optimus Prime, & Maggie the Creepy Clown


Hayride Fun with Friends


Maggie's Peacin' Birthday Cookie

Fall '09

We have had some gloomy days here in STL this fall... but when the sun comes out, what a treat!! The colors this year are just beautiful and this past Saturday we took the kids to go pick some pumpkins. We also took a little hike to enjoy the gorgeous weather we were having that day.

Krysta moves back to Florida

Krysta is back in the Sunshine State... ready to start her second year of college. I drove down with her to help her get moved back into the dorms and see some friends and family while I was there. Krysta stayed busy this summer working and taking a couple of online courses and was very ready to get back to get into her school routine. She will be taking 19 hours this semester. GOOD LUCK Krysta!

Happy 15th to Natalie!!

What a difference a year makes!! Last year, we had just moved to STL, and Natalie's birthday fell on her first day of high school, in a new town. Needless to say, many tears were shed that day and it truly was the worst birthday my Natalie has had. But, things were much better this year. Although, once again, her first day of school fell on her actual birthday (Aug. 12), no tears were shed and I would have to say overall, this birthday was much better. We are so proud of Natalie and the sweet, funny, crazy, young lady she is turning into. We love you... Happy Birthday!

Friends come to town

This past weekend Maggie's best friend LeeAnn from Cincinnati, and her sister Hannah came for a quick visit to STL. Their mom Kim and Nana Sheila got to tag along also. :) We went to The Muny on Friday night to see the play Hairspray and then went to see the Arch on Saturday. The girls had a fun time being together and it was nice for them to make the drive this way to see us.

Jake starts Kindergarten

Today Jake started Kindergarten and Maggie began her 5th grade year. Yes, it is a bit early to begin school but the elementary school in our district goes year round so in nine weeks, Jake and Maggie will have a 3 week break. This continues until the summer when they have a six week summer break. And yes, it is short and goes by way too fast. Jake had a good first day of Kindergarten. He was excited to ride the bus to school and the only "bad" thing was a wasp bite he got at recess but was able to get ice put on it in the nurses office. I'm looking forward to having some "me" time but also looking forward to getting more involved with the school this year.

4th of July Weekend Family Visit

This fourth of July weekend we had company from Texas! GranC, Aunt Heather and Ryan came in for a too quick visit but we are so glad they did. Ryan and Jake had a blast together. They get along so well and just makes me wish we lived closer so they could spend more time together. The weather was rainy and overcast most of the weekend but much cooler temperatures than what they are use to in Texas. GranC watched the little guys while all us big kids went downtown to the Arch for our 4th of July celebration. It was good to be with family this weekend and we are so blessed and thankful for the freedoms we have in this country and for the men and women who make sacrifices so that we can have that! Hope everyone had a Happy 4th!!