A Day At the Farm

What a gorgeous day we had today. High of only 75. Decided to go to the Deanna Rose Farmstead with some friends. We hadn't been in a couple of years and there were a lot of changes. They had the new front red barn entrance and are in the process of working on the town bank. The farm is free but they take donations and have corporate sponsors. They are in the process of saving for the Ice Cream Parlor building. They've raised about $351,000 of the $500K they figure it will take to build it. It is an awesome place for the kids. Lots of animals, plant life, a dairy barn, old fashioned school and more "pioneer like stuff". A fun dinner at Old Chicago. We couldn't have asked for a better day!

 

Getting Ready

They have arrived! Our documents for our Disney trip have arrived. The luggage tags are totally awesome. We got tired of having to worry about ours weighing more than 50 pounds with clothes for all four people so I bought the girls their own luggage at JCP probably a year ago. Now we don't have to worry. I'm not one of those women that have to take 1/2 their closet on a vacation. I am ALL for minimizing. I personally am so excited for this family vacation with JUST OUR FAMILY. We have not been on a major family vacation with just the four of us since 2000. I'm not talking about weekenders to St Louis or Oklahoma or the cruises Mike & I have been on compliments of AAKC. I'm talking about major vaca time. In the 11 times we have been to Disneyland, we have NEVER gone as just our little family and that is just sad. Our two girls are growing up so fast and will be doing their own thing with husbands and children in the blink of an eye. And that is how it should be, so while they are still young I want to create great memories for them of fun things with Daddy & Mama. The best part is they are both old enough and tall enough for all the rides with neither of them scared to go on anything. What a great week its going to be!

 

Sunday Afternoon Drive

As you all know the announcement was made in General Conference on Oct. 4, 2008 that Kansas City Missouri will be getting a temple. We were SO excited. Our district now is St Louis which is a 4 hour drive from our home. The Winter Quarters Temple in Omaha, NE is only 3 hours but they don't have a Spaghetti Factory. Anyhoo, it was such a beautiful afternoon yesterday we decided to take a family drive out to the site of our temple. Rumor has it that groundbreaking will start next spring. Its not much to look at now, but we hope to post pictures as the progress goes along. It will also be visible from I-435.

 

First Day of School

It seems only a short while ago that the girls were out of school even though it has been 13 weeks. And what a summer it has been. A cruise, two weeks in Utah, swim lessons. But alas it is back-to-school today. Savannah is in the 5th grade and has Mrs. Olberding as her teacher. This will be her last year in elementary school. Sixth grade is moving up to Jr High next year. Haylie is in the 2nd grade and Mrs. Griffen is her teacher. Me, I look forward to a little peace and quiet for a time, being able to grocery shop without someone bugging me to buy them something and getting back to the fitness center. They will be missed during the day but I will be anxious to hear about their days in school and seeing what they are accomplishing.

 

Elders Quorum vs High Priests. Hmmmm.

Spent a great evening at the park with a little ball between the men in the ward. Elders Quorum won by 6. Way to go guys! Enjoyed pizza, salads, drinks and desserts with all their families afterwards. What an awesome night.

 

Little Fish

Another year of swim lessons completed. Savannah passed Level 5 with flying colors. Only one more level to go. Haylie finished her first year of Level 4 but still has three items that need to be passed off. Great job and we'll try it again next year.