Day 2-afternoon downtown

The afternoon of Day 2 was spent with my brother. We were able to visit his office downtown and see all the things the city added for the All-Star game. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and God blessed us with beautiful weather. This is one of the spectacular views from my brother's office. This view looks out over the city of St. Louis. One of the things I miss about my house in St. Louis was the wonderful view I had of the city skyline on clear days. I was able to see the Arch and everything. I never got tired of it.

More of the view. This is looking east and south across the Mississippi and over into Illinois.

You have seen many of Colby's faces. This is his executive, sitting behind a desk face. He looks good doesn't he? This is actually his Uncle Kenny's desk.

I can't tell you how good it was to see my brother!!

This is the view of Busch Stadium from my brother's office downtown. The Mighty Mississippi is behind that. I still remember how to spell Mississippi!! Mind you, my brother has no time to sit and watch the game, but he has a great view!! If you don't believe me, visit his office and see the stacks and stacks of b0xes and papers!!

I am no photographer, but I thought this picture was important: Three men in my life, walking together, enjoying one another's company, catching up on life. Don't know who the lady is and didn't even notice her until after I took the picture!!

I was hoping for a Christmas card picture, but Colby's eyes are closed!! Kiener Plaza is in the background too. It has fountains and things. Many rallies for Rams and Cardinals fans are held here.

Wasn't it a beautiful day? The true beauty of the day was getting to spend time with my brother!! There is nothing like a picture in downtown St. Louis with the Arch in the background.

There have to be pictures with Grandma Judy and Papa Ray!! Thanks to my mom for arranging this fun afternoon!!

These miniature "arches" are so cool. I couldn't resist taking the kids picture in front of them. My brother said they put them in for the All-Star game. My kids had their choice of another baseball team logo, but of course, they are faithful Cardinals fans!!

It worked out wonderfully that we were able to come to St. Louis around the time of Grandpa's birthday. I can't begin to put into words how precious Grandpa is to all of us. Terry labeled him "Grandpa Fix-It" many years ago and it's so true. He has a solution for so many things. More importantly, he has been a godly example my whole life. We love you so much Grandpa!!

St. Louis-Day 1

Last week we took a few days to go "home" to St. Louis. Grandma and Grandpa welcomed us with a feast as usual. We were also glad to visit with Aunt Debbie and Uncle Terry. I thought it would be great to put her on here because she faithfully reads my blog!!! So this one's for you Deb!!

It was very obvious Colby has grown since our trip in June. He is almost as tall as his great-grandma. St. Louis-day 2 coming soon!!

Miscellaneous Pics

Here are a few more pics of Grandma and Grandpa's visit. Terry and Dalayna decided to take on Colby and my dad in a game of football. I think Terry and Dalayna won. Dalayna was worn out afterward, but can never pass up the chance to chase and tackle her big brother!!

Terry and Dalayna forming a game plan.

A game of Clue. My mom and Colby teamed up to win the game.

Colby had to make a volcano of clay(we used playdough) for science since we are studying volcanoes. The black lines are supposed to be cooled lava. I was wondering if we would have to mix up plaster and such, but instead it was very simple. Does he look like a volcanologist? he is the young man of many faces!!

This volcano had more eruptions than a real volcano. Colby used at least one-fourth a box of baking soda and half a bottle of vinegar. Terry was hoping for the kind like Peter Brady had on "The Brady Bunch", but that wasn't quite what our science book called for. We were also missing food coloring, so there was no red lava. We enjoyed it anyway!!

Grandma's Pictures from the Fair

My parents have the same camera as we do so I thought it would be neat to see the pictures my mom took too. Some of the pictures we took are similar, but with a different angle, because no 2 people see one event from the same perspective, right? This is another picture of Tim on the ladder.

Dalayna did so well on this she barely needed help.

I think this was one of my favorite cars in the parade. Must have been one of my mom's too!!

I told Dalayna to bring a jacket, but she didn't think she would need one. She was so cold we decided to wrap her in the chair cover. She is so tiny she fit into it like a sleeping bag and kept warm!!

A Day at the Fair

Today was a day we had been waiting a whole year for: the local country fair. It is a huge deal with some of the best food I have ever eaten. My parents even came up to go with us, and we were able to pick up Tim, Colby's friend who he hadn't seen in a year, but they talk on the phone several times a week. Tim lived behind us while we were renting a house for 6 months. We have missed Tim and we are so glad we were able to see him again today!!

We sat in almost the same spot as last year for the parade, where you get the most candy I have ever seen given out!!

Waiting for the parade and Dalayna was shivering. It was a little chilly. Even the thought of candy didn't warm her up!!

Part of the parade, the noisy part!!

Can you beat a pink truck? Terry said that is just wrong!!

This is the mascot for the local Christian radio station we listen too. Dalayna can be heard any given time of the day singing their theme: "Uplifting and encouraging, Star 88.3". We thought it would be fun to have her picture taken with The Star, but had to hurry so we didn't hold up the parade!!

Colby knocking over milk bottles, good old fashioned games!!

At the urging of my dad, Terry decided he wanted to play a game too!! I also played a game, simply hitting milk bottles and didn't even come close. I am so glad noone thought to take a picture of me!!

Terry is watching the weight hit the top. He actually made the bell ring twice.

This activity was called the "Monkey Bridge". I figured Dalayna would walk across with grace and ease and she did!! It was a long wait for this activity.

She made it!!

Here is Colby's friend Tim climbing on "Jacob's Ladder". It looked hard to do!!

He made it!! Ring that bell!!

Colby climbing the ladder. Unfortunately, he didn't make it to the top, but he sure tried!!

Friday Tea-Party Feast

Dalayna has found something she loves to do-plan parties. She plans a party at least once a week. It usually consist of games and food. She even sends out invitations, even though it is just 3 other people. She planned a play food feast for today and spent a very long time preparing. She had special guests at today's party. The only requirement for attendance today was that you had to wear a bead necklace!!

Here is the "feast". It consisted of plastic food of every kind!! Since Grandma and Grandpa are here, they were able to attend the feast, too!!

Even Daddy made an appearance at the tea party and even agreed to wear the mandatory beads for entry.