Missouri (Misery--hee hee) Loves Company

We made our, what it seems has become 'annual', pilgrimage back to St. Louis to see family and hang out with our cousins in the usual play intensely, play daily, play like it will be a year before you get to play again type of trip.

This year also included a trip within the trip; we went to Nauvoo, IL in the middle to spend 3 days there and see Matt's parents who volunteered helping with the Nauvoo Pageant for 3 1/2 weeks this summer. It also included a trip after our trip since on the way home we stopped in Kirtland, OH and Palmyra, NY to visit some church history sites.

Here are some of my favorite pictures:

Gotta love watching the scenery (or DVD) on the road. Except for the 2 1/2 hour delay Day 1 due to road construction, the drive was just great. If I saw one more sign that said "Be prepared to Stop" I was going to lose my mind.

A natural moment hanging out with Hailey and Elise, all decked out in funky dress up clothes--Hailey's funny hat and bandana, Mary's Indian pants, Elise's beret and clown outfit, and this is just missing Andrew in his police hat.

A fun day at Suson Park playing, seeing the animals and having a picnic. This is the starting line at the race to the tree.

Annie was happy hanging out at the table. I think the long 'we're having company' tables were brought out almost daily.

A shot of Nanny and Papa with the grandkids. It is no small feat getting everyone looking the right way, having their arms/hands down and acting semi happy simultaneously. This is the 'stand over here while we figure out where to put you' shot.

Happy Birthday to me. Another year with a Missouri birthday.

Kellie had the best idea. We threw a 'tea party' for the kids using a set of Aunt Ginna's old china. Kellie got a set and I got a set after she died and it is beautiful and purple flowery. Kellie brought her's over and the kids dressed up in their best outfits and had fancy food (finger sandwiches, fruit, cheetos, and cookies) and punch. We put on music and had a 'fancy meal' followed by dancing. Talk about manners. We should have 'fancy' meals more often. It was tons of fun.

Andrew and Ethan looking fancy.

We loved Hailey as the sequined pioneer.

A majority of our time was spent outside in the sweltering heat while the kids swam and did the water slide. It was fun for them and sweaty for us.

These girls spent forever 'making food' or something with water.

We even got Matt on "Double Drop Falls." I think the waterslide itself was a bit nervous to reach its maximum weight capacity :) but it seemed to hold up ok. This picture cracks me up!

Basically, it looks like we didn't do much except hang out. That's probably because we didn't.

It was wonderful.