American Idol on Tour

For all you reality fans out there.... here's a news flash!  A couple of my girlfriends, their daughters and I went to see American Idol winner, David Cook, when he came "home" to Kansas City at the concert held at the Sprint Center.  I didn't know they made seats that high up!  It was downright scary.  The ride up there in the escalator was so terrifying that we had to take the elevator down, no matter how long the wait.  OK... next time we'll cough up the extra dough for the good seats.  But, hey!  We were there to scream with the best of them as David rose up through the stage floor, wearing his Kansas City Chiefs jersey, among the smoke and fanfare.  It was awesome.  Who needs to be a teenager.... we "girls" know how to have fun!  I would post a picture of the Idols (all the other 9 were great, too, but I'm a little too biased to give the others a line here.....) but my camera can't take decent photos that far away.  Anyway, here's one of us at the Sprint Center - not the best quality because iphones don't have flashes - and be sure to check out the T-shirts that the girls are wearing.  Yes, we had an Archaletta fan among us.  We love our Davids.

First Day of First Grade!

Caleb started first grade (all day) at Harmony Elementary today and here is a photo of him with his new teacher, Mrs. Runnels.  For the first time in 12 years I no longer have kids at home during the day.  This will be different.  I'm excited about getting caught up for the first time on so many unfinished projects, however, in some crazy way I'll miss the chaos of kids running around.  Most of all I'll miss Caleb's sweet smiling face during the day!

Patton Tigers Reunion

I can't believe I'm going to admit this, but I went to my 35-year Junior High School reunion at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.  Don't do the math.... "I'll just save you the trouble - we're all pushing the half-century mark!  I was a Patton Tiger cheerleader and it was so fun reconnecting with my "old" Army Brat buddies.  Why "junior" high, you ask?  When you move as much as we did, it was a rare event that we got to stay in the same place for 4 years.  We were just a close bunch.  Since our old junior high school (Patton Jr. High) was celebrating it's 50th year, it seemed fitting for all of it's former students who are also turning 50 to celebrate together.  Here is a photo of us sitting in one of the classrooms at our old school.  We all had a blast! 

Florida Vacation

July ended with a week long vacation to Orlando & St. Pete! Even Terry joined us this year. We started off the week just-a-hoppin' at a new venue in Longwood called Rebounderz (basically a room lined with trampolines). The kids loved it. Had to go 2 days in a row. Then after a couple of days of successful back-to-school shopping with Lisa as my driver (yes, I broke my foot...but that's another story) we headed to St. Pete Beach and checked into the Tradewinds resort to celebrate nephew Jake's 1st birthday. Even my brother, John, & his family joined us for the party which my sister, Jenni did a beautiful job of setting up. Weather was great too. Click on my picasa photo album for more photos. It will be hard to go home to Kansas on Tuesday. Nothing beats the beach (says this girl born in Hawaii).  Yes, I did cut my hair - wanted a swing bob (all the rage in OP), but don't worry.... I'm growing it back out!

Lake of the Ozarks

Just had a relaxing weekend at Lake Ozark, Missouri, at the Eichner's (Ottawa's new Prez) lake house. Did a bunch of boating, eating and fellowship with Ottawa pals. Can't wait till the next Ottawa get-together after the Phoenix board meetings in February '09!

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to see my niece, Kaley McLean (age 15), star as Lucy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Here are a few photos from the play. Yep...she's a drama queen, just like her Aunt Mary!  You go, girl.