Prom Part 2

 I finally got the pictures from Prom, so here's the belated post. Lizzy went with a group of friends, and they took pictures in downtown KC. Prepare yourself for the barrage! Lizzy put her former modeling and photography skills to good use!

    She had a good time and enjoyed hanging out with her friends. Her date chose the restaurant that was teppanyaki style. This would be great except he was allergic to shellfish, so he couldn't eat much and refused to tell the staff. In case you were wondering, almost injuring yourself instead of taking precautions garners you no favors nor a second date. She wore her temple necklace and a string of purple beads on her wrist that belonged to my Grandma Elizabeth.

Mid West Maddness

     We had our first tornado touchdown in Independence on Tuesday, the 3rd. I was at an appointment in Overland Park, and the hospital went on lockdown. I was stranded until the warning was over with the other patrons and staff. The kids are in summer school now, so they were all directed to the gym to wait it out. Luckily, I wore the right color!

    I texted Daniel, and he was able to pick up the kids. Henry is insisting on tornado drills here at home. It did do some damage, but not a ton. Of course, people were outside taking pictures. Lizzy, Devon, and Teddy were home, and Lizzy got them down in the basement and waited until the warning lessened, and then walked to work. Her manager was shocked! No one else came in, and her pants were soaked, but she was there on time.

19 Years

     On the second, Daniel and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. Henry made us dinner. He decided to do pigs in a blanket, even though he was not terribly fond of them before, but wanted to try them again. He did a great job.

    It's strange to think sometimes how long we have been together. I love our life together and the adventure we are on: 2 states,  6 kids, and 8 residences. We have done a lot. Here's to our next trip around the sun!

Memorial Day

 We had a get-together in Olathe on Memorial Day and visited Grandma. It sprinkled a bit on us, but we had a good time.

    Josiah had brought a cedar stick that he was trying to turn into a wand with Grandpa's help. He got pretty far, but the stick broke.

    Ron had a lot of stuff from one of the brothers he ministers to, among the "treasures" was a respirator that Lizzy had to try on.

    It was fun to catch up. Cynthia was able to come over and visit with me on the following Friday. That was wonderful. It had been quite a while since we had been together, and I think the last time I called her was after Marty's stroke. 

May Be

 Daniel had his birthday just as he liked, with little fanfare and simply done. We had tacos for dinner and I made his cookies. 

    Lizzy followed in her Dad's footsteps and works for Pizza Hut. In a bizarre twist, this branch sells Cinnabon Cinnabites, so it has a taste of my first employment, too.

I learned how to make Turkish baklava. These were called snails.

    We returned to the park, but this time took Daniel along. Charles immediately took control of the high ground! Henry tried and tried to take it from him, but he just could not reach. After a few moms derided his performance as being dangerous,  a few fathers took the top once Charles relinquished it. They didn't tarry there long, but it was funny.

    After much struggle, Henry succeeded in touching the ball. I was proud of his progress and his determination. He was relentless and justly rewarded.

    Just before we left, a Dad and his boys walked in like favorite champions returning to their turf. The dad prodded one of his sons and told him to "see who is here." It was such a scene that it struck me.

Teddy Turns Four

 When I asked Teddy what he wanted for his birthday, he said, "Dump truck." So that's what we did.

When I made his cake, Teddy told me he hated it because I wouldn't put his giant truck on it, but after he saw it later, he told me that he loved it.

    I think he had fun on his special day. He's still my micro manager and loves to watch and play games. He loves having one one-on-one time with Mom, summer break will be hard on him. He likes to do things his way. Happy birthday, Teedy!

Lasts

 Charles has decided to give up band for high school since he would have to change instruments. He had his last concert, and Grandpa Ron came to witness it. Teddy decided that Grandpa was his personal buddy. It was cute. Grandpa showed the kids some magic tricks to entertain the masses.

    Then Daniel and I joined our local Jane Austen Society of Kansas City group to watch Emma adapted by Kate Hamill at the KC Repertory Theater. It was a riot. They modernized it a bit, but kept the overall feel. Daniell and I dressed for the occasion. I tried a new hairstyle and made Daniel a cravat last minute. I should have made it longer, though; he made it work. 

    The foyer was decorated with plenty of strawberries from Box Hill. After the performance, we had a discussion with the director and a few JASNA members. It was fun and a lovely day.

Us with Jane!