Luke - Washer's Champion & Bon Voyage Angie!

A few weekends ago....we took the family to Robb's cousin Angie's Bon Voyage Party. Angie joined the Peace Corp and will be living in Africa for the next two years!

We'll miss you Angie!!

One of the activities at the party was washers. Luke had never played, but he could barely stand not to be outside so Robb thought he would take him outside and let him run out some of his energy.

He's the perfect person to play with...not only does he fetch his own washers...but he happily gathers yours as well!

I think Robb spotted him a few points....but Luke won! He was awesome. He was hitting the cup, too. It was so fun to see him play and see him get excited each time he hit the box or the cup. So fun!! I think he and Robb will be signing up for my Young Friends Washer's Tournament next year!

Kate's Birthday Party (Part Dos)!!!

Like I said...one wasn't enough. So party #2 moved to Southern Illinois the following weekend for celebrations with the Benefield family.

It wouldn't be a party without Grandma Ollie!!

Blowing out the candle on cake #2...although this time we went with a cupcake....that seemed to be the key!
She liked the cupcake! Smaller was key......but still chocolate:)


Robb got sick the day before we left, so we had to leave him behind for the weekend. Come to find out he had viral infection and double ear infections! So we had to wing this one on our own!


After a quick wardrobe change, it was on to presents!



All in all a good weekend! We missed Daddy, but Kate had a great time. Overall she got some great outfits for this fall, some $$ for her savings and a few toys. Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate!

Kate's 1st Birthday!! (Part Uno)

Hard to imagine, but the little chunky monkey is one-year-old. Our little Kate Elizabeth celebrated her birthday not once, but twice! This is one of the problems of large families....and too much family living out of STL.

We celebrated part one at our house with friends and family. We ended up having a little backyard BBQ because it was just 73 degrees on JULY 18!!!!! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE???

Here she is opening a few of her gifts.

And her baby doll that Mommy & Daddy got her.
Her rockin' shoes she got from Uncle Geoff & Aunt Nikki.

Waiting for the cake...and rockin' her new shoes! Aren't they cute.
Waiting for Mommy to light her first candle.

We thought the cake was going to be a huge hit....not so much....she just kind of licked the icing and that was about it!

Cake for the rest of us! A delicious two-layered, chocolate cake with whipped cream. SO YUMMY!! We love Federhoeffer's!

Thank you to all our friends and family that came out to celebrate! Especially our good friends Jack & Nick Morra!
And of course little Luke Morra!


It wouldn't be a day outside if we didn't swing! And this was day was no different. Such a great way to end a beautiful day.


We love you Katie Bug!