Birthday Party

We had a lovely party on my birthday. Here's the psychedelic cake from Walmart! Whe Erik brought me the cake, from my point of view the candles looked more like "92" that "29"...guess you had to be there. :)

The hat

Nana Sue and Papa Barkley bought Garrett a box of "tools" which included this hat. He can't seem to get the hat on correctly, but he's working on it. He's really into his tool set right now. He likes to hit the hammer on the washing machine. It hurts my ears but he thinks he's helping. Also, Garrett is 20 months today. Isn't that nuts?!? It seems like only yesterday...

Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my 29 birthday, oh my!

Many thanks to all who made it so special.

Pictures from the 4th

The Seholms enjoying the 4th...together!

Garrett and Erik during the fireworks.

Garrett saying "WOW!"

The bestest neighboor and friend, Scarlett!!! It was her birthday, too!

The girls of summer.

My friend, Scarlett, just emailed these to me, so I thought I would share!

Head over heels?

Garrett is doing front flips in his crib. How clever of him.

It's cute but it also freaks me out. Listen to him yell "daddy!" in the beginning of the clip.

Such a boy...

Carrots and Medals

Erik awarded his ACM.

Pinning on Erik's medal.

Waiting for the ceremony to begin!

Ranch makes everything better.

It's good, mom!

How can you NOT love this face?!

Today Erik received an Army Commendation Medal (ACM), yeah Erik! And for more adventures in food - Garrett and carrots (and ranch). This kid loves condiments: ketchup, ranch, salsa, etc. I'm amazed by his food choices. He loves veggies and fruit.

Ha Ha Tonka

Enjoying a sweet moment on the couch! That's a carrot he's eating.

The castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Another view

View from the front, fountain area

Walking around

Beautiful!

Can you imagine this being your front yard view?

Down the stairs...

....and more stairs.

Part of the natural bridge

So, this past Sunday we decided to visit the castle ruins and natural bridge at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The Osage Indians which occupied this region named the area 'laughing waters' which was 'Ha Ha Tonka'. In the 1900s a rich business man from Kansas City began building a European style mansion/castle. He died, but his sons finished it and the place was a hotel until it burned down in 1947. So, all that's left are these ruins. Which are really amazing. We're going to come back in the fall to see the leaves change. Before living in Missouri I would have never believed it to be so beautiful, but it is! The weather is just really, really nasty.