Fitbit New Zealand Badge

One of the fun things about having a Fitbit is earning badges.

I recently earned the New Zealand badge. Apparently I've walked 990 miles, the length of New Zealand. First I had to look up and see where New Zealand was - my geography is terrible. Why can't Fitbit use the United States? It would be easier for me to visualize walking from my house to St Louis or Florida or up the street to Quik Trip. Maybe I should contact Fitbit and make that suggestion. Then you could get daily badges - "Congratulations you walked all the way to Quik Trip and back!"

Oktoberfest in Lee's Summit

I didn't get a chance to go to Lee's Summit's Oktoberfest but I just had to post this picture of Violet.

There is a 2 year difference in the pictures. She's growing up so fast.

Artistic Birthday Party

I don't know how they do it but mothers today go out of their way to find just the perfect party for their children.

Violet went to Julianne's birthday party on Saturday. It was a paint party.

Games included throwing paint pellets at the wall creating a masterpiece for the birthday girl to take home. I'd like to see this hanging on the refrigerator!

Besides the paint pellets, the kids also did a lot of finger painting.

But while Julianne was opening her presents, Violet was busy with her painting. There's an artistic gene in our family. Somehow it skipped me but it seems to be surfacing in Violet. She loves to paint, draw and create things with Play Doh. As you can see from the group photo, she wasn't too happy to be pulled away from her painting.

National Daughter's Day

I'm wondering who sits around all day and thinks of National holidays. Just recently we went through National Dog's Day, National Grandparent's Day and now it's National Daughter's Day.

But I caved into the hype and posted a picture of Melissa and I on Facebook. I am so proud of her. Luckily while we were shopping yesterday I bought her a couple of shirts to finish out her pregnancy. Melissa, I couldn't ask for a better daughter and it's all "Because You Loved Me"! Okay, now I'm crying and she know why! I love you.

Shopping

Yesterday I took Melissa and Violet shopping. With cooler weather upon us, Violet has absolutely nothing to wear. It's not like she can go to her closet and wear the same clothes she wore last year like we do. Kids grow and change so fast that you can't wear out the clothes before they need to be replaced with new.

But taking her shopping is fun for me. Kohl's is one of our favorite places to shop. They have such good sales. Violet is so familiar with Kohl's, she knows exactly where the toys are located. So we had to bribe her to see if a shirt would fit with the promise of going to the toys. Now I know she doesn't need any more toys, but what's a shopping trip with "Ma" without getting a new toy. After Kohl's we made a quick stop at Old Navy. We found a pair of Ugg look-a-likes but Melissa was unsure of the size. We convinced Violet to try on the boots but part way through she starting complaining and didn't want to try on the boots. We realized a little later that it was because the toe of the boot was stuffed with paper. It's no wonder Violet doesn't want to try on shoes or clothes.

Later Violet spent the afternoon and evening playing with her new paints and stickers. There were over 1,000 stickers in this package and Melissa was Violet's creative outlet. At least Violet didn't use Melissa to paint all over her.

 

Happy "Ma's" Day!

Last Sunday was National Grandparent's Day! Or as we like to call it "Ma's" Day!

Melissa, Jamie and Violet took me to dinner at Olive Garden and Violet was so excited to give me my present. The pictures look a little crooked but you can blame that on the photographer. It's a little off center right now but I'm hoping for another piece of Violet's art work for Christmas.

Chiefs "Watch" Party

Last night the Kansas City Chiefs played the Denver Broncos - probably one of the most sought after games in Kansas City football.

Besides sending people to the game, Harrah's also offered a "watch" party. Food and drink are provided while watching the game with a room full of people whooping and hollering just as if they were actually at the game. This is my friend Laura. We met late one night while both of us were playing slot machines at Harrah's. We see each other often at the casino but don't really have a chance to sit down and talk. Needless to say, we missed most of the game while chatting on about our lives. I left at half time and the Chiefs lost. At least I beat the stadium crowd home.

Winefest

Each year the Rotary Club of Independence sponsors a Winefest featuring Missouri wineries.

After waiting 20 minutes in line to get in - each person has to show ID, get a wristband and free wine glass - we ventured out to stand yet another 20 minutes in a line to get a mere sip of wine. This is repeated at each winery booth you visit. We finally gave up and just bought a bottle of wine. There are a few other food and craft booths but lines were just as long. Apparently this is a major Independence event.

Independence Uncorked is held at the Bingham Waggoner Estate - one of the many historical sites located in Independence. I think everyone who lives in and around Independence was there.

"Knocked Kneed Sally" was the afternoon's entertainment. They were really pretty good but sitting so close to the speakers left it a little hard to chit chat with friends. If September weather continues to be good, this may get on my list of annual events to attend.

Packing Up

Michele came to town to help me finish packing up 60 years worth of...memorabilia...from Dad's house after his move to The Parkway. We worked for 2 days boxing and sorting cabinets and shelves full of things Mom and Dad (mostly Mom) had collected throughout the years. I can only image what they left at the old house that Karen now lives in. But we got everything but a few pieces of heavy furniture moved to the garage. The house is now ready to put on the market.

Afterwards we went to Salty Iguana for well deserved margaritas. I didn't notice Michele had changed from her work clothes until after I saw the picture. Me, I ran my hands through my hair and went to dinner.

Melissa and Violet joined us then we went to my house so Violet could show Michele her table and Playdoh toys. Teresa stopped by to give me another key to Dad's apartment - yes, in less than a week I lost mine. Violet's starting to warm up to Teresa a bit. She even said her name!