The Taylors Move Out

I told Melissa and Jamie they could stay with me while they sold their house and built a new one. But they had one year to get this completed before I kicked them out. August 16th was their deadline and they made it with a week to spare.

I'm not going to miss all the toys in the bathtub....

Or the toilet paper sitting on the sink instead of in the holder.

I tend to be a bit claustrophobic so having the doors shut all the time will not be missed.

My OCD really kicks in with all the toys spread around the living room...

And this messy tote full of dog toys. I won't miss this.

The trash can sitting on the bay window ledge has always been an attractive site that certainly won't be missed.

On the top of the list would be these annoying child proof locks which my arthritic hands have trouble opening. And when I forget to relock them, Violet is the first one to point it out. This too will not be missed.

But even with all the inconveniences I will definitely miss seeing this adorable face each and every morning. Even though I will miss the Taylors all I have to do is remember that jeep in my garage and I'll gladly jump in my car and run over to see them. So Melissa, Jamie, Violet, Lola and Khloe - enjoy your new home!

Pool Time with Friends

I got together with my friends Regina and Robin to celebrate Regina's birthday. Instead of the regular lunch date, we took advantage of Regina's many pools at Lakewood to get together.

Two hours fly by fast when trying to fit in all our stories. Robin's birthday is next. It's going to be a little hard to beat our poolside get together.

Michele Goes to the Alps

Some people have all the luck. While I'm stuck at home in the hot humid climate of Missouri Michele is jetting off to Austria to do some hiking in the Alps.

She even had the audacity to send me a picture of her drinking a cooling glass of champagne while sitting in her first class seat waiting for the plane to take off. Now hiking through the Alps would not be the first thing on my "to do" list but everything she does is so exciting. I can't wait to read her blog when she returns.

Another Night at Pizza Barn

I think I should buy stock in Pizza Barn (actually it's Pizza Ranch but old habits die hard). Melissa wanted to get out of the house and what better thing to do on a hot day than to go to a pizza buffet. Besides it doesn't make me so nervous with Violet when you consider all the kids that go to Pizza Barn. They're all running all over the place.

But this time Violet was content with just sitting, eating her pizza and watching and waving at all the people. It's times like this that I wonder what devilish ideas she's thinking of.

Quack, Quack, Quack

Violet loves ducks and it's so cute to hear her say "quack, quack".

Melissa took Violet to Bass Pro today so she could see the fish, ducks, bears and other wildlife.

As soon as Melissa saw Violet getting sleepy she brought her home so she could have a nap before Thursday night dinner. But as usual Violet got her energy back as soon as she got home.

Another Thursday Night Dinner

Violet got all dressed up and showed off her new shoes for Thursday night dinner.

She even has the keys in her hand ready to drive us to Famous Dave's. Not my favorite place for bar-b-cue but we had a coupon so it shot to the top of the list.

I've posted many pictures from Thursday night dinners but I don't think I've posted one of just Melissa and Dad. So tonight's dinner is dedicated to them.

Melissa 1984 - Violet 2014

Melissa recently had Violet's picture taken and I was amazed at the resemblance between Violet and Melissa - both at 15 months old.

Violet does have her own special features but you can definitely tell whose daughter this is. Even the hair is about the same. Plus the photographer was able to get Violet to smile. She's at the age when she sees a camera she usually looks the other way and will not cooperate.

Melissa also took the opportunity to get an updated family picture taken. Getting pictures taken is such a stressful situation for Melissa. Everyone's clothes have to match just perfectly. And don't get me started on the hair.

Then there was this cute black and white photo of Melissa and Violet. I don't remember all the fuss when I had my kids pictures taken. Ummmm let me change that. I still have about 50 copies of Michael at 6 months old. I just can't make myself throw them away - and I'm not a saver!