Kansas City

The day after the kids got out of school we left for Kansas City for a mini vacation. Though it's certainly not the most glamorous vacation spot, it did the trick. It was the perfect family get-a-way we were looking for. We were desperate to play, laugh, snuggle, and just "be" with one another. Quality time together. I knew what I wanted. I wanted the kids to be "friends" with each other. I wanted to hear giggles instead of tattling. I wanted to hear "thank-you's" instead of bickering. I wanted us all to focus on our family and the relationships we have in each other. I wanted to witness those magical moments between siblings that happen more often than not while on vacation. Our mini vacation was only a means to an end. True compassion and love for each other, remembering best friendships are found within your family. This is exactly what I wished for...it was as if the children could read my mind. Thank you for taking care of one another.



We were busy while in K.C. We went to the "jiggle jam" ( bands playing kids music and festival.) We went to Worlds of Fun. Yep, it was fun. We went to Royals baseball game. That was a blast. On Sunday we visited some of the church's historical sites. Amazing pioneers. Of course, we shopped and ate at some awesome restaurants. We even treated the kids to the fancy "spinning" restaurant on top of the Hyatt for dinner Saturday night. A special night, indeed.
Worlds of Fun. Our favorite ride...the water ride. Avery and I came off soaked!

This is the story...

Our life the last few weeks.

Sometimes, a picture says it all...

She dazzled!

Avery had her first dance recital last month. She performed and delivered a dance that dazzled the audience. She was so excited she hardly noticed her nerves. She practiced and took her routine very serious. She liked the music, her teacher, and friends....and was simply enamored with her "sparkling and dazzling" costume!! Avie described her costume this way, adding it was shiny and glamorous ..but not in a "diva" way. Avery talked so passionately about this recital, we wondered how she would react to her nerves the day of the show. Happy to report she was amazing. She went on stage and performed without a hitch. Nerves...what nerves? Gigi flew in and could hardly wait to see the recital. We enjoyed the show, every minute. It was a delightful night! This truly was a celebration for Avery; a rewarding night and one that she will obviously cherish. We each (mom, dad, Gigi, Ellie & Zach) greeted Avery with flowers after the show. Congratulations were in order. I think the flowers may of been Avery's favorite part of the recital. She still talks about those flowers today. I still talk about my dazzling dancer and how proud I was of her.