2nd Annual Smiley ReunionO

We had a wonderful time together for our 2nd Smiley Reunion.  Over 50 of us met together in the St Louis area July 16.  Totally unbiased....but I think the Smiley children are looking pretty good!!!

 Before our gathering on Saturday, we were able to celebrate Donna's birthday, and of course, had a traditional angel food cake!  Happy birthday, Donna!

 Lots of cousin time.  John, Christi, and Lisa

 And lots of babies!  It was great!

 We all admitted we enjoyed the air-conditioned facility.  And the babies appreciated it, too.

 Kessler grandchildren

 Donna, John and Kim

 Then "somebody's" children thought it would be a grand idea to celebrate that "somebody's" upcoming birthday with a very festive cake.   Let's just say that this "somebody" is thinking that 60 sounds like a big number!

 The little ones were eyeing that yummy icing.

 Plenty of time for "girl-talk."

 Christian McCray and Bryan Nelson.

 Our precious Claudia, Sarah & Christian's daughter.  She's a sweetheart!

 I really look forward to our time being together.

 The Grandchildren:  Janelle, Kim, Sarah, Jenny, Christi, John, Brian, Lisa, Ryan and Rebecca.  Missing this year were Stephen, Jeff, and Michele

 And a whole hillside full of great-grandchildren.  Our family has been blessed.

 In the evening, some came over to Marilyn's house.  Westin, Camden, and Adalaine spotted the neighbor's horseshoe pit and it became an "instant" sandbox!  

This picture captures the good time we had.   Kyle (Kim's oldest son) became a buddy to the little guys that had never met before!  Jordy (Rebecca's son) found a new playmate!  When Jordy got back home, he asked his mommy if Kyle could come over sometime to play at his house!

It's Summer!

 Looking out into the backyard and thinking of "home!"   (Mother would be saying "Scat" to that cat about now!)

 I joined Westin and Camden at their swimming lessons last week.  They are just doing super!  Swimshirts for little boys are the neatest thing invented ever.

 Good job, Camden!

 Ready, Set, Jump!

 Brothers waiting for their turn!

 Joshua on the mound!  It was hot that game!

 Strike!

 Beautiful weather, great music, lots of fun, great crowd at Red, White & Blast at Pleasant Valley!  Kayla did the face painting.

 Tyler waiting to get in line at the inflatables.

 So the guy in the plaid shirt was walking around with this service dog, the size of a miniature horse and he wasn't on a leash.  It was a bit intimidating!

 Not an optical illusion.....the horse..errr...dog almost came up to Kayla's armpits!

 Saw this Dodge in front of Opie's in Chanute, Kansas.

 It was Jordy's turn to catch for his game.  

 And 2nd base isn't nearly as exciting!

I think he's been to a game or two.....just sayin'.....

Almost Caught Up!

 Lisa had her piano students' recital April 1!  Got pictures of Kayla and Tyler.  Somehow I missed Joshua!

 Happy 2nd birthday, Miss Kennedy!

 This picture doesn't do justice.  Let me explain!  Rebecca retrieved this barn door from home after Mother's funeral.  She mounted a mirror glass and now it's in her bedroom.  It's been interesting to see how the girls have re-purposed different treasurers from Houstonia.

 Even though it was HOT, Kenny insisted on wearing her K-State hoodie to the soccer game.  She just needed someplace to rest her hands!

 Jordy was so red and told his coach he needed a "rest!"   Couldn't blame him a bit,

 Happy Mother's Day to me :)    Lisa  (Stephen was a few miles away this year.)

 Rebecca

 Brian

 Ryan

 A quiet book/activity book was suggested for Kennedy to develop her small motor skills....so Grandma was on it!   There are so many ideas out there, so it was fun deciding what pages to include.  Also, one suggested it might take 50-60 hours to make. Ummm....it took awhile.

 The flowers button on and off and can be put in the flowerpot.

 The ladybug has a zipper and the spots snap on.  Tie the shoe.

 The felt parts come off of the "potato head" and are stored in the jar.

 oops, not rotated.

 Spots and spikes velcro on and off.  And that's the book!

Dodge Journey.  Inventory Number 4000    A Milestone for Varco Motors!