Meet Me in St. Louis

We have returned from our last summer getaway for the year. It was wonderful. The pictures show how beautiful it was, but they do not appropriately portray the heat! Saturday was a balmy 100 degrees and sunny. I probably saw ten brides walking around downtown and I felt sorry for them. I don't know how they could wear a thick, heavy wedding dress in that heat...

In a weekend Ryan and I managed to squeeze in eating at a Mobster Italian restaurant, make $50 at the casino, tour the Budweiser Brewery, see the Missouri Botanical Gardens, have a picnic in sweltering heat, see One Republic in concert, watch a fireworks show, and a visit to the Cathedral.

I had such a good time. Our hotel room had a great view of downtown St. Louis (see picture). My favorite part of the trip was going to St Louis Live off the Levee last night.

The evening brought me back to being younger again, with no responsibilities or worries, though I am not sure why (maybe it was the mass of teenagers around having no cares in the world) . While listening to One Republic I looked at Ryan and was reminded of how much I love him. It's not like I forgot, but I was brought back to the feeling I had when I only knew him for a few months. The Butterflies. Maybe it was the lyric of the song, or the ambiance of the evening, but it was wonderful. If this is what comes of getaways, I'm up for more. There is nothing better than being married to love of your life and your best friend.

My Studs...

Alexandra's House

I have recently begun to volunteer at Alexandra's House, a perinatal hospice house. It is a not-for-profit ministry that provides spiritual, grief and practical support to families pregnant with terminally ill babies and for families whose young children have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. When I tell people I'm doing this, I often get a "why would you do that?" response. For me it's simple. I lost a baby sister Dec 1994 to a rare genetic disorder. I feel a connection to these families and can sympathize with what they are going through, though I do not know what it is like to lose a child.

I attended my first quarterly support meeting with parents of babies who have went to be with the Lord. I am amazed at the strength these families have. I cried with them and exchanged hugs of encouragement. To me, there is nothing more powerful. It brings meaning to my role as a person in this crazy world we're living in. God has a purpose for every being in this world, even if it is only for a few months... days... hours. I am thankful to be a part of something so beautiful.

Roman Candles on the 4th

Last weekend was one of the best I have ever had. It was a combination of being around the most important people in my life, doing the things I like to do best, and just having good conversation.

The first day in Osakis, we met up with Ryan's family (Tim, Cindy, Donna, & Mike) as well as my mom and dad's side to go pontooning. It was pretty relaxing. Afterwards we had a barbeque at my mom's house. The weather was perfect.

Friday on the Fourth we started out the morning with a round of golf and taking family photos. I tell you it is near to impossible to get my uncles to take a picture, they were being real putzes. I have also discovered a new interest... Missouri fireworks in Minnesota. Ryan and I bought some fireworks on our way to Minnesota and we didn't know quite what to expect, but did we sure get a show! The roman candles and fireballs were the most fun, we will definitely have to bring those out again.

Saturday was Kristin's baby shower and our golf scramble and Bug-a-Boo afterwards. We all had a good time.

The weekend made me miss being in Minnesota, especially during the summer. Kansas City is warm, humid, and the drivers are inconsiderate. I wish the weekend would have never ended. The best part was Ryan's family and all of mine were together. I was telling Ryan it seems that when I come home it is a struggle to see everyone and split my time. This weekend was not like that. We weren't driving all over the place and being rushed. I felt able to relax and just enjoy the company. It will be a while before I am home again. I am glad the weekend went well.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the kittens. Joey's cat Millie had 5 baby kittens about 2 weeks ago and we all enjoyed cuddling with them... if they would have been a little older I think I would have been tempted to take one. Good thing they aren't old enough :)