Travelin' to Jamesport

Our family loves to day trip to Jamesport, Missouri. We recently took our summer trip and we will be returning in the late fall. While in Jamesport, we love to shop at the numerous Amish bakeries and country grocery stores. Shauna fell in love with Countryside Bakery's cinnamon rolls while she was pregnant with Moriah. The kids agree that the sour cream cookies are to die for. We always purchase a loaf of Jalapeno Cheddar bread to eat that evening with our dinner. Mmmmm.

This trip we found many great money saving deals at Yoder's Store and the Jamesport Country Store. We were able to buy numerous things to fill the pantry and even bought some things to prepare for the kids' school lunches. By the time we were done shopping, and ready to leave, our trunk was filled with 4 huge boxes of food. The kids decided that the trip to Jamesport would be much better if they didn't have to spend an hour putting away all of our "goodies" once we returned home.

Yumm

First ice cream cone all by myself!

Gotta love Jason's Deli. Yummy!

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T-Bones

We all braved the heat and took in a T-Bones game this morning.



It was hot, but we had a great time.

Adventure Oasis

Today, we went to Adventure Oasis. Last year, we went in August before school started and promised the kids that we would return in 2011. The kids enjoyed the various slides, rock wall, and the dumping bucket playground. Shauna, Moriah, and I enjoyed relaxing on a tube in the lazy river.

A great day of fun for all!

Sterling

Father's Day 2011

Everyone knows that Sterling is an incredible father. He gives all three of his children time, attention, patience, and love. He plans quality time and encourages each of them to be the best that they can be. Most of all, he never misses an opportunity to goof around with them. He is a one-of-a-kind father.

Father's Day started with breakfast and the Sunday paper in bed. Marshall was excited to present him with a new KU coat and KU t-shirt. Sydney's gift included watching Glee-Season 2, part 1 with him this morning. After watching several episodes of Glee, we headed to the yard for backyard grilling. Sterling manned the grill and produced the most delicious house-burgers and sausages. In the afternoon hours, we enjoyed watching Gold Cup Soccer and a trip to the swimming pool. For dessert, we treated Dad to Sylas & Maddy's. (The world's greatest ice cream place.) Dad had a scoop of Butterfinger and a scoop of Snickers. After a busy day of activities, we headed home. Marshall and Sterling spent some quality time playing video games. Finally, Moriah honored her father, on her first Father's Day, by giving him a new watch.


Shauna

FOTZ

Our family has been Friends of the Zoo since Marshall was a toddler. Sydney and Marshall have always enjoyed going to the zoo. Marshall loves seeing the chimps and Sydney is amazed by the polar bear exhibit. Both of them love to play on the various slides and playgrounds. Moriah laughs, giggles, and claps when she sees the animals. There is no doubt that she is having a good time. I'm sure that Moriah will enjoy the zoo for many years to come. We have told the kids that we will commit to going to the zoo once a week this summer.




The Friends of the Zoo membership allows a family to attend the zoo as often as they want for $79 a year. This membership pays for itself in only 2 visits. With the FOTZ membership, we do not feel the need to stay at the zoo all day to get our moneys worth. Sometimes, it is nice to go and only stay for an hour. Needless to say, we all look forward to our weekly "zoo time".

Just Gotta Dance

I have been taking Dance and Gymnastics for about 9 months. My first recital was last night at Shawnee Mission South High School. In order to be ready for my recital, my class had extra practices, work rehearsals, and dress rehearsals. All of the hard work paid off. I had so much fun and loved being on stage.

My gymnastics class routine was performed to the song Centerfield, by John Fogerty. During this performance, I was able to showcase my one handed cartwheels and back bends. This is what I wore for my gymnastics routine.


My dance/tap routine was performed to the song Down in New Orleans. I love to tap and dance. Our routine ended with a "kick-line" and I heard someone say that we looked like the Rockettes. My tap costume is pictured below.


I loved getting flowers at the end of my performance. Mom and Dad even took me to Sheridan's for a fruit smoothie. I had so much fun!

Sydney

Splish Splash

Moriah loves to splash in the pool.




We have a summer pool pass for the Overland Park pools. This pass allows us access to 6 different pools. The kids love to use the diving boards and ride down the numerous water slides. Going to the pool has become a daily activity for our family and an activity that we all enjoy!