Thursday, March 20, 2008

mom

See how much fun we all had? smiles everywhere - can't get any better.

This picture should have been with the birthday post - but oh well - I can add it now - we had such fun that day - and Mom is a good sport!!

more road trip

I need to share some moments of our recent road trip - although more the destination than the trip. I can't post any pictures from it - we have no camera ... and Nick and Allison's is either not working or needs a new battery (did you get one yet?).

It was really great to have the opportunity to go visit my St. Louis kids though! I can't say enough how much we miss them and WISH THEY WOULD MOVE BACK! But seriously, it is so exciting to be a part of their life for a short time and really see what their days are like - what their environment is and how they interact in it. Each time we visit I come back and have visuals when I hear from them or they talk on their blog.

Nayeli and Karyna were both perfect and fun and sweet and how many adjectives can I use? We got to watch Karyna do her stomp dance in person and eat off her tray without hands. I got to read her a story and hold her and play and it was priceless. Nayeli and I played 'princess' and colored and bonded and talked and talked and talked. Yes, Nayeli can really talk - but it was great. We hit the park and watched Karyna go up and down the climber and slide repeatedly. Nayeli tried a few more playground toys. Bud added to the fun by going down a slide and sliding right off the end - he couldn't stop himself - and then entertained us by crawling many feet away to an object he could hold onto to get back up. Sorry Bud, but both Karyna and Nayeli were better sliders than you.

We got great food from Allison - anyone who wants a recipe for a great taco soup - or coffee cake - should contact her. Nick and I got one spell of time to chat when we went out for some fantastic Mexican food. (I am forcing myself to try more foods and of greater variety and their recommendation for this place was justified).

We got to visit Cameron and Brittany and new baby and listened to a lot of NERD chat about WOW from Nick and Cameron. Allison and I got only one chance to shop together - not enough time to do more - or do it right, but it was fun. Nayeli came along too and it was a true 'girls' moment.

Also, Bud initiated Nick's house by falling into or through his front window. Hope it is fixed soon as the boarded up window made it hard to enjoy this long missed sunshine.

All in all it was a great time and I hated to leave. WE hated to leave. Bud talked (and talked) about everything on the way home. Yes, it was sad and sort of weepy, but worth it. Can't wait until they make it up here in May.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

just a mindless thought

I love road trips. Always have - and I love to drive and drive. So this next comment will not jive with my normal feelings. As Bud and I traveled to St. Louis this past week, there was a really clear sky. It was beautiful. I suddenly wanted to be able to RIDE along and just look out at the sky or the city lights as we passed each area. I kind of wanted to just enjoy the views for a change and I realized that option is for the most part closed. Long ago, Bud and I did share driving on trips and I did enjoy looking out at scenery. It was a normal part of trips back then to share driving time. It was a little sad to recognize that those days are fully past.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

happy birthday mom/grandma/etc.

okay -so not much time to write, but another fun party was had at the Cross home and this one was to celebrate the auspicious occasion of a 75th birthday for everyone's favorite person - called many different names (most good) like granny, grandma, mom, hey you, jackie and firetruck

making her first party appearance just for this occasion was newcomer kalli beth

exchanging 'loving' and supportive quips with grandma were the notorious cross boys

and of course, there were pictures WITH grandma - and more to come.