We have a second grader!

 Last night was Open House at Lakeside, where we took Braden's school supplies got to officially meet his teacher. This was a family affair! Mason started out carrying the tissues with Braden carrying his very heavy back pack. We didn't even get to the corner before Mason was carrying my camera case, I was carrying the back pack and Blake was carrying the tissues.

 I asked Braden if he wanted to take some note pads to his teacher, he said "Nah, I don't think so." Blake reminded him what a long year it could be, and how a little gift at Open House might go a long way! So, Braden thought note pads would be a good idea after all.

 Braden decided to leave his back pack at school last night, so this morning he didn't have anything to carry. Mason of course had his back pack on, and we walked B-Man to school!

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Go Cardinals!!!!!

 On Thursday, Blake loaded up the car, both boys, two DVD players, their favorite stuffed animals, blankets, books and snacks, and headed East. They drove to "just outside of St. Louis" so they could hit the zoo first thing Friday morning.

Braden apparently got to pet a stingray AND a hammerhead shark.

 Mason hasn't quite perfected the perfect "picture" smile yet! He loves to squint his eyes shut.

 After the zoo, they met Pop and Nan at the hotel. They attended both the Friday night and Saturday games, swam in the hotel pool and rode the Metro...repeatedly.

 While the guys were in St. Louis, I had time to have dinner with friends, catch up on chores at home, and go with our Young Professionals group to Joplin for debris removal. We met the Joplin YP organization and cleaned around the site of the Elk's Lodge near a former residential area.

It amazed me how many photos we found among the debris.

Hello 67 degrees...in LA

On Wednesday, August 3, Blake and I landed in a breezy LA, temperature 67 degrees. I was tagging along for pleasure, but Blake was working. It was a conference and awards ceremony, where he received his CCE designation (Certified Chamber Executive).

The event host was James Cunningham, from the Food Network. He was hilarious and perfect as a host! The highlight of the night, was a special appearance from the Governor! We were sitting on the front row, so about 15 feet from the stage. Immediately following the ceremony we had a delicious dinner at the hotel This is how I spent my time.....I walked around the hotel area on Thursday, and took the bus down to the Santa Monica Pier area on Friday. On Friday night we went down with a group and were able to celebrate our 11th Anniversary with dinner on the pier. My view while waiting on the bus This was a shot of the rooftop pool....saltwater pool. If you look closely you can see my breakfast. The view right outside of our hotel I had lunch across from FIMD, the Fashion Institute of Merchandising and Design. This is also the home of the West Coast Project Runway. Lunch was an authentic greek salad and hummus This was an exhibit on display at FIDM I popped into Bottega Louie for a delicious chocolate & raspberry tarte. Wandered up to the Museum of Contemporary Art

Hello 67 degrees...in LA

Blake and I just landed in breezy Los Angeles! I'm tagging along, he is here on business! Tomorrow night Blake will receive his CCE designation at an awards ceremony, attended by the California Governor....Aahhhnold! Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android