Getting out of the house

Lauren's visit this weekend prompted us to go the Plaza. Jason and I hung around Barnes and Noble while Lauren met her friend Aimee and shopped the Plaza. Then we girls left Jason to study at B&N, and we headed to the art museum.

Then we got Jason and dropped Aimee off at her car. Before we went home, we stopped in to do a little exploring at Union Station. We saw the Canstruction display and the Harvey House. But, we got a little adventurous and ended up at Crown Center, visiting the Crayola shop and eating at a Streetcar Named Desire.

Lauren's valentine box

For Valentine's Day, Lauren has to make a valentine box for her sorority's holiday party. She was not excited, and I couldn't figure out why. I thought it would be awesome to make it look like a farmer's field, incorporating the aggie-ness of her sorority, and to make the animals out of heart shapes, symbolizing the meaning of the holiday. And so we did...while watching Everything is Illuminated and Equals 3. By the time we were done, it was well after midnight and our farm now contained an exotic section made up of a "Love" crab and elephant.

Christmas 2009

Ah, Christmas. I observed your coming with the usual festivities: gathering and listening of holiday tunes, watching all the Christmas movies in my collection, putting together the Christmas puzzle, selecting and trimming the tree, baking Christmas cookies, sending greeting cards to family and friends, and visiting the Magic Tree. But, Christmas really wouldn't be complete without a magical Christmas performance from Lauren...

Grandpa's birthday

This year we celebrated Father's Day and Grandpa's birthday together since the days were so close. Lots of good food and a newer version of Hide-the-Suitcase...

Luke

Tough-girl Madison

Inspector Lauren

Baby Hannah

Crazy Steve

Brag Page

This weekend was pretty crazy, but all the madness was worth it. John Jacob has a degree in agriculture systems management from the University of Missouri, and Lauren Jane was awarded her high school diploma from EHS. Here are a few photos from this weekend:




I also wanted to say thank you for everyone who came to the graduations and receptions. I know it meant a lot to John and Lauren, just like it meant a lot to me - at graduation times and marital celebrations. You can really tell who you can count on in life by the people who take the time to share it with you, and it's really nice to know what a large and wonderful support group we are blessed to have. God bless you all!

The last FFA banquet for Lauren

Lauren had her last Eldon FFA Banquet this past Thursday. The last time to call the roll of officers. No doubt, she has had some great experiences and opportunities in the Eldon program, but I think she was ready for the end. I cried before she did!




Now all that's left is graduation and my baby sister is off to college. Better make sure Jason is packing tissues on Sunday...

Prom Queen 2009

Lauren Jane positively glowed before prom. I traveled to Eldon to take some pre-prom photos and meet the boyfriend, Braxton. He seems like a nice guy. Maybe he'll be around for a bit.

They went to Osage Beach to eat dinner and to play around at Miner Mike's before the big dance. Luckily they got there in time to get crowned king and queen!

Later, Mom, Dad and I went to the middle school to chaperone the after-prom party. Boy, did I feel old! Anyway, it was fun to see the hypnotist show and we got some free food out of the deal.