Sunday, October 25 - Saturday, October 31, 2020 - Spending Time in Oswego, Early Arrival for Camp-out with Friends

Sunday, October 25 - Saturday, October 31, 2020 - Spending Time in Oswego, Early Arrival for Camp-out with Friends

Sunday, October 25  After church this morning, I fixed Dean a bite to eat before I drove to my sister Jody's for our sisterfest.  I haven't been to one in awhile, so it was good to spend a couple of hours with them.  Crystal had her grandson Dempsey with her.  It was good to see him.  He is getting so tall.  I wish I would have taken a picture of him.  They stayed to visit for about an hour.  Jody served us Quick Peach Cobbler and it was very good.  We had a nice visit catching up with each other.

Random pictures taken around Oswego of the beautiful trees, even though many leaves have already fallen.

This maple tree is on our lot.  I am so glad someone planted it.

Dean and I decided before I left for Jody's, that when I get home we are going to go ahead and travel to Osceola this afternoon.  It is supposed to rain tomorrow.  We do not enjoy setting up in the rain if we can prevent it, especially when it is cold outside.  I called the campground and Chelsea said our spot would be open when we arrived.  It was a nice drive, but the temperatures sure had cooled off by 5:40 when we pulled into our spot.  I'm so glad we came today and didn't wait until tomorrow.

Shortly after we arrived and were setting up, we visited with Keith and Drena (our neighbors and camping friends) for a little while, before going in to fix dinner.  They came in early on Saturday, so they missed setting up in the cold.  Everyone else will arrive tomorrow.

We have decided to make beef stew, loaves of fresh bread (Rhode's), and Mexican Fruit Cake for our meal on Wednesday.  After we arrived, I realized I didn't have any bread pans (they are all packed away), so we'll have to get some aluminum foil ones between now and Wednesday morning.

Monday, October 26 - It started raining and did so most of the day.  Cindy, Alvin/Linda, and Stan/Linda came in around noon.  Alvin/Linda and Cindy provided our first group meal for the week.  We had taco soup tonight and it was delicious on this cold, rainy evening.  Later some of us played Mexican Train.  It was good to see everyone again.  We look forward to our time together while we are here.

Tuesday, October 27 - The rain continued off and on today as well.  We are really thankful for the meeting room.  We enjoyed morning coffee together.  Through the day we got together to play more games and visit.  I took my tea kettle and several flavors of Land o' Lake Hot Chocolate Mix over for anyone who might want something warm to drink this afternoon.  This evening Keith/Drena and Stan/Linda provided our evening meal of Chicken/Broccoli Alfredo Pasta and Mexican Hor d'oeuvres with a cheese dip, along with a few other side dishes.  Wow the meal was fantastic.  Afterwards we played games again.

Earlier in the day Dean and I drove into Osceola, then down a few county roads.

Pelicans

Rainy Drive

The trees are still very pretty - but hard to get good pictures in the rain.

Wednesday, October 28 - This morning Stan/Linda and Keith/Drena made breakfast for us.  Stan grilled pumpkin french toast for us (which was delicious), and Keith/Drena provided bacon.  Wow, we sure are eating good this week.  Dean went into town after breakfast to get the aluminum pans I needed for my bread.  I set them out to rise after he returned.  About 3, I started making the stew, in my Instapot.  When it was done, I left it warming in the Instapot, while the bread baked.  I made my cake first thing this morning, so it would cool before I put it in the refrigerator until this evening, since the icing is made with cream cheese.  We headed to the clubhouse about an hour before our meal to get everything set up, and to bake the bread.  After clean up, Linda B, Cindy and I played Nurts, a card game my Mom and my Aunt Lil used to play when we were kids.  My sisters and I played it quite a bit when we were younger and Cindy and I still play it occasionally with our granddaughters.  Dean, Alvin, Linda L and Stan played Mexican Train while Keith and Drena watched.

Thursday, October 29 - Linda B made cinnamon rolls this morning for our breakfast.  Oh my goodness were they delicious.  It was such an easy recipe, I need to consider making those for our Christmas with the kids.  Today we are going into Osceola to eat lunch at Smith's.  We really enjoyed our meal here earlier this year so Dean and I were looking forward to it.  They have wonderful pork tenderloins.  We arrived around 1, to allow for the lunch crowd to thin out.  Their food is really delicious.  Dean and I chose chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes and rolls.  

Mashed potatoes under this large bowl of chicken and noodles.  They were delicious!!!

The rolls were also very good.

I could not believe how much food they brought us.  Dean had peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert.  I ordered blackberry cobbler but I had to take mine home and I didn't eat it until later that night.  We gathered at the meeting room later to visit and play games again.  It's our last night together before we all head our separate ways tomorrow.  We enjoy our times with our RV friends and always look forward to the next time we are together.

Friday, October 30 - Today is granddaughter Haleigh's birthday.  I can't believe she is 19.  She has plans for the day and this evening she and Misti are going to a get together with Misti's dads' sisters, cousins and friends, so we'll see her tomorrow.  We returned to Hillside RV Park in Oswego a few minutes before 1pm.  After getting things set up, I made some lunch, then we drove to the garage so I could get my car.  Dean stayed at the garage for awhile.  Cindy had called me earlier to let me know I had a package at her house so I went out to pick it up.  They are finally getting their new roof put on their house after the hail storm we had back in July.  I think most of the houses and many buildings in town had to have new roofs after the storm.  There were all kind of trucks and equipment parked in their driveway, so I didn't stay too long.  We did make plans to go eat dinner tonight and then come back to their house to play Wahoo and cards.

The sunset as we drove back into Oswego after our meal at Bailey's in Carl Junction, MO.

This is our yard while we are in Oswego this stop.  We see some beautiful sunsets here.

A closeup of the sunset.

Since the workers were still at Cindy and Elmer's house when they left, they picked us up at the RV Park.  We drove to Carl Junction to eat at Bailey's.  We all really like their food, and they give you lots of it.  Our waiter Jesse, recognizes Cindy and Elmer now, as they've been there several times with other friends and family besides us.  He was surprised when Cindy told him that we drive from Oswego to have dinner there.  Later his mom, the owner, stopped to thank us for coming in and making the drive.  

Cindy and Elmer dropped us off at the RV Park, then we drove to their house for our game night.  Cindy made us a dessert but I can't remember what it was now.  That's what happens when I get behind.  Whatever it was - it was good!  She's a good cook!  Cindy and I won all 3 games of Wahoo, and the guys won both games of Pitch.  As always it was a fun night.

Saturday, October 31, 2020 - Since we didn't get to see Haleigh for her birthday, Dean, Misti, Haleigh and I went to Altamont to eat at MJ's Burgers.  Marc, Jen, Kamron and Jaxson joined us.  It was nice to have both families there together and have the chance to visit with each other.  Afterwards, Dean and I stopped by Marc and Jen's to get Jaxson, so he could come spend the afternoon with us.  They will pick him up later to take him Trick or Treating here in Oswego at my sister's houses.  

I sure enjoy him.  I had some bananas that needed to be used, so we made banana bread.  He loves to cook.  I needed to go to the grocery store first.  While we were there I noticed they had their Christmas candy out.  Dean loves chocolate covered peanut clusters and I usually buy a couple of packages between now and Christmas.  While the bread was baking, Jaxson wanted to make something nice for Papa when he came home, so he put a blanket on his chair, moved my little scarecrow over to the table beside him, and laid his chocolate covered peanuts on the table so he would see them.  It was sweet of him, so I had to take a picture.  We have a good time together.

Jen came to pick Jaxson up later in the afternoon, and brought his Halloween costume so he could change.  Of course I had to take pictures of him before he left.  They will stop at my sister's before returning home.  

He is growing up way too fast.

Later, when Dean came home we had dinner, then we took a ride around town.  He wanted me to drive, so he could enjoy looking around.  We enjoyed just driving around town, seeing all of the little trick or treaters going to different houses - it appeared most were stopping at family members.

It's hard to believe another week has passed.  

Sunday - Saturday - October 18-24, 2020 - Last Day in Wichita, Back to Oswego, Soccer and Seeing Brett's Family

 Sunday - Saturday - October 18-24, 2020 - Last Day in Wichita, Back to Oswego

Sunday, October 18 - Heath has mentioned to Dean several times about visiting The Cowtown Museum, one of Wichita's parks.  Today we are making it happen.  After several beautiful warm days, today was cold and windy.  I wasn't quite prepared for it.  I did not have my winter coat with us.  I bundled up as best I could with a sweatshirt, sweater, raincoat (which really helped stop the wind) and the heaviest jacket I had (which was not very heavy).  Of course, Dean had his nice heavy coat, but actually I manged pretty well.  I keep my ear muffs and gloves in the truck.  Since I had those, all in all it wasn't too bad, except in the really open areas - then I just stayed close to Dean and let him block the wind.  Because it was so cold I didn't take many pictures.  I had to take my gloves off and it was just too cold to do that often.

We met each other at the park.  We didn't realize it was a free day so that was good news.  Who doesn't like free??

Gideon, Roman & Abram

Gideon and Mom Casey

I found this interesting! 

Beautiful windmill 

We got to see the printing press work.  

Afterwards, we headed back to Bentley where we stayed until later in the afternoon.  I had some laundry to do.  Later we stopped by Andrea's parents house where Andrea and the girls were.  We had a nice visit with them and enjoyed seeing Emerson and Hayden one more time before we leave tomorrow.

Full blown cuteness!  Ms. Hayden

Dean and I were talking the other day about how few pictures I am in after looking at some of our snapshots of the kids.  That's because I take almost all of the pictures.  So he's trying to do a better job of taking some of me with the kids and grandkids.  Not the most flattering, but at least I'm in it.  LOL!!!!

Tomorrow we will head back to Oswego.

Monday, October 19  We left Wichita shortly after 10:30.  It was an easy drive and we arrived in Oswego at 12:52pm.  I think that is a record.  We usually stop more than we did today.  We were soon set up at Hillside RV.  Afterwards I fixed us a quick bite to eat.  Dean finished hooking everything up, then we drove to the garage so I could get my car.  He stayed to "piddle" and I returned to the RV.  I had several things that needed to be taken care of.  Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment and I'm not sure how well I'll be moving, so thought I better get a few things done and out of the way today.

Tuesday, October 20  Dean and I left Oswego a little after 7:15 to drive to Vinita, OK.  I have an appointment with a podiatrist at the Indian Clinic.  Both the toenails on the toe next to my big toe look horrible with some type of fungus.  I almost pulled one off about 5 years ago when I stepped out of the RV shower, and caught my nail on it.  Since it was barely on, they removed it.  The doctor thought it might come back okay, but it hasn't, so my appointment today is to have him remove both of these toenails for good.  They tell me they will eventually become a smooth callus that can be painted with nail polish so they will not be so noticeable.  The nails have been pushing against the toe of my shoe for some time and have created discomfort, especially when I'm on my feet for a long while. 

Wow, I knew I'd need a shot in each toe - I didn't know it would be three shots in each toe.  That was the worse part of the entire ordeal.  Wow, did they hurt, especially on my right toe.  

The morning after and how my toes were bruised from the shots.

It didn't hurt when they removed the nails though and I was thankful for that.  It was pretty cold today and I was afraid I would not be able to wear my shoes when I left, so I brought some thick socks and my crocs.  The doctor and his nurse were impressed I thought to do that.  The nurse commented she wished all their patients would do that.  Maybe they'll suggest that to others from now on.  It wasn't easy to walk with the padding around my two toes, but I was able to walk out to the front of the building, where Dean picked me up.  

I've been trying to get a decent picture of this setting each time we drive through Chetopa, and finally today I got a good picture.  How about those pumpkins?  Someone was creative!  I love these old trucks next to the exposed building too.  

After we returned home I rested with my feet up in my chair most of the day/evening, per doctors orders.

Wednesday, October 21  Surprisingly, I slept really well last night.  I was afraid my toes might hurt but I had very little pain.  I have to change the dressings twice a day after soaking them in warm water and epsom salt until I return to the doctor.  It stings a little, but it's tolerable.  It felt good to get the dressing he had wrapped around each toe off as they were thick and felt funny walking.  Of course, they were tender but unless I bumped them they really didn't hurt.

I was up and around as much as I needed to be, for today and tomorrow they wanted me to keep my feel elevated as much as possible.  

Thursday, October 22 - Both toes were feeling better today, even though soaking them still caused a little discomfort.  

Tonight is Tucker's last soccer game, and it is also Senior night.  Brett surprised Tucker by flying in from Nevada this afternoon, making it to the soccer field shortly before the game started.  It was good to see Brett and family this evening.  

Jameson has grown so much, he has several teeth now.  He is such a good natured guy, content to watch what is going on around him.

Soon, the game started, and it was a L O N G game!

Tucker after the ball in the middle (red/gold) #25. 

Tucker is to the right, just before the fence pole.

The game went into two overtimes and the sun was sitting fast by the time they called the game.  It was over much later than we anticipated.  I know it was a long day for Brett since he traveled from Reno early this morning, arriving in Kansas City mid afternoon, then making the drive to Columbus.  Following the game they recognized the three Seniors.  

Dad Brett, Tucker, and Mom Renae 

Afterwards, we visited with Tucker and Dacy for awhile, before heading to Las Lunas in downtown Columbus for dinner.  Tucker joined us a short time later, where we enjoyed a great meal and lots of conversation.  After we left, Brett called to tell Dean that Tucker hurt his toe during the game (he never said a word while we were there). They are taking him to urgent care tomorrow to have it checked out.

This little boy came up to Tucker after the game to give Tucker a note.  He was so sweet, so I had to take a picture of them together.

Today would have been my Mama's 82nd birthday.  For the first time in a few years I recently got a little teary eyed, wishing she could be here.  Sometimes I really miss her and wish I could just talk to her one more time.  I will someday!  It will be 28 years in February that she left us, but I know she's in Heaven and I'm very thankful for that.

Friday, October 23 - I can't believe another birthday has rolled around - my last year before I can apply for Medicare.  Hmmm, did I give my age away?

Dean and I drove to Joplin for the day.  We had errands to run.  We had a gift card we used for a birthday lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse.  The meal was very good.  Afterwards we stopped to see my stepdad Larry and his wife Verna.  We had a really nice visit with them.  When we left, we made one final stop at Sam's for a couple of things before we returned to Oswego.  

It was a nice slow paced day.  I heard from several family members and friends via phone, text messaging, Facebook, emails, etc. wishing me a happy birthday.  They were all very much appreciated.  I feel blessed to have so many friends and family who took time to remember my special day.

Brett called Dean to let him know they took Tucker to urgent care to have his toe checked out.  He broke it, so they gave him a boot to wear and he has an appointment with a podiatrist sometime in November, the earliest appointment he could get.

This evening we went to Cindy and Elmer's to play Wahoo and pitch.  As always it was a fun evening.  Laughter is the very best medicine and there is always plenty of it when the four of us are together. 

Saturday, October 24

I only left the house today to go to the grocery store.  Most of the day was preparing for our trip next week.  I spent a good part of the day doing laundry and cleaning.  It's always a good feeling when everything is washed and put away and knowing everything is clean.

Misti and Haleigh stopped by this morning to wish me a Happy Birthday, and visit for awhile.

Dean spent most of the day at the garage, cutting more brush on the lot.  When he came home he told me it was wearing him out.  I've been wanting him to have someone come in and clear out the underbrush and I think he's about ready to say yes.  It's about time.  Once he gets started he has a hard time stopping.  He forgets he's not 30 years old anymore!

Monday we are heading to Arrowhead Point Campground at Osceola, MO for a campout with friends.  The weather is not looking too good for the week ahead, so we are happy the owners are going to let us use their meeting room.  I hope it doesn't decide to freeze or rain on Monday, our travel day.  Dean and I are fixing a meal for everyone on Wednesday evening, so that required making a trip to the grocery store in order to have all of the ingredients I would need before we leave.

October 11-17, 2020 - Oklahoma City, OK, Ponca City, OK, and Wichita, KS - A SOBERING SUNDAY and yet A WONDERFUL, BUSY WEEK

October 11-17, 2020 - Oklahoma City, OK, Ponca City, OK, and Wichita, KS - A SOBERING SUNDAY and yet A WONDERFUL, BUSY WEEK

Sunday, October 11 - Oklahoma National Memorial Visit

We made plans yesterday evening with friends Larry & Gayle to have breakfast together, followed by a trip to the Oklahoma National Memorial in downtown Oklahoma City.  Dean offered to drive.  Gayle inquired of local Heartland members, about a good place to have breakfast.  Jimmy's Egg was mentioned and it was a great choice for two reasons....it was very near the Memorial and the food was excellent!  We all enjoyed our meals.

It didn't take us long to find the Memorial and we parked in the Post Office parking lot across the street which was almost empty since it was Sunday.   They did a pretty good job of self distancing groups - approximately 15-20 people were allowed in to different sections at a time.  Fortunately we arrived prior to the Museum opening so we were in one of the first groups.  

Dean and I were in Las Vegas when the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building occurred.  We were getting ready for the day.  The TV was on and I was standing right beside it when the news came on with pictures of what had happened.  I was horrified when I saw the footage of the destruction that occurred in front of me.  It changed our day; thinking about all of the people impacted by this horrible destruction.  It was even more horrifying when we learned it was due to a bomb and not an accidental problem.  It was unthinkable!  We were in for a shock when we arrived at the airport the next morning and how it too changed in less than 24 hours.  It was a little frightening to even think about getting on the plane due to the high security that was put in place in such a short time.  

The Museum is wonderfully done, giving a thorough account of what happened before, during and the aftermath of this unthinkable occurrence.  If you haven't been here, I would recommend it.  The outside Memorial is a somber, yet peaceful setting.  The one thing that stood out to me more than once during our visit was how 1 minute can change your life forever.  Here are a few pictures:

The first thing we saw as we approached the area were the many things that people bring to the site regularly to leave in memory of those who were killed or injured in this horrific act of violence.

The reflection pool - from one wall to the other at each end of the pool is a reminder of the minute that the building exploded and lives were changed when the bomb went off.  One wall shows the time of 9:01 - when the bomb went off, and the other wall shows 9:03, with the pool being the minute when the building was bombed and destroyed.

The two walls at either end of the reflection pool.

The Oklahoma Memorial Museum

The empty chairs representing each person who was killed in the bombing.

The tree on the right of this picture is known as the Survivor Tree.  Below is a closeup of the tree, along with a couple of signs about the tree.

A very interesting story about a young man who was booted from a train in Oklahoma, how he worked hard and persevered in his desire to make something of himself.   We are so blessed that our country gives us opportunities, that if we work hard enough we can do anything.  Sometimes it takes, guts, determination and prayer.  If we set our mind to it our goals our unlimited.  

A picture of one of the cubicles within the Museum of how things looked after the bombing.

Notice the clock and the time.

Of course, you can click on any picture to enlarge it in order to read the signs I've included.

Taken from inside of the museum looking out over the Memorial garden.

Our visit here was a somber one, thinking of those innocent individuals who came to work that morning, like a normal day, leaving their children in the daycare area in the building, and in one minute their lives and their families lives were changed for ever.  

We returned to the RV Park and rested awhile before going back to the meeting room later in the day where leftovers of our previous meal were set out for those who stayed the extra day.  It was a much smaller group but again, we enjoyed each other's company.  Tomorrow we will pack up and move north to Ponca City.

Monday-Wednesday, October 12-14 - Spending Time with Misti

Monday, October 12 - We pulled up our jacks and left the Roadrunner RV Park in Oklahoma City at 10:03am heading north on I-35 toward Ponca City, OK.  My daughter, Misti moved here a few months ago, and we were going to spend some time with her.  We decided to stay at Coon Creek Cove Campground on Kaw Lake, located just northwest of Ponca City.  Our friends Stan and Linda, who live in Ponca City had told us about this campground, as they take their grandsons their to camp on occasion.  I had contacted them prior to leaving and they told us the site they usually stay in.  Fortunately for us, the site was available.  We drove the entire loop to check things out before Dean stopped and backed into the site.  Our large windows were open to the lake and we could watch the birds and see out into the lake.  There were a number of pelicans so we really enjoyed watching them.

Dean cooked breakfast for us this morning on his new Blackstone grill.  

We left in the afternoon to drive to Misti's where we met up with her within minutes of her arrival at home after work.  Tonight we are going to try out one of the local restaurants that is touted as a favorite by the community.  Enrique's is located at the Ponca City Airport.  We were soon seated.  When our "chips" came we were surprised they were more of a puffed tortilla (smaller but similar to a Sopaipilla), other than the thin, crisp chips we are accustomed to.  They were quite good as was the cheese dip.  From visiting with our friends, Stan advised the restaurant is well known by many pilots who fly in to the airport, that occasionally may include a celebrity or important person.  Unfortunately, there did not seem to be anyone of that status their during our visit.

Back at Misti's we visited and gathered pictures she wanted to have help in hanging while we are here the next couple of days.  After visiting for awhile we left to head back to the campground.  We will meet up with her for lunch tomorrow as we have some things we want to do around town.

Tuesday October 13, Dean made breakfast on our Blackstone grill outside under the covered picnic area.  He hasn't had much time to use it since we've been busy every since it arrived.  

We headed into Ponca to meet up with Misti for lunch.  We picked her up at her work, and drove the short distance to a pizza place where they offer a nice smorgasboard of salad, pizza, dessert pizza and a few pasta dishes.   We had a nice visit before taking Misti back to work.  Dean I drove around Ponca City to get a lay of the land, and made a few stops at a couple of businesses.  We returned to the campground where we rested a bit before heading back into Misti's shortly before 5.  Every time we came or went we seemed to take a different route which was fun to see the different areas around the community.

This evening we are going to Pawhuska to eat pizza at The Pioneer Woman's, P-town Pizza.  When we arrived we discovered we would have to be on the "waiting list".  They took my email, advising they would send a text message when we could come back to be seated.  We walked into a nearby store to look around, then walked across the street to The Mercantile.  I bought a new t-shirt, that I really liked.  While there, I received a text message we could be seated.  We hurried back to P-town.  The pizza parlor is on the second story of a building downtown.  They have a large open room upstairs with a balcony outside where a few people were sitting.  It was getting a little cool outside, so we chose to remain inside.  We were seated near the wood fired pizza oven, where I was able to watch the pizzas come and go.  It didn't take long to get something to drink (water) and place our order, but we were surprised it took so long to get our pizza.  They were making pizzas as fast as they could but a number of them were to-go orders.  We chose the "meat" pizza and it did have lots of meat on it.  While the pizza was good, we were disappointed that there was very little cheese on the pizza, which is an important part to us.  In fact I like quite a bit of cheese on my pizzas.  

Loved this mural in the downtown area

Old Drummond Ranch truck on display at the Mercantile

Pictures from inside Charlie's

After dinner, we walked next door to Charlie's Sweet Shop, The Pioneer Woman's ice cream parlor where we enjoyed ice cream treats.  Dean and I chose vanilla ice cream with homemade salted caramel on it.  Oh yum....it made up for not having enough cheese on the pizza.  We shared a small bowl, which surprisingly was quite good sized.

By then it was dark, so we headed back to Ponca City.  It's a good 30-40 minute drive so the evening went by fast with the drive over, the wait, ice cream and our return trip.  We stayed at Misti's to visit for awhile before heading back to the campground.

Wednesday, October 14 we decided to have breakfast in town.  We chose Perkin's and the meal was quite good.  Dean has his normal, 2 eggs, sausage, and hash browns with toast.  I like variety, so I had a 2 egg omelet with tomatoes, green peppers, ham and avocado and a Mammoth pumpkin with cream cheese muffin.  I did not want toast or hash browns.  My omelet and muffin were delicious!  

Afterwards, Dean and I visited a number of businesses to buy a few things.   Afterwards, we headed back to the RV where we spent the afternoon resting, before going back to Misti's shortly before 5.  Dean brought the Blackstone to Misti's, so we could grill hamburgers for dinner.  After our meal, we helped move her bedroom furniture around, moved her treadmill from the garage to the second bedroom, hung pictures and visited one last time before we leave tomorrow.  While we were out and about this afternoon, one of the things Dean purchased was a wooden mover, to move furniture, tables, etc. and it sure came in handy this evening.

We had a great visit with Misti.  Next time we come back it will be over a weekend so we can spend more time with her.

Thursday-Sunday, October 15-18, 2020 - Spending Time with Heath & Jarred's Families

Thursday, October 15.  We are thankful it's not far from Ponca City to Wichita - slightly over 94 miles almost straight north.  We left Coon Creek Cove Campground at 1:16pm, arriving at All Seasons RV Park at 3:28pm.  We easily moved into site 7, one of our favorite spots in this campground.  We are here so often, the staff know us now.  

Once we were set up, we gathered up some much warmer clothing, jackets, hat, ear muffs, gloves, blanket, etc. as we are heading to grandson Abram's last football game of the season.  I have to say wearing a mask was never so welcome as it was tonight with the wind blowing so hard.  It sure kept our faces warmer.  Abram's team won the game and we enjoyed watching Abram play.  

Abram's football game.  He's the guy in the middle pushing the runner back in close contact.

Afterwards, we stopped at a nearby McDonald's to grab some food and then headed to Heath & Casey's to eat and visit with everyone.  We had a great time catching up before heading back to Bentley.

Friday, October 16 we had plans to spend the afternoon with Jarred and Emmy.  Emmy's school is having an outing at Marietta Farms Pumpkin Patch.  Baby sister Hayden was at the babysitter's.  Dad Jarred, and us drove the to the pumpkin patch, where we met up with Emmy, her classmates, teachers and parents.  Emmy can be the sweetest little princess, who loves to dress up, but today she was a first class tomboy.  That girl has more energy than any I've met in a very long time.  I wish I had a fourth of her energy, although we did stay up with her most of the day.  We definitely got a workout.  What a fun place this was.  The kids were having so much fun running from one activity to another.  Emmy's favorite things was the building maze that was probably 4 "short" stories high, that you had to move through from the front to the back to exit.  I don't know how many times she did this but I'd say well over a dozen times.  

We walked the Maze - with Emmy leading us through.

She also loves the monkey bars, and despite the fact she had a blister on one of her hands, she kept going back for more.  She has recently learned to move from one bar to the other using one hand per bar, rather than moving one hand, then the other to the same bar before moving on to the next in the same manner.  About half way through she switches back to one bar at a time.  By the time we get to see her again, I'm sure she'll be an expert at hand over hand.  

She's growing up!

She also loved the large slide and the corn bin where she buried all but her head.  I'm not sure who was more tired us or Emmy.  

We headed back to the house where we met up with Andrea and Hayden.  Hayden is such a happy baby and she loves her big sister.  She was all smiles for her.  

Andrea needed to pick up some hay bales, so we loaded into Jarred's truck and drove to Goddard, not too far from their house to pick those up.  Afterwards we drove to Andrea's parents to drop the hay bales off.  Tomorrow Andrea, her mom and sister are having a baby shower for her cousin, and the bales are part of the decorations.  We visited for awhile before all of us going to eat BBQ.  Emerson came home with us afterwards to spend the night.

Ready for bed.

Saturday, October 17 was Roman's last soccer game.  Fortunately for us, since we haven't been to one of his games yet, there were two, back to back.

Roman is third from the left.

After his game, we stopped at a Quick Trip for sandwiches and something to drink, before we went back to Heath & Casey's and spent the afternoon with them and the boys.  

After visiting for awhile, Dean and I went outside with the boys.  I watched them throw a football around.

L to R - Roman, Abram, Dean and Gideon

L to R - Roman, Dean, Gideon and Abram

Jewel - one of their dogs.