Big Boys at the Bank

Today a very exciting thing happened.  Meekin and I got mail.  Not just mail, birthday cards.  Birthday cards with a check in them!  We immediately had to head for the bank to cash them because, well, we like cash!  We signed our names on the back of the check and when the teller asked us what kind of bills we wanted, we both told her, 'big bills!'.  We told her we're saving our money for a plane ticket to Florida.  We've decided we'd rather fly with Gram than ride all the way.

Thank you Great Henry and Great Niecey!

Fun with Friends!

The mommies decided they needed one more last hurrah before all the Lawson clan started school and things got really complicated.  The Barkers came to visit and then went to pick Henry up from school last week.  Henry didn't know they were coming, so when Jo was with Mom at pick up, he spotted her and did a little happy dance/jump/excited move.  It was pretty cute.  They played until it was time to get ready for bed.  We really love our friends!

The National WWI Museum & The Liberty Memorial

We had family day today and decided to visit one of KC's landmarks...The National WWI Museum and the Liberty Memorial.  It was very cool and very interesting!

The Memorial from the front lawn.

Brothers! 

Of course, boys like tanks! 

We loved the airplanes! 

The torpedo was a little too heavy to pick up! 

That tank was awesome! 

After a quick elevator ride, we were at the top of the memorial!  Wow!  What a view! 

Mom & Henry 

Dad & Meeks 

What a fun day!

Happy birthday Meekin!

Yesterday Meekin turned 4! He decided he was a big boy and wanted to be dropped off at the door for school. He and Henry jumped out of the van and Meeks turned around and said, "Bye Mom! See you tomorrow!". Talk about crushing a poor moms heart! I was thrilled that he was excited but a little sad that my baby has grown up so much!

First Day of School!

Even though it's not quite Meekin's birthday yet, he got an early gift this morning.

A new backpack for school!! 

Here we go! 

Henry went into his classroom like an old pro.  Meekin however, had a little harder time.  He started crying as soon as we got in the car to leave.  He declared, "I want to be with you always, Mommy!"  Poor baby.  He did cry for quite some time, but then decided he was ok.  I think they'll both do great!

Wild at the Zoo

We've been so busy this year, we've bear-ly visited the zoo!  The heat sure hasn't helped either. We've finally made it a couple times in the last few weeks and really enjoyed it! 

Hanging out with Nikita.

And the critters on the carousel. 

Waiting for the Tram to take us out of Africa! 

One of the visits even included the Barkers! 

Silver Dollar Bound

We took a quick trip to Branson with the Barkers and had loads of fun. We saw The Cleverly's and went to Silver Dollar City. 

Hanging out at Home

Dad worked on his 'hog' one afternoon and got it running!  Boys and their toys!

When washing the car, you have to have a lot of concentration and make sure you hold your tongue just right!

When sitting on Nanny's lap, be careful of slipping off!

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

We took a day trip from the lake one day to visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park.  It was beautiful!  We went early in the morning when it wasn't miserably hot and had great hikes and a picnic.  Mom could have taken pictures forever!

The carriage house

View of Lake of the Ozarks from the Castle 

View of the spring from the castle. 

The castle 

Checking out the trail map to see where we should go next. 

The water tower is where servants lived on the lower levels. 

Natural Bridge 

Walking under the natural bridge 

Meeks on a mill stone 

The flowing spring 

The spring originates under these rocks!  Beautiful!

We hiked to a place where we could access the water and cool off a little.  Boy did we!  That water was icy cold!  Almost hurt just to put our feet in!