March Madness - trip to Butler

John and I returned home today after spending a wonderful week in Butler, Missouri....my hometown. Butler is a small town of about 4,000 people....60 miles south of KC. Family flew and drove in from different parts of the country (Washington, Georgia, Texas) and different parts of Missouri/Kansas (KC, Wichita, and the Lake of the Ozarks). I've learned how to make picture collages....here's a collage of a group of us at Aunt Opal's the day Uncle Olin and Aunt Phyllis joined the madness. I just wish I had a few pictures of us playing cards.....

Here are some pics of Charlotte, Mom, Mac, and me with Pat & Janie's cherubs....Marcus, Jack, and Reagan:

Last Saturday night, John and I were treated to dinner at the Umstattd's. We had a wonderful evening with Kris and Kevin....and we were joined by Judie (Kris's mom), Don and JoAnn (Kris's uncle and aunt), and Tamee and Doug(Kris's cousin and her husband). Many memories were shared and we certainly had a glorious time making new ones! I finally remembered my camera by the time we made it to dessert. These pics hardly do justice to the feast set before us.....thank you, Kris and Kevin, for a terrific night!! We're looking forward to your visit to the Bay area!

I was so lucky on this trip to convince JoAnn to share with me her secrets for making her marvelicious sugar cookies.....and to get Aunt Ila to divulge the secrets of Grandma Bock's chocolate meringue pie. Here are a couple of pictures of the final products.....

We've had a long day, so I'll sign off for now. John and I are looking forward to my cousin, Benita, and her daughter, Renata, coming to visit us on Thursday.....most likely will update after they leave next Tuesday. Until then, enjoy your days.....relish in good memories......push yourself to make wonderful new ones! Life is good.....live it!!!