Saturday Snow!

Sunday morning we awoke to a huge snowflakes falling and it continued to fall ALL DAY LONG. It was beautiful and Mom would've loved it! We ended up with over 8" and it was the most McPherson has seen in several years. 

Brian and I got in our morning stretches! Ha!

And Kate could hardly wait to go play in it! We didn't pack snow gear - but she made do!

Sunday, it was time to drive back to KC . . . 

Kansas City only got 3", and it was already starting to melt, but Kate was outside within 10 minute of us getting home to play in our yard of snow!

And she made a little snowman in both cities within 2 days!

Friday After Thanksgiving

Mom must be CRACKING UP in heaven - as she watched us from above on Friday morning when we ALL together decided to go BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING together! What?!?! We've never done this - but the girls talked us all into it and were so excited to head to Salina!

First stop: Ulta Beauty Store - and Brian won "Uncle of the Year" Award for listening to why they love certain products over others, skincare, haircare, etc.

After a couple hours of shopping, we were all hungry - so Grandpa told us to hit Cozy Inn Hamburgers, one of Grandma's favorite spots in Salina!

They were delicious, and were worth waiting an hour in line to get them!

Next stop: Visiting Mom's space at the cemetery, replacing her flowers.

After dinner Friday night we celebrated Grandpa's (early) 72nd Birthday!

Dairy Queen Ice cream cake!

Grandpa and his 3 Grandaughters . . . 

Random - doing puzzles, playing games, trying on Aunt Sarah's old roller blades.

Thanksgiving in Mac Town!

 

We met up with the family in McPherson for Thanksgiving this year and Thanksgiving Day was gorgeous, sunny and crisp fall air! Bear made the trip with us - and stayed with my friend Craig from HS and his wife. We let him stop by the house first to make his round and see everyone! He was SO excited!

I tried on Mark's hat! Ha!

Bear was zooming around the yard, so excited to see some of his favorite people!

Really could feel Mom's absence this year - just miss her so much. But I know she was smiling down at us, so happy we were all together in the home she built with love. 

We had 3 kinds of potatoes this year! I made Grandma Betty's cheesy potatoes, Brian made green chili potatoes and Sarah made garlic mashed potatoes! We were eating well. 

Sister Cousins

Kate (11), Izzy (14), Molly (14)

The Originals - 

Dad, carving up the turkey!

So very blessed to be together . . .

Always extra grateful for this guy.

Drinking "kids champagne" was a highlight!

Later that night, the girls asked Grandpa if he would take them in his truck to see Christmas lights around town - he let the 14 year olds sit in the back - they were SO excited, even though it was like 30 degrees out!

They came back with stories and wonderful memories!

Shenanigans . . .

 

Mike surprised the girls and took them to a KU basketball game! They were so excited to finally be inside Allen Fieldhouse!  They loved the energy!

Our first very cold fall night we made homemade chicken pot pies!

And guess who passed her Driver's Test at the DMV her very first time taking it to get her Learner's Permit? So proud of Molly!

Now, for the driving lessons to commence . . . pray for us.

Some recent artwork by Kate . . . 

I got to spend the day with the littlest Flanagan girls while they moved into their remodeled home. It was such a true delight to hang with Cecilia (2) and Molly (almost 5). We had a dance party, braided hair, read books, colored, and walked to the park! It was like going back in time 9 years, to when Molly and Kate were 5 and 2 - such JOY. I loved those days at home with the girls before they were in school full time!

Cecilia Grace (my godchild)

Molly Rose

Fall Days . . .