Sticker shock!

But in a good way! I bought gas yesterday for $2.55/gallon! I couldn't believe it! I don't usually pump the gas when Robert is around. Ever since he returned from Iraq in 2004 and I told him my grandmother never pumped gas in her life, he has been committed to doing the pumping for me. I have done it a few times since then, when he has been gone, but not many. So I don't pay much attention to the price any more. I just see the totals that run through the checkbook. He filled up the van before he left for France but my light came on yesterday (almost made it!) I ran over the bridge to Missouri (where the tax is cheaper) and there it was: $2.55. I thought it was a mistake! Needless to say, everyone at the gas station was in a much happier mood than usual. People were smiling and talking to each other. Funny how it lightened the mood! Don't know how long it will last since OPEC is meeting in Nov but I am certainly happy to see it right now.

Deanna Rose Farmstead

Monday was a holiday so we headed down to the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park. They have farm animals, playgrounds, historic buildings, pony rides, a fishing pond and all kinds of fun for kids. Sam found some slides that were just his size and Gabby loved riding the pony. It started to rain at the end but we had a good day.

Shoal Creek Fall County Fair

Last Saturday we went to the Shoal Creek Living History Museum to their Fall County Fair.

Shoal Creek has a bunch of historical buildings from the area that have all been moved together to make a museum. They had all the buildings open along with a Army encampment, old fashioned toys, a puppet show, and county fair games. We enjoyed playing and looking at all the houses. We saw people cooking over a fire and in a wood-stove, ladies making bobbin lace, and a shoot-out in the street.

A Trip to the Firestation

Gabby's class took a trip to the firestation last week. Sam and I went with them. Of course, Sam would not sleep that morning so he fell asleep on the way to the school (which is less than 5 minutes away). But he woke up before we got to the part with the trucks so that was good. They got to see where the firemen live, how they receive and make calls, the gear and the trucks. They simulated a smoky room for them to crawl through with a geared up fireman on the other end. It was fun!

Gabby's Artwork

Gabby loves to do artwork. Color, paint, draw, sticker, make things. She loves it all. Here is a painting she did at school a couple of weeks ago. I think it is beautiful! I am a bit partial but I really love the colors and everything about it. Just wanted to share her work.

Another reason to love my van...

Did I mention I love my new van? I know, I know, many of you have loved your vans for years. I have always known I would have one, just waiting on the right time. Anyway, a new reason to love my van emerged - Elvis Radio! We get Sirius radio (only for a year, of course) and it has an All-Elvis, all the time station. I love it!

Yes, I love Elvis! I grew up in Memphis, I have to love Elvis! My family was less than enthusiastic. But then one day Gabby said "I like that song" and the next day Sam was just dancing to beat the band. And then poor Robert said "If I listen to this long enough, I might like it." That is all part of my plan....

My Little Daisy Scout

Gabby had her investiture ceremony for Daisy Scouts this week. She really loves going. I think its partly b/c there are no boys allowed. But that is ok by me. She's having a great time and learning all kinds of things. And she wants patches.

Of course I love it since it brings back all kinds of memories for me. I wasn't a Daisy but was a Brownie and loved it. Stay tuned for posts on going on a hayride, camping, the Veterans' Day Parade and all sorts of other fun things we have planned with the Daisies.