Neighborhood Night Out

Wade and I had an opportunity to go out with neighbors on Friday night--just the big kids. It was only our 2nd evening apart from the girls in over three months...and it was wonderful to be reminded of how much fun we have together! After hanging out with our friends at O'Charley's for a couple hours, we ventured out to Brunswick for some side-splitting bowling antics.

Left: here we are in classic bowling attire.

Below is a pic of the whole gang. The lighting wasn't fantastic, but I think each person is recognizable (with a magnifying glass). Thanks for a super send-off! We are going to miss our neighborhood family like it's nobody's business!

Snow Day

Today we experienced a virtual blizzard, with over a foot of snow blanketing the entire metro area. Most (if not all) schools we closed, and many businesses were dark and quiet.

Snow plows were so busy on the arterial roads that they did not get to the residential areas. As a result, getting around was very tricky. Because most of our 'hood is uphill, people without 4-wheel drive were out of luck. We now have dozens of cars parked at the entrance, where neighbors bailed and hoofed it to their homes.

Of course, we tried to make the best of the snow day. Once it finally stopped snowing, we ventured outside. Liliana kept diving into the snow like it was water. And for some reason, she could not stop eating it! Every time I looked at her, she had a mouthful of snow. After several attempts at curtailing the behavior, I cautioned her about the yellow and brown snow...and let her enjoy the new sensation.

Wade worked from home today. When he went out to clear our driveway, he was startled to find a hug snow barricade blocking his car. After further deliberation, Wade realized that the obstacle was definitely man-made. A short investigation revealed that two of our crazy neighbors (you know who you are, Clay & Steve) rolled snow all the way down the street to create a massive barricade. At left: Wade is pictured lifting a small part of the structure and moving it into the yard.

What an adventure!

Like a Good Neighbor

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

Our little subdivision is the best! Friday night, a group of us neighbor gals got together for an evening out. We arrived at 6:30pm and closed the place down! We had the best time--just talking. We discussed current events, our husbands, our children, our jobs, our faves and just about everything under the sun. The night was so much fun that we've already planned our next one!

Thanks for a great evening, ladies!

What's Not to Love?

There are so many things that I love about my daughter--most things, in fact. One of her really cool traits is that she absolutely adores babies and animals. Every time she spots one of God's little creatures, she goes totally gaga. Her entire demeanor changes, and she becomes enamored. It's such a special sight. I love her compassion and adoration for so many reasons. And it sure will come in handy when a new brother or sister arrives on the scene! Pictured above: Liliana enjoys a "kiss" from Holly, a neighbor's pug (who, incidentally, was dressed up as a bunny for Halloween). So cute!

Girls on the Block

Here I am with some of my favorite pals: Cathy, Jen, Victoria, and Stacy. The photo is a bit blurry, but the love comes across loud and clear! Wade and I are so thankful that God brought us to a community where our neighbors are some of our very best friends. What a gift!

Three Cheers for October!

This has been a delightfully busy October. Our calendar has been exploding with activities, gatherings and parties. Having recently seen so many friends and neighbors, I feel wonderfully in touch with our community. The remainder of the month appears equally full, and I look forward to the memory-making opportunities that lie ahead.

Here Liliana plays so sweetly in our back yard.

Wade pulls Liliana during our annual neighborhood Chili Cook-Off.

Liliana and neighbor, Blaine, enjoy a ride around the subdivision.

Here we gather with friends and enjoy zany moments.

Who said grown-ups don't know how to have fun?!

Hollywood Stars

Baby, we should be in pictures!
















Here we are with neighbors at our Hollywood Red Carpet event. Just in case you don't recognize us, I'm Sandra Bullock (as Gracie Hart under cover as Gracie Lou Freebush in Miss Congeniality) and Wade is my hubby, Jesse James (from Monster Garage). What a maaaahhvelous evening, dahling!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Happy couple, Jesse and Sandra, pose with 80s rocker and good pal, Billy Idol.

Divas celebrate stardom on the Hollywood walk of fame. Finally, someone recognizes our talent!

Kids on the Block

I've been known to rave about our close-knit community...for good reason. Here's a little taste of what it's like to live in our subdivision. Captured in this photo are a dozen neighbor kids (including big-kid, Steve) riding through the streets in a trailer one Saturday evening. Thanks to Rick for driving and providing my daughter with this oh-so-safe and classy experience. It's a memory we'll all treasure.

As Stacy and I always say, "See ya on the block!" ~Ramona
















Note: No children were harmed in the making of this photo. The vehicle was not in motion when the picture was taken.

Family 4th of July Fun

Here we are at the Jarvis family 4th of July party Saturday night. What a spectacular shindig! This family extravaganza was the first of many celebratory activities on our calendar for Independence week.

We're busier this year than any other. I don't mind one bit...and we all know Wade loves the action!

Party Time

We are so fortunate to have a fabulous group of friends here in St. Louis. To show our appreciation, we had a small get together at our house on Saturday. Although we had one uninvited guest--thunderstorms--everyone seemed to have a good time. That's the word on the street, at least. Thanks to everyone who braved the elements to be here!

Here is a photo of Liliana at the party with some of her friends. She experienced so much excitement that she slept in a full hour the following morning. No complaints from Mommy and Daddy!

Like a Good Neighbor...

Meet some of our wild and wacky neighbors! Wade and I feel so blessed to have such great friends as neighbors. It's rare that you find yourself in a community where people take care of each other and truly love one another. We couldn't imagine living anywhere else! Saturday night we celebrated Michael and Jen's nuptials. What a terrific evening--tasty morsels, refreshing beverages, creative nicknames, hilarious charades and laughter that makes your face hurt!

Here's to neighbor friends! Blessings, Ramona (a.k.a. Muffin Lamplighter)