The Great Pumpkin Festival

This year we veered from our tradition of visiting Theis Farm and went to the Great Pumpkin Festival at Morning Star Church.  It was AMAZING!  Such a wonderful event and so organized.  They even had a baby nursing and changing area!  As a nursing mom, things like that are so awesome.  We didn't particpate in all of the events because we arrived after 5:00 but Kenny had a blast anyway.  We ate hotdogs and caramel apples.  Daddy and Kenny took a ride on the barrel train, and Kenny jumped in a bounce house.  By himself.  This was huge!  We had fun picking out our pumpkin and walked by the petting zoo, but Kenny didn't want to go in!  We watched a little punkin' chunkin' before heading home!  Extra bonus, there was a "how tall" sign so I still got our traditional picture, even though Kenny is screaming in it!  Ah, 2 year olds! Some of the things we saw but didn't take part in were a chili cook off, pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin decorating. push broom races, pony and hay rides, funnel cakes, and so much more!

Did I mention that all of this was free?  That's right!  What an incredible event!  Thank you Morning Star for such a fun family evening!

Spina Bifida Awareness

I will admit that before my nephew Tucker was born with a surprise Spina Bifida diagnosis, I didn't really understand what SB was.  When I got the call that Tucker was here and also that he had SB, I was scared and did the worse thing ever.  I hit up Dr "Web MD".  Don't ever do that.  You will diagnose yourself with every horrible illness known to man, no matter how rare.  Instead, I talked to Ben and Bridget and heard what the doctors were telling them.  I went to actual Spina Bifida websites and educated myself.  When Charlie was diagnosed in-utero with Spina Bifida, I think everyone was a little sad and still scared, but better educated to help him with whatever he would need.  We are all still educating ourselves and want to bring awareness to others.  This year I chose to post one Spina Bifida fact a day in honor of SB awareness October. Hopefully this will bring just a little bit more awareness to those that don't know that much about Spina Bifida.   We also participated in the 2nd annual Walk Run and Roll for SB Awareness at Creve Couer Park.  It was a gorgeous afternoon spent with family!

Fredbird signing in!

Aunt Bridget and Loralei

Kenny was not impressed to meet "Bird"

The headband lasted about 5 minutes

24 years

I believe this is her Sr picture

When I woke up this morning, I honestly didn't know the date.  I don't know the date most days.  They all seem to run together sometimes.  I spent all morning doing my normal routine.  It wasn't until I went to put something on the calendar that I noticed today is August 13th.  It is a day that doesn't matter to many people, but August 13th is one of the most important day in my life.  24 years ago, my beautiful Mother, Lynne-Helen Eileen Mackey Hunt, passed away from a blood clot following a routine surgery.  I was 8 years old and Kim was 5.  We had just lost my PoPo (my mom's dad) the year earlier and we had moved from our apartment in Northwinds to my grandparents house in Dellwood.  Kim and I were about to start the school year (at a brand new school for me).  I don't remember much about that year.  We went on vacation, like we did every summer.  I assume Kim and I were adjusting to the house.  I really don't even remember much about my mom.  I have forgotten her voice and her laugh. I do remember walking to school with her.   I remember her eyes and her smile.  I always think of her when I smell L'aire du Temps perfume.  I know she didn't really like having her picture taken and was terrified of heights!  We learned that at the Royal Gorge!  I know Kim remembers even less.

My Mom at age 6

This isn't something we remembered every year.  Some years we went to the cemetery but most we didn't.  Kim and I didn't really like going and my dad hated it even more.  As the years passed our lives went on.  Some years I remember her birthday, but most of the time it passes without me remembering.  Maybe this year it is fresh in my mind because I went to the cemetery over Memorial Day weekend.  I am not sure, but when I saw the date, it was like time stopped for a minute.

The last family picture of the 4 of us, taken just a few weeks before she passed away

1984

24 years.  There is only 1 of my close friends (Bridget) that even met my mom and I am sure she barely remembers her.  But I am lucky.  Bridget's mom remembers her.  The people from my church remember her.  My aunt Terri and my Aunt Marsha remember her.  She comes back to me in very surprising ways, like when a lady from my church gave me her old sewing rocker.  My dad had sold it at the church re sell it sale and that lady was cleaning out some things and wanted to give it back.  Just a few days ago I was going through some things and I found her college ID.

While I am sad that I didn't get to have a life with her in it, I am even more saddened that my children don't get to have a life with her in it.  It isn't something I grew up thinking about much over the years.  Sure, I was sad a my graduations, and I really missed her on my wedding day.  My Dad has been a fantastic parent and filled both roles as well as he could and even better.   But, there is something about having kids that changed all of that.   I wish my mom could hold them.  I wish they could love on her.  My babies will never lack in the family department, whether it is blood or bond, but they are missing a grandma.  This anniversary of her death has hit me harder than any of the others.  I wish my mom was here.

The Magic Mansion

That is what the Magic House has become!  That place is huge!  I have only been there for Field Trips recently, so we were only in one small part of the Magic House.
We met my good friend Jennifer and her sister in law and her kids.  Jenn lives in Florida now, so I don't get to see her as often as I would like! 

Kenny got to meet Sid the Science Kid!

Future Supreme Court Justice?

Future President!

Future Rams Player?