With Her Papa

Walking with her Papa in the pasture. She couldn't wait to go see the new colts and baby donkeys.

Those Beautiful Little Angels!

Do I really need to explain how cute these girls are? I made them monogram shirts and tutus for this photo op - it was worth it!

Brenlee's One!

We travelled to Brenlee's birthday celebration. Crazy to think that she is already one! Of course, Mommy (and her Daddy too) had everything looking perfect - too cute!

Happy Birthday Brenlee!

The Kids in the Church

Ms. Deb snapped this pic during what Campbell calls 'Little Church'. (Big Church being held on Sundays). This is her favorite day at Church. What's not to love, she gets to eat dinner with friends and then go play, sing songs and go to the playground. I love Wednesday nights, and these sweet little kids.
(this is kind of a little kid album cover!)

Flying High in the Sticks

Campbell enjoyed 'flying' at the Sticks Music Festival. She couldn't get enough of this! Doesn't she look like she is having fun?!?


Daddy is checking something out for the radio. I had to include this photo - it is just so apparent how much she is growing up. She looks like such a sweet young lady. She wanted to wear her sunglasses like Mommy.

More Easter...

The traditional azalea shot with the family.


Of course, Grandmother and Granddaddy Vice came over for Easter too.


The Easter afternoon festivities included the annual Kornek Easter get-together. This year, Casey and Abby Grace thought it might be fun to do the Easter egg hunt at the Callaway Clock Tower. So, we packed up the basket, and headed out!


Coleman and Alvin, overseeing the hunt.


After gathering eggs, the kids (and parents) had fun drawing with chalk, bubbles and just running around. It was a great afternoon.

Happy Easter!

Hope your was hoppy!

Easter Pierogies - and I Helped!

(if you don't get the title joke - I'll explain!)

Our friend, Melina, had 'the girls' over for an Easter tradition. In her Ukrainian family, the women get together before Easter to make and assemble pierogies. It was really fun.


It was more fun because we all helped. Thank you for having us over Melina!

Biscuit Love

I'm not sure I could have taken a more special picture. Seeing my little girl making biscuits with my Mama Brown, like I did when I was a little girl, was pretty amazing.


Me and my sweet Mama Brown.

On the Road Again...

We hit the road, again, this morning.

May I just say, Missouri isn't interested in welcoming anyone from Illinois! We had to take this State Sign photo when we were leaving Missouri, and going into Arkansas. It required a little hike through the weeds - it was so worth it to get the pic (even if my head is blocking the sign)!


Arkansas border. I have to say - we didn't venture from the interstate in Arkansas. But, there was little to see. We will have to try going to a city next time.


Well, we did get off once - to grab a bite. As Mr. Vice had never had White Castles - we stopped in for a bite. We were in agreement that Krystal's has nothing to worry about in the South!


At last - we are in Mississippi. Of course, we have been here many times. Campbell first came here in November of 2005. We are off to see the family!

We pulled up in our little family corner of Mississippi. We made the turn, and saw my Aunt Becky. Instant smiles - we are 'home'. Campbell hasn't seen her in forever - Becky looked at her and said, "let's walk to Mama Brown's house". Campbell didn't think twice. She was out and on her way. Sweet moment.

Kemoll's

So, we have FINALLY eaten at THE restaurant in St. Louis. You know, the one where...


my brother, Ryan - aka 'Chinn', is the chef (he's that tall guy in the middle)!?!?! He has been there forever, and we got to enjoy some amazing food for lunch today. And...

the view wasn't that bad either!

p.s. we also went up in the Gateway Arch, touched the Mississippi River (in the background) and visited the INCREDIBLE City Museum.

More of the Sites of St. Louis

A view from the top of the arch.


Our girl did an EXCELLENT job of framing up Mommy and Daddy in this photo!


There are waves on the Mississippi River!


The City Museum is HIGHLY recommended. It is the coolest, most visually stimulating kid/adult place!

Daddy even got in on the act (he had to to keep up with where Campbell went!)

As you might guess - she was DONE after this eventful day!

Table for 12

While in St. Louis, we had a family photo shoot. It went surprisingly well - considering the fact that we had 12 people - and 25% were under 7!

I've Been Everywhere - Man...

Well.....we haven't been everywhere - YET!

We did drive from Tennessee....through Kentucky....

and into Illinois today. We spent, from start to finish, 10 hours in the car. Of course, that included a couple of stops. It was a great trip. Only one hiccup in Nashville (the interstate was closed because a bridge was damaged). Campbell played with her Fancy Nancy doll and did Color Wonders the whole time (when we weren't being silly and singing songs).

We can only hope that the trip back is as painless!

Bad Photo - Great Time

We enjoyed an 'adult' evening with Steph and Bill. It was really nice - they were so sweet to let us stay with them and enjoy a great time in Chattanooga. It is the first 'leg' of a fun trip!

Thanks guys - love you!

p.s. thank you the the waitress for the great photo quality!