family holiday night at the foundry

Another great night at the Foundry Centre for the family. D and D coloring their Christmas box. The Centre had four stations. Pipe cleaner ornament, wreath making, air dried clay ornament and these tiny little boxes. They both took alot of time to get it just right.

showing off her snow flake.

the family.

After the hot chocolate and cookies we ventured up to the artist studios and watched a couple of artist paint. Both ladies were very nice to the little kids and asked them about their art work.

celebration of lights

R and I visited the Celebration of lights the other night. We did the walk thru. One night during the season, instead of driving thru you get walk and see the lights closer. There are craft vendors, hot chocolate, music, the lights, and fireworks!

We were lucky; it had rained all day but stopped as we arrived. I especially like this! O'fallon's own Loch Ness Nessie wearing a Santa hat.

Another of my favorites.

I was interview on the local cable television station during our walk. I hope I did ok; I don't have cable so I won't be able to see it!

book club december

This was our book for December. It was good, very predictable but a nice change from the heavy readings we have done.

Thanksgiving crafts

Again a little late showing Thanksgiving celebration, but I've been busy finishing up my painting of my house. I'm almost finished with the painting yaaaaaaa. Little Miss M is above with her turkey bib on her first Thanksgiving.

some of the kids of the family doing Christmas crafts. Each year I try to get a craft kit that all the different ages can do. B and N are the oldest and they were very helpful to the little kids. It was 60 degrees on Thanksgiving so the kids were able to play outside and do their crafts in the garage.

D with her reindeeer

Happy Birthday Dave!

Happy Birthday to my first born; then now with his girl

a day at the river

we took a ride to the river today! Last time I was here was the day my dad died so the drive was bitter sweet. this is my handsome great nephew, P posing for me on a piece of driftwood

the last time i was on the ferry I didn't notice these caves on the bluffs

my niece m and my grandniece little miss m

she is so darn cute!

an old barn on the great river road on our way to Pere Marquette Park

a view from the bluffs, p and i hiked a trail about a mile up the bluff, since it was just he and i, we didn't want to get too far into the woods.

p and the wood carved mother nature

inside the lodge with p

one of the cottages you can rent

another view from inside the park

the view from the loading dock bar and grill. While we were there p and i talked about the flying fish that are in the river and he was so interesting in them, he couldn't wait to get home and look them up on the computer.

beautiful sunset on the way home

2011 caveman ziplining

my son had my camera and took this movie as we ziplined