Then James came to visit

When we took Liam back to his parents we traded for James and he came to stay for a week. We really enjoyed his visit here and above are a few of the pictures from his visit. The first one is at the Liberty Jail - that is always an interesting tour. As you can see Grandpa is still a little taller than James - HaHa. The next picture is taken at an exhibit called The Basketball Experience (or something like that). James and Grandpa really enjoyed that - it is an interactive exhibit and James got to participate in a pick-up game while there. He measured his feet against those of some of basketball's great players (Shaq ONeil's is a size 23 and James is a 13 - How would like to have to buy those shoes!). Next is taken at a restaurant in North Kansas City called Chappells. The owner is a great collector of sports memorabilia and the place is full of sports stuff. This picture is taken by a Heisman Trophy. The last picture is of James with some friends of ours, Matt and Steven Untch, at a Royal's game, which they all enjoyed. The last night James was here he was invited to play tennis with some friends of ours so now has been introduced to yet another sports activity. The week went by fast - and James we loved having you here!

Liam came to visit

Liam came to visit this week and what a fun time it was for grandpa and me. He came home with us from Tulsa and was here for a week. He got to go swimming a couple of times with some friends here in Liberty and we went to the Children's Peace Pavillion down in Independence. On the 4th of July we went to Liberty's 2nd annual 4th Fest. I think Liam had a good time - grandma and grandpa got a few more gray hairs (if that is possible). We forgot how hard it is to keep track of a busy 8-year-old in a crowd. It was a fun time - there were lots of games and activities for the kids and entertainment. Our Bishop's son sings in a group that performed - Called Kitchen Sync - and they were awesome - it was fun to see them. And of course there was the community band. They were a lot of fun. Then came the fireworks - they were awesome.It was an amazing feeling sitting in a crowd of people in a small town in the heartland of America celebrating the 4th of July and I was glad to be a part of it and very grateful to have Liam with us. One of the songs that was played during the fireworks was "American Soldier" and I am proud to say Liam sang along and knew all the words. After it was over he turned his head and whispered in my ear - "grandma, that song always makes me cry" - Well me too Liam!

As I can't figure out how to label each picture, I will tell you what they are about in order. The first one actually should have been the last - it is of Liam going home. The second was while we were waiting for the fireworks to start. We were actually having more fun than it looked. The next one is Liam and his new balloon friend at the 4th Fest. Next is Liam waiting for a table at the Smoke House BBQ. Last was taken at the Children's Peace Museum.