Happy Labor Day!

And yes, don't we all still work on Labor Day

check out these cute Tutu sets...

Panthers Cheer

Hope you like these photos of Lil Orchid,

the season will finally begin this Sunday

Go Little Panthers!

Harvest Thyme in Carlyle

Sunday was a beautiful day...

in a beautiful park.

Chillin' with a corn dog.

Wish more people would have come ;(

Harvest Thyme

Carlyle is celebrating their Fall Festival,

also called Harvest Thyme.

Cardinals Willie Mcgee

My son came into town this weekend

for a STL Cardinals game.

Vince Coleman and Willie McGee

was signing autographs at the stadium.

5th year as a Forever Family

What more can be said....

We are BLESSED !!

All the lives she has touched,

All the smiles she has given,

All the the Love she has shown

and brought out of people..

Is nothing less than a Miracle.

Celebrating with pizza as we have done

every year...

because that was her momma and my meal in the hotel

5 years ago. I was so lucky to be there, to meet

my beautiful Granddaughter. My heart still skips a beat

when I think of that moment, my chest aches with excitement

when I remember how precious the scene was

as the nanny handed my daughter-her daughter!

Does life get any better, I think not.

So thank you for my inspiration....my Smile.

Last day of the Festival

This little customer couldn't wait to

put on her Tutu.

Festival in St Charles day #2

Blown away with the crowds last night,
but the support and interest in our Creativity
is making for a GREAT weekend.

Except, Lil Orchid (even with all the protection sprayed, wiped and coated) was eaten alive last night. It looks so bad, and her allergies against bites makes it even worse with the swelling ;(

Festival of the Little Hills

This weekend we are in St Charles Missouri,
right along the river for an incrediable Festival.

1st day of Kindergarten...

Wow, who is getting old?

Lil Orchid started Kindergarten today.

WOW that's all this grandma can say...

with tears in her eyes.

Made this dress for her special day,

it is one of my own designs

(brown paper bag pattern,

just like my mom)

as you can see why I love the full skirts....

because little girls LOVE full skirts!!

Ribbon Skirt

Just a photo of Lil Orchid wearing one of our

Ribbon Denim Skirts...really Cute!

Cardinal Build a Bear Game

My son bought us STL Cardinal game tickets for this evenings game...

And we love the Cardinal Bear !!! In honor of Stan Musial

We got her photo taken at the US Cellular booth and she was chosen in the top 3 pic

and won some Cards game tickets ! Yeah, check out the big screen

Her Handmade Overalls

were a Home Run!

Last day of the County Fair..

Went back today to pick up Lil Orchids ribbons and all her entries...

That's her with the 1934 John Deere tractor on display.

Couldn't show you ALL her ribbons today...

just her Best of Show Rosette!

WOW!

47 ribbons ! We are so PROUD!

49 entries

A very Busy Day

Cheer Practice came in the early evening,

Go Little Panthers!

then we went on to the County Fair to see

if Lil Orchid won any ribbons ??

Holy Cow!!

She WON Best of Show

for one of her Craft projects!!

A swim before the drive home

Packed up and ready for the drive back home.

We let Lil Orchid do some swimming

in the morning before checkout.

Decatur Childrens Talent Show

Since there were some breaks in between the crowds my daughter had heard there was a Childrens area at the other end of the festival (approx 5 blks), and to reward Lil Orchid for her patience and good manners during these long days (9am-11pm) she asked if I would take her.

When we got down their I read that they were having a Childrens Talent Show (12 yrs and under) to the first 10 who registered (we were #4).We had to do it, especially when she LOVES to sing, anytime, anywhere and to anyone! And the best part was they said the winners will get a big stuffed animal...learning that She was ready to sing!

Yep, that's her all 26 lbs. and 5 yrs old. in the top 3 !!!

The first 3 kids didn't show, so Lil Orchid was first up for talent.

SHE WON 1st PLACE !! And got a $25.00 gift certificate

and a big stuffed Mickey Mouse!!! Hooray !!

Oh yeah, it didn't hurt we sold several of my original OOAK Dirndle skirts & petti's. While her momma sold lots of her Unique Handmade Korkers and Hairbows.

1st full day of Decatur Celebration...

Up early and everything in order by open time.

Was a busy night, lots of crowds, alot of lookers.

Lil Orchid was her sweet and adoreable self and quite the charmer.

She loves all the little babies and toddlers that come by.

The crowd seems to enjoy our work and the uniqueness,

makes me smile!!

Tutus, wands, Korkers and headbands...just to name a few

Decatur Celebration

Drove up north for the first time, hope it will be worth it.

It looks like a huge event and the weather although hot seems like it could be uncomfortable.

We set up, just not happy that we are on the sidewalk and the families, customers along with the strollers are wawalking in the closed rode. Not easy getting the strollers, carts, wagons, and wheelchairs in the tent!!

County Fair is starting...

Lil Orchid has worked all year off and on for her craft and photography so she could enter them in the County Fair. So today was drop off day so the judging can begin. I do not envy them.

She is entered into two age groups, 12 and under (crafts) and 19 and under (photography).

While her Mom & I are working hard so is she !

Extreme Heat Advisory

17th day of Extreme HEAT Advisory !
Nothing has changed.
Back home from Indiana and trying to cool off the house.
Not doing much...unpacking, laundry, etc.

Rockome Gardens

As a special treat driving back from Indiana, we stopped by Amish Country to show Lil Orchid a bit of past. I took my daughter here when she was small, my mother brought me and my siblings here when we were young and I brought both my son and daughter here twice.

She had fun, because she did not know what was missing. We did not realize that the Yoder family sold off their farm and the Gardens to a group of men who wanted it only for the land.

riding "lady Jane"

They removed the teacup but mostly they removed the Fresca Bottle house and soda bottle fence ;( so-o-o-o SAD! No Amish in site, not even people dressed up :(

But we walked around and saw the rock fences and flowers, the fountains, ponds, and waterfalls were gone for now. A new owner bought it this year and wants to restore it back to its glory from what we were told. He has alot to do. But a big thanks to him.

ice cream parlor