Memory Lane

So while I'm here for my dad's surgery/recovery I've also been able to do a few other things.  My parents encouraged me to see friends and do things.  I think they needed space.  I may have as well.


So on Wednesday, after spending two 15 minutes visits with my dad (he was still in recovery) I headed out to Wood River to see my buddy from high school, Sheila.  We were able to meet up at Mama Mia's in Wood River.  I was able to meet her two lovely children, Allison and James, and we had a very nice time catching up.  I had a blonde moment and forgot to get a picture of the two of us together.  Ugh!  The very reason I brought my camera.


Thursday I got to meet up with my buddy, Mindy.  Yes, once again I forgot to get a picture of us together.  *sigh*  So after getting to visit with my dad for a while in his hospital room (Yay!  He's out of recovery), Mindy picked me up to take me for lunch at Cheddar's.  Mindy works in Springfield and was gracious enough to give me her lunch hour.

A yummy Jack in the Box lunch.

So Friday I spent with my brother Tim.  We went to some wineries, which you can read about on Rosatodi.  But before we headed out we had Jack in the Box for lunch!  YUMMY! We don't have Jack in the Box back at my house, so this was quite the treat.  I got to have egg rolls and chicken strips.  I know if the hubby was along he'd have gotten the tacos.  It may not be the best food in the world, but it's a good memory for me.  And when you can't get it where you are, it makes it seem all the better.

While I was headed back to my old stomping grounds, I had to stop and take a photo of this sign.  It's been there for as long as I can remember.  And I know the minute I come across it I'm getting closer to my destination.  At least when my parents still lived in the area.  What can I say?  Nostalgia hits me every time.

And I could be in my home town and not stop for a Humm Dinger at Hit and Run. Something I used to get all the time in high school but had almost forgotten about. It's a size, 32 ounces to be exact, of the drink. You can get whatever you want in it.


Needless to say, I didn't need much else to drink for the day.  


Good memories all around!

A Reason For A Trip

I did say that I would explain why I flew back to my parents in the previous post.

On April 17th my dad had quintuple (yes you read that right) bypass surgery.  Yes folk, I mean five!  It really freaked me out because originally it was just a triple bypass, but after a visit with his surgeon on Monday they upgraded it to five.

He's doing okay.  He was doing so well on Thursday that they thought he'd get to go home on Saturday.  But he's not feeling well and won't be coming home today.

Which is a bummer!

But the good thing is...

He's okay.  They found the problem and they fixed it!

Thank goodness!

Get well Daddy!

Traditions...Of A Sort

It doesn't always happen, but when my hubby is unable to be with me on my birthday my buddy and her hubby like to do something for me on my birthday. Sadly this year was one of those times, but Steve had duty on my actual birthday. So they did it a day later. What we do is get special coffees and then go to check out Christmas lights. After that we tend to go out to dinner.

So I was picked up and we got coffees from Java Cup Cafe. From there we headed out to Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Every year they do a light display for the holidays. It isn't just Christmas, they have all the seasons on display. Normally this is something my hubby and I go drive through every year, but as stated before he's not here to do this. Side note? Greta HATES nutcrackers, so I took this as a joke. We were making jokes about this one the entire drive up to the opening.

There's an 'Under The Sea' section. So I had to grab this one of the Norfolk Mermaid. I did get a new perspective this year. I've never seen Christmas lights through the eyes of a child. Well that and I normally ride up front. lol Sometimes, with the 'help' of a child, you see things you never saw before.

Of course, as a Navy Wife, I HAD to get a picture of Santa flying off the aircraft carrier. This is a staple in the light display. And I'm always proud to see it.

One of my husband and mine's absolutely favorite parts of the light display is the starry nights. They've added something new this year. You enter into a 'meteor shower'. Which is really cool and totally new! I do hope they do it again next year so the hubby and I can go view this.

One of my favorite parts is when you come over the bridge and look out into the lights. It almost feels like you're suspended in space. Really cool. Luckily my buddy, Greta, took these for me. I couldn't really get a good shot from the back seat.

The spiderweb used to be in with the fall decorations, but now it's at the end. And now the spiders move more. Really neat.

After this we had dinner and then went to one more lights display. All in all it was a very good night. Thanks Greta, Steve and Monster!

Christmas Lights

I refuse to check out Christmas light displays until after Thanksgiving. So after we got back from Disney my sister's family decided to take us all to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.

This time I did take my camera with me and got this shot of just a small sample of the lights while we were there. There were tons more, but I liked this one near the water the best.

I rarely have pictures of myself since I'm normally the one taking the pictures. That and I just don't like having my picture taken. Body issues. But that's another story entirely. In case you didn't notice, it was very COLD that night. So I have this one thanks to Phillip, my brother-in-law.

Phillip also got this one of me with my sister and nephew. Isn't the one in the middle adorable? He's my little Tater Tot! And such a little snuggler. That may have had something to do with how cold it was. lol

I had to get this one of the entire Toto family. It was just too funny to pass up! And as you might be able to tell there were many in the group who were willing to ham it up. Since there were only 4 gingerbread people I told my little Tater Tot to pretend like he was going to take a bite of them.

We did 5 theme parks in 4 days. One of those days was devoted to travel. So to say I'm exhausted would be a bit of an understatement.

Thanksgiving Disney Style

So where was I for Thanksgiving Day?

Disney! The happiest place in the world.

This was something my dad put together. He flew everyone out and then paid for the tickets to Disney and our meals. Very generous! And something I am truly thankful for.

I got matching tee shirts for everyone. It said Warren Family Vacation at the top and then a silhouette of Cinderella's Castle. Under that it said 'Don't Worry Daddy Paid For It' and my dad's said 'Yeah I Paid For It'. We got tons of comments on it. I was lucky enough to know someone who could do this for me.

I decided not to take my camera with me, so luckily my brother-in-law, Phillip, took some pictures and shared with me. I did do the photo pass, but am having some issues at the moment, so I don't have them.

The very first thing we rode was the Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride. Of course I had to give Phillip a huge cheesy grin when I noticed him taking pictures. Hey! It's hard not to be goofy when you get to Disney!

Of course I had to get a picture with Abby and Noah. Gotta get my Auntie Shell cred.Too much orange? Made it easy to find our group. And got tons of compliments.




This was taken on our last day at Disney. It had just rained and we gave JD a mohawk. Just too cute for words so he was in a Mommy/Aunt Shell smooch. I think he enjoyed it. No matter how much he denies it.

Warming Up For Winter

So where were your around Thanksgiving time?

Me? I was on my way to Florida. With family.

So my sister and I (You can see our reflection in the windows) had to snap this photo of my niece and nephews. We flew out of Tulsa, OK to Tampa Bay, FL.

So what did we do once we got to the hotel?

Donned our swimsuits and hit the hotel pool. I mean it was over 80 degrees and the kids did need to burn off some steam. And we had late dinner plans. So we were hoping to tire them out.

I just had to share this photo of my brother jumping into the pool with his niece and nephews. It was just too perfect an opportunity to pass up.

And of course I had to share this photo of my parents.

My dad paid to fly us all down for the holiday. Is that not a great Daddy? The only thing I had to do was show up.

Later that night we all went to Arabian Nights for dinner and a show. I took a number of pictures, but I think I liked this Santa one the best. However, I think Jack Frost was pretty cool!

A Farewell To Totos

So the day my sister and her family left, I had Phillip, my brother-in-law, take pictures of me and the kids. We should have done it in my back yard so the sun wouldn't be in everyone's eyes, but they were about to head out. So we made do.

The first photo is of my niece, Abby, and I. She's the oldest, just like I am.

Thankfully the kids were agreeable with the picture taking this time around. They get so tired of all the picture taking they go through. And I guess it is kind of boring to those who are 10 and under. Well then again I think it can get boring for anyone after a while.


The next is of my nephew, Noah and I. He's the middle child. It's also hard to get a photo of either of us. We're always looking goofy. So I thought this one was pretty good. I did have a few to choose from, but either our eyes were closed or we were making faces. Such is life.


The final photo is of my nephew, JD and I. He, of course, is the youngest. I only had one photo of him and I together. Not sure why I didn't have more to choose from, but at least I had the one.


And I had to add a picture of my sister, Sarah, and I. I'm glad that they could come for a visit. I only wish I could have had more than 3 days.

Sandbridge Sunrise

I finally downloaded my camera photos from when my sister and her family were here. So I had to share.

I of course had to share one of the kids watching the sunrise. I mean how cool is it to actually watch the sun rise over the horizon?
My sister snagged my camera and took this one of me. As I've stated in the past, I really do not like having my photo taken. So she took a few for me so I'd actually have a few for me to keep.

The kids had a blast playing in the waves. And I had to get a snapshot of the three of them facing me.

Family Visit

So while my sister and her family were here for a visit I took them for to the beach to see the sunrise. This is something that the hubby and I do on the weekends so I felt a bit sad when we went.

My sister's hubby took this photo of me and my niece, Abby, as we were walking towards the shore line. I thought it was an awesome shot and had to share it.

Welcome Gifts

So my sister and her family are arriving at my house in an hour or so. So I had to make sure I had things for everyone. I can post this now because I know they're on the road and won't be reading this.

I painted each of the kids a bag. Most people call them tote bags, but I call them around town bags because I take mine just about everywhere and they hold a lot of stuff.

I have a niece and two nephews. I did the mermaid for Abby and added some colors to her hair that are favorites of hers. The boys each got fish, but I tried to make them a little different. Noah likes blue, so that's what I did his fish in. JD likes orange and yellow, so that's what he got.

Everyone got the same amount of stuff in their bags. Tervis Tumblers and lids, gummy bears, a disposable camera and a photo album. Just a few things to make the trip memorable and so they have something.

This tote I didn't make. I got it from my good friend Jenny. She has a fantastic site and I appreciate the fantastic and quick job she did for me.

So at least I will know that the Totos will leave with something other than a sunburn. LOL I'm really looking forward to their arrival. Yes, even my brother-in-law.

Road Trip!

So yesterday Tim and I went on a road trip. We headed for North Carolina at 0530. That's 5:30 in the morning for those of you who can't read military time. So yeah we were up REALLY early.

I just had to snap this picture of the bay as the sun is rising. I'm not sure what ship this is, but I thought it made a good shot.

We drove all the way to Old Fort, North Carolina. It's an almost 7 hour drive there. I was lucky that my brother drove. I'm not sure I could have done it.

We went to Pigsah Yarn & Dye, which is home to Peaches & Creme Yarn. Not something I'm really into, but Tim is. He has a loom and crotches afghans and scarves. So we did this because he wanted to. He walked out of there with a lot of yarn, but he also has a few baby blankets to make.

I just HAD to get this shot. It had Tim and I cracking up.

We also went to the Biltmore Estate Winery. Well we didn't actually go to the winery itself, you have to pay $60 a person to get on the Biltmore property and I wasn't paying that, we went to the gift shop. We were told the gift shop would do a limited tasting, which was better than paying the $60. We got to try something like 21 wines. If that's limited I don't need to do the full tasting.

And yes my brother and I are wearing matching shirts. They read 'If found, please return to the nearest winery. We thought it was very appropriate.

Reunions!

So one of the things we were able to do while on our baseball vacation was see two friends from high school. It had been 17 years since I'd seen Denise (the lovely brunette) and around 14 years since I'd seen Sheila (the lovely red head). I met Denise in Jr. High and we hung out pretty much our Freshman and Sophomore years. Jim and hung out with Sheila a lot our Senior year. In fact Sheila came to our wedding. Not many of our high school buddies can say that. It was FANTASTIC getting to catch up with them. I've told them that they and their families are welcome in our home any time. I even got to meet Sheila's daughter, who I held as a baby. Wow has she grown up! I miss you guys already!


Jim got a few pictures of the hotel we were staying at. We had stayed at Union Station for our honeymoon, so it was kinda nice to revisit it after nearly 17 years.

Although back then it was a Hyatt (I think) and now it's a Marriott. Still looks the same. Just different management. And sadly, Union Station' shopping isn't nearly as busy as it used to be. That's the way of things though I guess.

The really cool thing is that my baby brother, Tim, works there. So I got to see him. Which made me really happy. And yes I do realize that he's really tall. I am the oldest of the kids and the shortest. The little kids I used to rule over as the big sister? Well now they tower over me. I think that might be karma coming back to bite me.

Meandering St. Louis With My Brother

So over the weekend I flew home for my mom's surprise 60th birthday party. My brother was sweet enough to let me stay with him. He also was kind enough to play tour guide. He took me to his place of work, St. Louis Union Station Marriott. I didn't realize this is where he works was where I honey mooned some 16 years ago. Funny how life works.

I had to get a picture of my brother at his bar.


I couldn't pass up the opportunity of getting a picture of the glass floor. Or the safe that the queen stored her jewels in.

I'm interested in the history of Lemp Mansion. I didn't realize they had opened it back up and turned it into an inn and restuarant. If I'd had the time I would have gone to dinner there.

The brewery itself is a stones throw from the house. So of course I had to snap this photo.

And Bevo Mills is just a few blocks from my brother's house. So we stopped to take a picture. It had been closed down, but has apparently reopened.