Our Big Weekend

Nolan was blessed at church this past weekend, so we had some fun adventures! My parents, my brothers JJ, Nate, and Nate's fiance Alli all drove down from Minnesota.

Last Thursday, we had a horrible incident in Kirkwood, MO, where Ted and I live. During a city council meeting, an angry citizen shot 7 people, 5 of whom died. Our mayor was shot twice in the head, but miraculously lived. Friday night, some of us walked to City Hall to pay our respects. After this incident and what happened to Melissa, I am realizing more and more that bad things can happen wherever you live.


Saturday was a busy day for the Joneses and the Downings. We woke up and the weather was beautiful, so we went for a "hike" at a nearby nature center. Nolan had his first hike in the carrier. He slept most of the time, but it sure looks like he was enjoying!
This is JJ, me, Ted, Nolan and Grandma Kathy on our hike.

After our hike we decided to go to the zoo. It was also Nolan's first time going to the zoo, but again, he probably didn't notice too much. I don't think we ever even uncovered his stroller.That night we all went to a tasty barbeque restaurant called Super Smokers. It was very yummy! Amazingly enough, it also happened to be Nolan's first restaurant experience.

The next morning we all had to get up extra early for church. Uncle Nate performed Nolan's blessing and did a wonderful job.

Then everyone, including Ted's family, came back to our little house for brunch. We took some great family photos!

Here are the Downings: Grandpa, JJ, Grandma, me, Nolan, Ted, Nate and Alli.

Here are the Joneses: Josie, Jody, Ted, Nolan, me, Grandma Jody, Wada Steve. And an updated family photo for us.

Whew! What a weekend!

With 5 extra people staying in our 900 square foot house, we thought it would feel way more squished. Instead, we just loved having everyone visiting. Nolan is such a lucky little guy to have so many friends and family who love and care about him. Thanks everyone!