18 years...

Once upon a time that seemed like an eternity. But like I seem to say all the time now, it has flown.

If you remember I told you that the women in our Missouri family watch Miss America every year. This is a wonky year because, not only have they moved the pageant back to Atlantic City, it's back in September. So 2 in one year!

So a long time ago, 1995 to be exact. 3 brand new friends, living in Nixa, Missouri, discovered a common love of Miss America. Little did we know then we would become each other's family. And the women of this family have passed on this love to it's 3rd generation. 

We actually had a fun conversation with Danee that she is now the age Kelly was when we all met. That was some amazing perspective.

This year was dubbed (by our brilliant Kelly) the Full Circle gathering. Here's why- she found this amazing house that rents for weekends in Nixa. It's perfection for our family. TONS of room inside and out. So back to Nixa where it all began we went.

(I forgot my memory card so all my pics are from my phone + 1 stolen from Kelly!)

So what's with the Blue M&M's? Well most people know the legend of Green M&Ms. We were having a conversation about this (1996?) while eating a bag and I think Darla is the one who came up with the rule (?) that you cannot eat the blue ones on Wednesday. If you do? They give you horrible gas. True story. Sooooo like all good parents we've taught our children well- or passed the mental illness to another generation however you want to look at it. Like a good daughter, Danee brought her 3 mom's gifts! I love presents. 

She's such a good girl! 

I LOVE family meals! It was like Thanksgiving.

So we we ate, played, talked, did our nails, soaked in the hot tub and enjoyed each other's company for 2 1/2 days. It was wonderful.

Grehyor is such a good boy. Soooo sweet

We caught them playing nicely every once in a while. The price you pay for having 3 2 year olds!

Even these 2 had moments of cooperation

Bikes were the BEST IDEA EVER

Doing toes and nails

 So I have to say that we were short one very important part of this group. Our Jamie is an Army wife and she and hubby are in Virginia for the first stop of their exciting new life. She was soooo missed and it just wasn't the same without her. Lots of texting and pics going back and forth between Missouri and Virginia!

Blind picks 2013

She missed us too!

Her last few minutes with the crown

And Darla has the crown.... again 

These women mean the world to me. 

Stolen from Kelly :o)

So another year on the books. Darla is the keeper of the crown with her 2nd pick of Miss New York.

 Till next year!

xoxo

Lissa

Date Night

Have I ever told you how lucky I am? Well I am, very. I've managed to find someone that looks for ways to make me happy and comes up with date nights full of things he knows I'll love.

A few weeks ago Adam planned a night for us doing things that I've wanted to do for a very long time, but after 6 years of living here, had yet to do.

There's a lovely, huge oak in nearby McBaine. An iconic place around here, really. Enough so, that when I would tell people I had yet to visit, they'd just shake their heads. So my thoughtful man planned a night that I could take my camera and visit a couple of beautiful places in our area.

Big trees cast big shadows

 Our second stop was Cooper's Landing . Such an interesting place. As laid back as it gets. You can get Thai food, a beer and listen to a local band. I can see why people choose to be a "river rat". 

Missouri River sunset

Then it was off to get some sushi. We chose Kampai at Alley A. I love their outdoor seating and lord knows if I had my way I'd sit outside most of the time. 

We had a great night. Like I said I'm so thankful for this wonderful, thoughtful man.

xoxo

Lissa