This is a racoon that was in Leighton's dumpster at his apartment complex. The poor thing was stuck in there and I don't think he was able to get out. Leighton called animal control so hopefully they were going to get him out of there. He is sure is cute. This picture was taken by Leighton.

St. Louis Cardinals............World Series Champions!!!!!!!! Go Cards. This is exciting stuff to live where there is a professional sports team. This town is crazy with Card fever.

We celebrated Kyle making honor roll at the Outback Steakhouse on Wednesday night. He is taking difficult classes like chemistry and algebra stuff. Doesn't he look smart with his glasses on? Josh, we missed you buddy.....

I had a request to blog more pictures of Michelle's vacation so here it is. Obviously, the ones with the beer are from Oktoberfest. I will get her to comment on where the others ones are from. That beer is almost as big as Michelle!

I just read this book on Friday. It is Mitch Albom "For One More Day" and I thought it was incredible. I was crying by page 2. It is the story of a man who lost his mother years before and since then things have gone really downhill for him. He decides to commit suicide and in the process gets one more day with his mother. What I brought away from this story is that we must relish our time with family and that we can always change our circumstances. I recommend this book for everyone.

Kyle has girls writing on his car while he is at school. The upper picture says "sexy beast" which is pretty funny to me. I can't get him to tell me who did it. He is being quite coy with the information. Maybe someone else can get the info out of him....hint, hint......

Happy Birthday, Mr. Traveling Man. William is in Africa right now doing some very interesting sightseeing. What a birthday! I hope you are having a great time and taking lots of pictures for us to enjoy. Love you, brother.

Today, my friend Leighton and I took some time away from our homework to take some pictures of the changing colors in the trees. These were taken at Cougar Lake at the school where I go.

I was worried that Kyle was wearing his pants too low at school but I had a spy take a picture and it is obvious that he wears his pants nice and high on his hips like a good boy should. Makes him look smart too! I love you, Kyle!

Christine just had her tonsils out last week and is still not up to par. I hope everyone will send out good wishes and prayers for a more speedy recovery for her. We love you, Christine and I wish I was there to take care of you!

Here is a good one of Michelle and John in front of the Eiffel tower. It sure seems like they are having a great time. I love their smiles!

John and I are back from Europe. It was amazing!! This is us on the Eiffel Tower. We flew into Germany for 3 days then took an overnight train to Paris. We were there for 3 days. Johns parents came with us for that week. They flew home and we rented a car in a little town called Bajeaux. We toured the west and south of France for 4 days. After that we went back to Paris for 3 more days. It was a wonderful trip but I'm glad to be home.. I was missing the family too much!! But we took about 300 pics so when we start developing, we'll put more on here. I'm going start my gumbo now...

Michelle and John are finally back from Germany and France. They had an exciting time and I will be posting pics from their trip. Here is one John sent me of Michelle in her lederhosen outfit in Germany. Michelle tells me all the women wear them over there. I am very happy that she is home! I missed her so much.

Keith and I went to Alton today to do some antiquing and ate at this cool bar while we were there. Keith had heard about Fast Eddie's at work so we decided to grab a burger. This was built in 1921 as a tavern and they decided to start serving food many years later. It seats about 400 people and it was packed. The burgers were thick and juicy and we had cocktail shrimp too. (29cents a shrimp). It is always fun to find a new place to eat and really enjoy it. We did find some treasures while shopping too!

Here is a picture of the whole group right after the ceremony. Keith's General was quite impressed with Kevin's height and was on tippytoe trying to be as tall as him. The General is a really funny man and quite personable.

It is all over and done with but it was quite a success. Keith was promoted and the reception went off like a dream. Everyone enjoyed the cajun food and the barbeque since we did not have a whole lot of it left. I am too exhausted to write more. Congrats, Lt. Col. Keith. We are proud of you and love you.

Jenna's Pork Roast and Gravy
Jenna's White Beans

All of us enjoying Jenna's dinner that she sent with dad. I cannot thank Jenna enough for sending an entire dinner with daddyy for my guests. Everyone loved it and I know Kevin said he was eating roast for breakfast. Jenna, you're the best and I love you.

Here's Dad with the boys. Dad came in on Thursday and has been the biggest help. First, he hauled food here which will be blogged later on. Friday he took me all over town running last minute errands and getting me into Sam's to get items for the party. Yesterday he cooked up his crawfish casserole that was so delicious I hurt myself from eating to much. He is quite a trooper. Merci, Daddy.