Trip to KC to Meet Zoe Danielle

When we first arrived in Kansas City, we went directly to David and Christina's house in Lee's Summit.  We couldn't believe the work they had done on their house since the last time we were there.  They added very nice new steps at their entry and a huge, beautifully design deck for backyard entertaining.

 

We spent a few lovely evenings on this deck!

David and Christina provided Henry with a comfortable La-Z-Boy recliner just like the one he has at home making our stay especially nice for his back!

We were in a hurry to see our grandchildren so we bought some Barbecued Wings and treated everyone to dinner at Michael and Bridget's house in Raytown.  A lovely angel, standing among the flowers on their well landscaped lawn, greeted us near the front door.  

Their view from their front porch never ceases to amaze me.

The star of the show...Zoe Danielle...

captured her grandparents hearts the minute they met her. 

She is a calm, sweet little girl, who is content  just to be held in her mother's arms.

One of the first to greet us was Jack.
Jack is a kind, gentle brother who likes to give Zoe kisses.

Ethan was eager to make us feel welcome too!  He is
such a help to his mother and is very protective of his younger siblings.

Bridget loves having a daughter!
And Zoe approves of the parents God chose for her.

The boys adore their Aunt Christina.  
She knows how to entertain them
and never seems to tire.  

Nana held Zoe at every chance she got.  
It looks like Zoe is skeptical about the arrangement.

One of the highlights of the weekend was attending the Solemn High Mass
and dinner in honor of the 25th anniversary to the priesthood of Fr. Peter Scott,
 long time friend of the family.  Michael was the MC for the event
and pulled off the semi-roast with amazing talent and good humor.  In the
picture above, Fr. Brandler is right below Michael.

Fr. Scott doesn't seem to age.  He has good naturedly received his new assignment...South Africa, where, 

in the spirit of St. Francis Xavier, he hopes to convert the Zulu tribes.

Ruth managed to say hello to Fr. Scott 

(though she had to manhandle a few fellow Catholics as she pushed her way 
to the front of the line).

Fr. Scott was presented with a very prized gift...a picture taken of his ordination
at the hands of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre...
twenty five years ago.

Henry managed to capture a picture of our new priest, 

Fr. Dominique Bourmaud (grey haired priest), who will 

replace Fr. Richard Boyle as our pastor in Sanger.  Fr. Webber is in the background.

On Saturday, we went to Alice's house for lunch.

Paula, Joe, Nicholas, and Michelle surprised us with a visit too.  

They had dropped Theresa off at KC airport

to fly to Dallas to help Sarah and Roman move to St. Mary's, 

where Roman has gotten a job.

In Alice's beautifully finished basement,

David and Christina managed to beat Ethan at chess...but just barely!

It was a lovely day for a visit with the family, and Alice and Ron's house gets 

more beautiful each time we see it!

Again, Nana wins every wrestling match for the honor of holding Zoe!

A few missing faces, but we managed to gather almost everyone in this group photo. 

 (You'll notice Zoe keeps checking to make sure it's her mother who has her!)

 Found Ethan exploring Alice and Ron's inviting backyard.

We leave Alice and Ron's house for an afternoon of bowling.

Ethan and Jack are a bit intimidated.  
But it doesn't take them long to get the hang of it.

Their Pa shows them how it is done.

Pa says it helps to have cheerleaders.

The boys watch their dad carefully to learn how it's done.

Jack thinks he is ready to give it a try.

Looking good!!

They watch their mom.  She's a natural!

Michael explains the finer points of the game to Jack.

It was the first time Ethan and Jack had gone bowling.
Christina helped Ethan center the ball...and provided a bit of the push.