Kansas City Weekend

What a better way to finish a busy week with than with a busy weekend. This was the one where we (finally!) went back up to Kansas City for the musical and some much needed time with family. As luck would have it, I was able to get off of work a little early on Friday. Nick, as well, was able to get out of work two hours earlier than expected. We were able to get into KC around 8:45 that evening and have a late supper with Bill and Julie. The next morning I was so excited, I couldn't stay in bed longer than seven (much to Nick's dismay!). It ended up being a wonderful time to have a quiet time, while everyone else was still in bed. The new living room was a great place to do it. I had mentioned previously that Bill & Julie had completed a huge renovation project in their living room/kitchen/dining room. It is absolutely beautiful! I must have told them fifty times while there that is was amazing. Stainless steel appliances and fixtures, beautiful hand crafted cabinets, silestone counters, and a fresh coat of dusty rose paint... it's amazing!!!

On Saturday, we went to KCI to pick up Bill's son, Nick. He had come down from Chicago for a marathon run being held in KC. We have hit a dilemna over the past years having two Nick's in the family. Bill is convinced his son should be called "Hatch" (abbreviation of their last name, Hatcher) to keep them apart. It doesn't come natural to call him that (especially since that's Bill's nickname to his friends), so while we were there both of them would still respond when a Nick was called for.

After a wonderful lunch at Granite City in Zona Rosa, Nick and I headed out in search for the newer Wild Oats store in KC. We both spent a good amount of time looking at all the unbelievable amounts of organic products. We had a ton of fun.

Later that afternoon, Bill and I attempted to get the dent out of our poor Impala. We were able to get a good deal of it out, but there is still a noticable crease. We're not too happy with the kid that whacked our "baby"! After changing the oil and checking the tires, Nick and I were able to take a nice walk around Bill & Julie's neighborhood (which is just lovely). It was quite chilly, so we came back nice and rosy. We finished our time with family with a cook-out, and then got all dressed up to go see Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Music Hall. We had a blast! We got their an hour early and were able to get into a parking garage that connected underground to the Music Hall (a welcome change from last time we went to a musical... we had to walk ten blocks to get there!). The musical was unbelievable... the dancing, the music, etc. It's one of my favorites I've seen (top up there with Crazy for You).

On Sunday, we were able to go to church at the now Legacy Christian Church (formally Johnson County Christian Church) with my grandparents. We would later eat lunch with them at their house... an amazing potroast, steamed asparagus, beets, spiced applesauce, fresh cresent rolls, and creamy peach ice cream! Yum!!! Grandma had choir practice in the afternoon, so we stayed a while with Grandpa (Nick and he watched a basketball game as I browsed through magazines). He's such a sweetie. He was excited to tell us about their recent trip to Australia/New Zealand. The pictures were just unbelievable... it was also a perk hearing about there are no insects, no poisenous snakes, healthcare is government run, and all employed citizens are required five weeks of vacation a year. Sign me up. I told Nick we should remain open to the call of being missionaries in New Zealand or Australia! :)

We finished up our time in KC going to Gladstone to celebrate Nick's cousin Alex's 13th birthday. The rest of his extended family was there as well. We had a great time. As always, it goes by so fast. We both miss it so much up there and eagerly look forward to moving back once Nick graduates.

Yesterday, I was able to get out of work incredibly early (around noon). It gave both of us an entire afternoon to get some things done around home. We worked out at the Y, did our grocery shopping, paid some bills, etc. The highlight of our day was going to Big Lots. It sounds crazy, but we were floored at all the cool stuff our's has. We found our expensive Tom's of Maine toothepaste and other products of their's for a good two or three dollars cheaper. It was awesome. We got jersey knit sheets for our bed, Izze pop, toothepaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, mouthwash, video tapes (for recording), DVD-R's...; all for under $20! It was awesome!!!

And thus concludes our weekend and Monday. Hope everything is great with you all. Feel free to keep us posted on what's going on in your neck of the woods.