My Family - Keith, Sarah, Jacob, and Elizabeth (Beti)
Memorial Day weekend 2012 in Hermitage, Missouri
Keith and Beti
I'm still smiling as I think of the joy of having so many family members here at my house around Memorial Day at the same time! It was a special time I will always remember and cherish beginning with my brother Ed arriving here on Thursday May 24, 2012 on his Harley. He comes here every year about this time and also sometimes in August enjoying the long bike ride from Iowa.
When Ed arrived, Keith and I were still in Osage Beach running errands with a trip to Lowe's, Missouri Furniture, WalMart grocery shopping, and a nice lunch at Applebee's. Ed had the opportunity to take a nice nap and be ready to go when we got home. We all then enjoyed a lovely evening at The Harbor on Lake Pomme de Terre for dinner on the outdoor floating dock. This is one of our favorite places close to home:
http://www.harborcampgroundandmarina.com/
Earlier in the week, I had purchased a new airbed online from Amazon that Ed was going to be the first to try out. It is an INTEX Queen, Pillow Rest Raised with built-in Electric Pump for about $45. After four nights, Ed had given it a high recommendation and said he may purchase one also to keep ready for all his grand children's visits.
Friday was a work day for Keith so Ed and I had a whole day to ourselves. We drove around Hickory County where I showed him the Master Gardener's projects I have been working on including the McCarty Senior Center Garden/Greenhouse and Settler's Village in Wheatland. We also checked out Lucus Oil Speedway and the Hickory House to see all the preparations for the weekend while we make up our minds. Then we drove to Osage Beach so Ed could see the end result of all the new highway changes since his last year's visit. Sad to see our favorite Happy Fisherman's Restaurant was now closed after 35 years. The strip at Bagnal Dam stayed the same and Ed wanted to check out his favorite coin shop. After ice cream at Andy's Frozen Custard, we came home and ate an early dinner at The Harbor again. There was live music as we enjoyed the sunset on the water.
It was early enough to check out the Hickory House activities. We went inside and had some pop while we waited for the outdoor concert to feature The Kentucky Headhunters. We stayed outside the enclosed "paying" area but were close enough to see the band smile. They were very entertaining and one of Ed's favorite bands he sees every year. They did not disappoint! Afterwards, we walked across the highway where we had parked and Ed saw a classic car that had parked next to us. He struck up a conversation with the owner who lives here but is from Sioux City, Iowa! Needless to say, we were there a little longer. It was a good brother/sister bonding day!
Jacob had begun driving to Missouri from Virginia early Friday morning. We had no idea he would be here before noon Saturday. He let himself in our house sometime around 4 am Saturday morning. It was all I could do not to wake him when I woke up and saw his car in our driveway that morning! It had been 14 months since I had seen him. But I knew he would not sleep long as Missouri Furniture was delivering a new sofa a few feet from where he was sleeping downstairs about 7:30 am. Everyone was up early and we drove to Stockton for lunch at Bongos downtown and then a stop at the Hammons Emporium for black walnut ice cream. This is where black walnuts are processed and is an interesting business:
http://www.black-walnuts.com/
After Keith treated us all to a good Italian meal at Bongos, we drove home and we all took naps so we would be refreshed for the exciting races that evening. It was my treat to take everyone to Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland which is only a few years old and growing every year. This large track is only 5 miles from our home. I had asked Ed if he was impressed and he said, " Beats a casino in a cornfield." We all had a great time.
http://www.lucasoilspeedway.com/
Sunday was the best day ever! Our daughter and son-in-law, Brian and Sarah, arrived late the night before. It was a wonderful reunion in a relaxed atmosphere. It was the first time all the family had seen our new lower level remodeled and our landscape. We enjoyed each other's company for dinner. Keith had smoked a turkey breast and we had healthy brats to go with it as well as potato salad and many fresh vegetables from our garden. Then we all relaxed and watched about 75 photos on the new TV downstairs from the Zipline Experience the previous weekend in Branson (see my blog post in Outdoor Activities). The rest of the day was relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Sarah and Brian left for their home that evening.
Jacob and Mario (Wii)
Sarah and Brian figuring out the photo display using the Wii and new TV
Ed, Keith, Jacob, Sarah
Brian, Sarah, Jacob, Ed
Brian, Sarah, Jacob, Beti, Keith
So Monday morning came and Ed left for home in Iowa. Then Keith left for work. So Jacob and I had a productive morning utilizing his financial advisor skills. By late morning, Jacob checked his messages and found out he had a great opportunity to expand his client potential and scheduled a meeting in Kansas City. It was productive. The rest of the week went by too fast. Keith was off Wednesday and Thursday and we all enjoyed the time we had together. During this time Jacob was able to secure reservations for a December 2012 wedding at The Red Fox Inn, Middleburg, Virginia. Such an exciting time and so happy to be there when this important event is planned. I'm sure his fiance, Nicole, is feeling the love we all have for her so many miles away while deployed in the service. We were also able to share her good news that she got promoted!
Jacob and his new Honda Accord
Jacob in his Merrill Lynch shirt after a day working in Kansas City
Keith and Jacob at Panera Bread Osage Beach, Missouri with Lake of the Ozarks in the background
Beti and Jacob at Panera Bread Osage Beach, Missouri
Friday morning, Jacob left to see Brian and Sarah and help with their Relay for Life event that day and evening. Jacob left for home in Virginia Saturday morning. The house is now empty again but our hearts are full...and I'm still smiling!!!!!
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