WOW Retreat

This past weekend, I attended the WOW (Women of Woodcrest) Retreat held at the Hyatt at Union Station St. Louis. This was my first women's retreat, partly because I have been busy on the weekends they've fallen and partly because I always thought I was too young to attend, like I wouldn't fit in or something. That was not the case this year. The location, the band, speaker and genuine women and friends all made for an incredible time of fellowship, community-building, worship, spiritual insight and retreat. I'm so grateful I was able to go this year and already looking forward to next year!

Dinner on Saturday night. Yes, there were boys. They're in the band.



Tricia & Carrie playing some Guitar Hero during Saturday night's free time.



Self-portrait of Karen, Niki & myself



Janel & Lori rocking out!




Niki & JP bustin' a move to Hannah Montana (it was quite funny!)

Bunk Bed Fun

Earlier in the summer we purchased a loft/bunk bed for Cameron, with the hope of moving Rory into her room when she gets old enough for a "big" bed. I was thinking this would be closer to her 2nd birthday (April), but Friday night Devon decided to try it out and put Rory in the bottom bunk to go to sleep. It actually went pretty well. She only got up 3 times and each time Devon just took her back to the bed. He said he didn't even hear her getting up. She would just toddle out with blanket in tow into our room where Cami was watching a movie. After the 3rd time, she stayed there and slept until morning.

The next night, we had been over at a friend's house and got home late, but I thought I would try it again to see how she did. Not too long after I put her down, she quietly toddled out with blanket in tow and I took her back. The next time, we were already in bed, but we heard noises so Devon got up to check on her. She was having a good old time with the play kitchen like it was the middle of the day. So, he put her back in bed. Not too long after we heard noises again. It was my turn and did I get a shock. Rory was on the top bunk (where Cameron was CONKED OUT) walking around and laughing. It was the funniest thing I've seen in a while. I couldn't believe Cami slept through it and Rory was so pleased with herself. I wanted to leave her there and get the camera, but I got her down and decided the crib was still the best place for her for now.

Tiger Football!

If summer HAS to come to an end (and I would rather it didn't), it's a good thing something great begins...football season! We decided to make a weekend of the first Tiger game and spend two nights with some of our St. Louis friends, Katie & Greg. So, we hit up the grandparents to watch the girls and Devon and I were able to spend most of the weekend kid-free. What better thing to do than watch the Tigers play Illinois! (Ok, maybe there are a few things better, but this is WAY up there.) Along with our friends, Jeff & Samantha, we drove to St. Louis Saturday morning and eventually made our way downtown. We ate hot wings & fried pickles at Hooter's, took in some Dr. Zhivegas at the Bud Light tailgate and then went to the game.


The game itself was great and Mizzou played pretty well, albeit allowing the other team to score too many points, but I'll take 52 points from the Tigers any day.

The rest of the weekend was spent playing Rock Band on the Wii, playing cards, at the driving range and just relaxing. An awesome weekend and we're looking forward to more Tiger football!