Stella Joins the Family

July 4th - Stella was baptized today at Redeemer. Here is the little sweetheart getting all reved up for the event. Her American grandmother, (Nanna aka Jennifer) is holding her. Her African grandmother, (Gogo--aka Ange) is seated next to her.

Pastor Maas did the official deed - Here is Stella being baptized. Miriam is holding Stella.

This is the extended family from Alex's side that were ablel to be present. From elft to right they are: Justin, Jasmine, Claudia, Alex, Miriam (holding Stella) Addison (being held by Hailey) and Ange. Claudia and Hailey are Alex's cousins. Justin is married to Claudia.

Out Doing Fun Things

Springfield has some of the neatest things. Newly added to that list is a diverging diamond that is supposed to reduce traffic congestion, but it may just confuse drivers in the Ozarks. This traffic wonder is located at Hwy 13 north and I-44. Jennifer suggested we drive the new diamond. All went well on the way north, but the traffic lights were not working and the diamond quickly became a bottle neck. Using stop and go moves we passed through the diamond and headed north. Traffic on that side was backed up for miles. I am guessing these folks were ready to hurt someone. We took another route home. We've been told that this is the first diverging diamond in the U.S. We have our doubts about how well it will catch on. Always good to do something new.

The Birthday Gang

Happy Birthday - June 28th - Ange (Alex's sweet mother), Alex and Miriam. What are the chances that a mother and son share the same birthday? I guess it happens. I can't say I know of any other examples of this. Now add to this boy meets girl in cowboy bar and begin talking and find out they share the same birthday. Time goes by and boy and girl get married. So there you have it - the birthday gang all celebrating their birthdays today. My baby, Miriam turned 30 - the other you will have to figure out... They total up to 119 years of combined life. Is that a prime number? Sweet Stella is also in the picture but her birthday is June 17 - Missed the magic by 11 days.

Cooling Off in the Ozarks

Papa wanted to spell the parents after naps. The twins came over and we played pool. Mostly they wanted to spray water on me so I showed them by jumping in. We had great fun splashing and carrying on...

Don't mess with Papa when he has the bigger container. Nana got home and joined us also. Due to modesty requirements we are not able to blog those photos... We finish off the fun with a great meal on the lower patio...

Badminton at Baker

Dear friend, Sue Heinz, came all the way from New Douglas to celebrate Father's day at the Bakers. Jennifer has been waiting for some steller competation on the badminton court. The night was still and calm (hot also) while the two battled on. You should have been here...

I think Jennifer had home lawn advantage and took the set. Sue has vowed revenge. Sue told us it had been decades since her last match. Some skills you never lose. Some maybe have never had??? Great fun was had by all....

Please excure the blurred action. Even at the fastest camera speed these two sprinted around the yard at such a fevered pitch I was not able to get a clear photo. Must borrow some better equipment for this fast action duo.

Fun Saturday Afternoon and Evening

Hot weather and humid temperatures could not dampen the spirits of Addie and Jasmine for jumping in the inflatibles at the Redeemer-Nixa campus on Saturday. Nanna and Pappa decided that their tired parents needed a break and took the girls on an outing.

Just when Nanna figured that she had all she could stand, the girls agreed to drink a glass of lemonade in the shade for a few moments.

Saturday evening Paul and Jennifer enjoyed a fun evening with Bill and Laura Robison, the loving owners of five beautiful cats. Here is Laura with Oliver who is quite a lover. (Our apologies to the Robisons and their cats if we got the name wrong.)

Bill is really a lot more fun than this photo suggests. He's also pretty good at the grill and any number of other hobbies and interests, including his love for and knowledge of cats, birds and snakes.

Stella Decides To Come Home

Just 50 hours after entering this world, Stella decided today would be the day to meet the rest of the family. So just after noon Miriam and Alex and baby Stella headed for home. Stella Eden has been spending lots of time getting her hair just right for the meeting of the twins.

Addie and Jazz were very happy to see mommy and daddy home and not too sure about the new little bundle. Nanna and Papa brought some baby things for Addison and Jasmine so they could be just like their mother.

It was such fun to give the new babies rides in their strollers and to put their new babies down for naps and cover them up.

It is hard work being a new mother....