Brief Visit to Kansas City

 Although Brett was sick, we wanted to wish him a happy birthday.

 He proudly showed us his birthday gift---a new trumpet!

 Libby had also been sick, but revived with some bubbles outside.

 Davis, one of the few healthy ones, proudly showed off a new book he'd gotten from his other grandparents---Diary of a Wimpy Kid Diary!

 He was having a great time filling in the blanks of his favorite band (the Beatles) or his favorite team (The Royals).

 Brett wasn't terribly excited about our gift, but being sick had something to do with it.

The gift from the Lewis' family was perfect for a lazy, sick Birthday---Spooky Buddies!

Visiting in Parkville

 Roman and I worked hard to assemble his Lego tractor, but we never did get it finished.  Great project, though, trying to follow the directions---a lot like boys who used to put together model planes!

 Roman also played a little Wii Mario (although I like Wii, the Mario Brothers, I don't get)

 Rebecca had decorated her house---a boy's fantasy land with giant spiders and spider webs everywhere. . . or, she needs to get a house cleaner!

 We also took Roman to his tennis lessons where he played with my iPad before his lesson.

 Ava accompanied her brother for his lesson all dressed up ready for her dance lesson following Jack's tennis.

Roman did so well with his tennis, that he won a "soda" (it was really apple juice). It was fun to see 5 and 6 year olds learning to play tennis.

Texas Fun

 
While in Texas, we also had a chance to meet up with several friends and relatives.

 Four of us who have been friends since Gibson School were able to meet for lunch---two of us brought our daughters too.  Above is Aimee next to her mother Kathy and then, Margie (going back to 3rd grade)

 We met in McKinney for Lunch and we really had more fun than the photos show. My daughter Leah with friend Carol.  If we'd had Joan and Carol Rittel, our day would have been the perfect reunion.  We figured out that the four of us hadn't been together as a group since college. . . .
We also got to see my sister briefly, but she didn't want her photo taken---this wasn't too bad considering it was my camera held to my side and pointed backwards!

 Leah's friend and our former neighbor, Lauren, also came by to give Leah some decorating advise. . .how did I NOT get her photo.

 We had a lot of fun with our youngest grandchildren.

 Eli has become such a good artist. . .

 But, Anna hasn't quite mastered staying on the paper. . .

 We enjoyed their new 3-D TV---Yogi Bear movie had great special effects.

 And, of course we had a lot of snuggle moments.

 The play ground in their neighborhood was more fun than in July.

 It was a great visit!  We DO seem to have a lot of people to visit when we go to Dallas!

FALLing for Texas

 While visiting with the Warrens, we visited a pumpkin patch or two.

 We fed goats---well, I fed goats, the kids watched and Anna filled the cup with fallen oats.

 We took a hayride.

 Eli strolled through a maze.

 The kids picked out pumpkins to take home, and

 Just enjoyed the beautiful day.

 A few days later, we went to the Dallas Arboretum which was FABULOUS, but I forgot my camera.  Eli got his face painted!

After "naps", we went on a nature hike near their house.  We had a great time!

Oma's Trunk One Month

Drum roll!  I'm a statistics kind of person and thought I'd share the statistics on my first full month selling my "vintage" garage sale items on Etsy.  My back story is, I discovered a huge box in the basement filled with postcards, stamps, books, booklets this summer.  I always knew I wanted to sell my sewing collection---I don't sew, most were purchased almost 30 years ago.
I have sold all of these buttons--- this one has snake heads on it!  I bought boxes and jars of buttons for many years and some of them are wonderful.  They deserved a better life than languishing in my basement.
These were HUGE---2 inches each--- and actually cone shaped.  I thought I'd dig them out since big buttons seem to be "in".  I have sold $63 worth of buttons.  Yes, I have about 98% of my collection still in jars. . . .
I thought since it was close to Halloween, I might sell this colonial era pattern and I did to someone in Springfield, MO!  I have sold 5 patterns for almost $50.  Granted many were 1950's and earlier, but still---tissue patterns!

 But I haven't been very successful selling sheet music, magazines or books---which I have plenty of!

 Although I have sold some lace---no doilies---again, I have huge numbers of this.

 I really thought I'd sell some scarves---the one above is 33 inches and Escada (definitely a boutique brand)---maybe closer to Valentines.

Post cards have also had little interest.  Oh, well, I really can't complain.

Here are the statistics for ONE month:  1034 Views; 75 Favorites; 17 orders with 21 items sold for $172.  I also achieved my personal goal of listing over 100 items in a month!  So, despite the lack of interest in some of my items, I think I have done well.  By the way, the buttons at the top of the page were my all time favorites.  Just happy to say I sold them to someone in Missouri who said I could have visitation rights! :-)

So, hurry to Oma's Trunk to get your bargains!