KHS Prom 2010

The Two Amigos… Aren’t they studdly!?!

Zachary would not take off the sombrero he bought in NYC.

The dress Jenni has on and Zachary’s vest and tie were made by Jenni’s Grandmother. They looked so beautiful together… notice the sombrero. 

 

Silly son with Sombrero and beautiful Jenni.

I made the rose for Jenni’s hair at her request… (Bummer ~ she lost it on the dance floor… I guess I’ll be making another)  Zach’s pocket square was an after thought that I whipped up Saturday morning so it would match the vest.

Jenni and her grandmother designed her dress. They put three patterns together to get just what she envisioned. I think they did a spectacular job.  

The sombrero just would not come off… well eventually it did, but it took forever… what is even up with that?

The back of Jenni’s dress was amazing!!! This picture showed off just how gorgeous it was and her pretty up do too!

Notice… no sombrero! 

Alexander escorted Kat ~ a beauty from the Czech Republic. Kat is a foreign exchange student and a senior this year. She and Alexander are friends from Choir. They made a stunning couple as well.

They had a great time… Alexander even danced… Crazy I know. You can see Alexander was really proud to escort such a lovely girl.

Alex and Kat left after just a few shots to join the group they went to dinner with for pictures at Kat’s friends house. I only managed to snag two decent pictures before they darted off. I’m so glad I was able to get these two shots.

Zach putting on Jenni’s wrist corsage. Too bad I cut their heads off.

Jenni pinning on Zach’s boutonniere.

Jenni’s five year old cousin picked out and bought the earrings she’s wearing. She said she just knew Jenni would LOVE them. How sweet is that? The broach in the center of Jenni’s dress is an antique of her grandmother’s. Love, love, loved it!

This is Zach’s senior prom so I snapped a crazy amount of pictures for him. I’ll try not to bore you with too many more… but I had so much fun and it was such a pretty day for pictures.

ps… the center shot above is a picture of Jenni and her sister, Morgan.

I loved this shot of my two guys… had to add it to our header for now.

That’s all folks.

Happy Birthday Uncle David!!!

Here is the family present to help Uncle David celebrate his 92nd Birthday. (except me... I took the picture) I think they're a pretty good looking crew if I do say so myself.
I thought this was a sweet shot of Bj, Alex and Uncle David. Uncle David looks pretty dang good for 92... we could only be so lucky... especially when you take into consideration he just under went his second surgery in barely a year. He had a hip replacement for Lynn's birthday last year and a knee replacement for Lynn's birthday this year... not kidding at all... she spent the last two birthday's in the hospital taking care of her daddy... props to you Auntie Lynn... and happy belated birthday to you to.

2008 Musical Christmas Feast

So I'm sorry... I'm a little behind... okay... a lot behind. I'm not sure what my deal was... but I guess I was on bloggin' hiatus.

On December 12th Kearney's High School Choirs put on a beautiful Musical Christmas Feast. We were thrilled that Dad and Phyllis joined us. This is the second year that Zachary participated in the musical portion dressed in Renaissance garb. I have to say this year's festivities far surpassed last years. Oh... and Zach can totally rock the tights... I'm not sure every guy can say that... Zach was also the only member of the Chamber Choir that escorted two Renaissance ladies. Tailor also sang in the Girls Bel Canto Choir.

This was the first year that Alexander participated in the festivities... but he not only got to sing with the 9th Grade Men's Choir he also played his guitar to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"! We were so proud of him... he did great! Brent video taped it but forgot that you can't turn the camera on its side... cuz... unlike pictures you can't flip a video... so here you go... Alex's guitar playing debut:

Missed One...

Somehow while I was posting pictures from Halloween I missed this one. This is a picture of Alex and his sweet girl, Keri. She's a doll and we love her. She is spunky and fun and fits right in with our crazy family. These pictures were taken on Halloween night at Nessa's (the other Zomby Prom Girl). Keri helped Nessa host a Halloween party. It was an out door party with a bonfire, music and a few games thrown in for good measure. Alex had a great time. Nessa's parents were super nice and chaperoned the entire evening.

Alex Rocks!!!

So to please me, and to show me he could, Alex played Stairway to Heaven.

Then Alex played a couple of other songs for me. He is getting to be very good. He enjoys learning so much. Oh and check out his new guitar.

Two Wild & Crazy Guys...

So the guys thought they were looking pretty cool. Zach took Alex for a ride before he took the car back to Tailor's dad. He wanted to take me for a ride also, but I said I thought he just needed to go ahead and take it back while our luck was holding out... I really, really, really do not like to drive other peoples vehicles... I don't care who the car belongs to... It's just a thing with me... I'm sure if something can go wrong, it will... and while it's in my possession. But it was very kind for Tailor's dad to share his vehicle and to trust in our Zachary. Zach and Tailor had a great time.

More Chicago Fun...

I can't believe I forgot to put this picture up... The guys were sitting waiting for the train and I don't know for some reason this shot popped into my head... so being nice guys and humoring me... we have... Speak no Evil, See no Evil, and Hear no Evil... I probably got them in the wrong order... but I liked it... It's going to go on my wall of fame.

Here are just a few move random shots of Chicago. Zach absolutely fell in love with the R2D2 mailbox. So of course we had to get a picture. Then some man pointed out the sign for the Beginning of the Famous Route 66, so I had to get a picture of that too... Brent's cousin, Linda, has a great Antique store on Route 66 in Lebanon, MO... so family ties, sorta.... the shot in the bottom left is one of the cool buildings and happens to be where the came up with the names for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... It has the names across the top edge of the building.... so that's it in terms of pictures from Chi Town, but we loved it and I am ready to go again.

Nice One Boys....

This is what I get when I attempt to get a picture of my boys... They are getting pretty stubborn. Oh well, have to catch them when they're not looking I guess. That Alex is a nut tho'. Not sure what he thought he was doing... I think he thought he hid his face... not so much... silly guy... Zach wouldn't even give me the time of day... important game ya know.

Alex... Rockin' Out!

Brent snapped this picture with his new phone! I loved it... Alex loves playing his guitar and he is getting so good!

Alexander's New Rockin' Do...

So Misty and Alexander decided it would be ok to dye Alex' hair black... so Mom decided Alex got to get a hair cut... this was our compromise... no it doesn't always have bullet spikes... but Alex thought he looked pretty tough... this is his punk do... as opposed to an Emo do... It looks pretty awesome... I like it because you can see his handsome face... not that you can tell by the last picture... oh well... boys will be boys.

Handsome Men...

Here is a great shot of Brent and the boys with Brent's 91 year old Great Uncle David. Uncle David is Lynn's dad and has just moved back to Kansas City to live with her. Beleave it or not, he is recovering from hip replacement surgery and has done wonderfully. He is so sweet and always has a great story or two to share. The boys really enjoyed their time visiting with him. We will have to make a point of visiting with him and Lynn often.

Here are a few pretty pictures of Lynn's oasis in the city. She works so hard to keep it beautiful. She is my inspiration for making my yard a little nicer. I just have to parcel my time out in little bits and pieces. Every year it improves tho'.

I don't remember how many varieties of Hostas Lynn has but I know it's a bunch. Her entire yard is pretty much shaded so they thrive.

I just thought this made for a neat shot.... had to throw it in as well. Cool bird house among the Clematis.

Alex Getting a Little Air

Alex said these didn't look good... I thought they were awesome!

Some of these he landed, some not, but I thought they all rocked!

He said this one didn't look very intellegent... didn't know there was such a thing.

You can see he totally got this one... he still didn't like the way his arms looked... oh well, mom thinks he's awesome! It was a lot of fun watching him... he was working so hard... wasn't going to stop tho'

Alexander Rockin' Out...

I'll put up some new shots later. This was the best one I got last night. He has so much dang fun with his guitar tho'. He says, "All the chicks dig him". Yup, that's our boy!

Lemon Fresh Skate Day at the Park

This morning was the first in a series of shoots that will be done of some of Jake's and Alex's skate buddies sporting Jake's Lemon Fresh - Skate Clothing Line. Sarah (Jake's sister) got some unbelievable shots that will eventually be posted on the Lemon Fresh Blog. Be sure to check out their site and add it to your favorites. This totally amazing shot of Alexander was taken by Sarah and edited in photo shop by Jacob.

Had to throw in another Gid shot skating... He's a hoot!

These next not quite as amazing shots were taken by little old me as I was trying to stay out of the way and entertain Gideon. I love them even if they are lacking her artistic eye and ability.

In the upper left corner pictured starting on the far left are: Caleb Yockey, Jake Doan, Caleb Warner, and Alexander. (Gotta love Alex's faux hawk ~ he can totally pull it off) And don't ask what they are doing in this bottom right picture.

Here are a few additional shots of Alexander and his buddy, Caleb Yockey. Caleb is totally amazing on a board, but was a little off today. He was fighting a stomach ache and that doesn't go well with some of the jumps he performs. ~ Don't forget to check out the Lemon Fresh Blog for more amazing shots.

Kearney 8th Grade Ruled!!

Kearney 8th Grade Boys rocked out at last nights football games. The "A" team won 50 - 7 and the "B" team won 20 - 0. Yay! for Kearney Boys. I was glad to get to see the entire game. Alexander is # 45. He is still learning all the plays and move. He is a little behind his teammates because he never played prior to this year. He says he is still having a good time and that's what it is all about. We are sure proud of his hard work, dedication, and great attitude. I need to take a lesson from him.

Check out this action!

Alex Rocks Big Time...

So my sweet, some times somber, often silly, Alexander has come a long way. From his very first photo at the hospital, to his turn in the bowl (family tradition), to his adventure in the dryer, to his first Boy Scout Camp; he remains my sweet baby boy. Even as he progresses and his character grows, I see the man he will become.

Here is the progression of Alexander receiving his birthday gift. Notice dad looking on proudly in the lower middle shot. What a fun night this was. We had Alex open his presents tonight, even though tomorrow, September 14, 2007 is his official birthday. He is going to be out late tomorrow evening at Kearney High Schools home game with a bunch of his friends and his brother's posse'. After the game they are all coming back to the house for an all night Halo match. Then up on Saturday to go to the Skate Park in Excelsior. He is way excited. (Don't you love the center shot of Alex... he is showing how he will be rockin' out big time) I love it. We had to almost twist his arm to get him to open his present, then he was all smiles. I'm pretty sure this is his favorite gift ever. Jake has been teaching him to play drums and guitar. Alex is so very lucky to have his super talented brother-in-law so willing to teach and he loves him for it.

Alexander Bruce Richardson (named after my father, Victor Bruce McOsker) was born on September 14, 1993. He was our little surprise. We tried so hard to have another child after Misty, then it was five years before Zach arrived. Then a little over a year later, we are expecting our fourth child. I can tell you it was quite a surprise. Especially after the problems with Zach's birth. Alex's aunt Tonya always said Alex was hers because we teased her that we created him in her new water bed when we stayed overnight with mom after a New Years Eve party. After Tonya got over the yick factor, she thought it was kinda neat. Alex was my only child that I new exactly when I got pregnant. I think I found out I was pregnant a few weeks into it... I knew I was pregnant, I could just tell... I can't remember how many tests they made me take before they confirmed it... but I can tell you I was overjoyed! Alex was a planned C-section. No messy labor and needless pain with him... nope, we set the date... and he arrived. He was so serious and sweet. It almost seemed he had something to tell me. He would open his eyes wide and look right into my eyes. His sister and big brother were so excited to get to take him home from the hospital. Then we found out that he was a little jaundice, but it was nothing to be worried about, they would send out his own little glow worm outfit... Belly Rubin lights... and he would be good to go. It was the neatest thing I had ever seen. He looked just like a little glow worm... truly! It was a six inch wide belt of special fiber optics that was wrapped in a soft fabric which I'd Velcro around his waist and chest. Then you dressed him and turned it on. The kids and neighbors loved it. I wish I still had the picture. It was much better than having to take him back and forth to the hospital for Belly Rubin treatments, the blood tests on his tiny feet were bad enough. Every day someone would have to drive us in to the family doctor to have his blood drawn, until his levels remained in the safe zone. What a bother... especially since I had a seven year old and a twenty-two month old to tote as well.

Isn't funny how these memories remain so very vivid. Alexander I am so very proud of you. I look forward to you being set apart to a teacher in the Arronic Priesthood. It has been a blessing to have you be a part of my family. Thank you for your choice in the preexistence and for ultimately choosing to be a part of our family.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park...

We took a little scenic detour on the way home. Alexander had mentioned he would like to go back to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and show us a few of the sites. We were driving home and happened to pass right by the turn off, and much to Zach's dismay... one more stop was added to our trip. I am so glad we stopped. I love this state park. These first pictures are of the water tower that supplied the water for the Ha Ha Tonka Castle. We had to trek quite aways up the wooden steps to get to the top of the tower. I thought it was well worth the trek, even if it left me a little shaky. I'm a wimp. Don't you just love the shot of the guy's back... they were being a little difficult... didn't want to be models... to bad for them.

This group of pictures includes pictures of the stable/carriage house. I wish you could tell how large this was... The stable alone was larger than most modern homes.

Here are some shots of the ruins of the Ha Ha Tonka Castle. It is truly amazing. Just a little history... The castle was the dream of Robert McClure Synder,a wealthy Kansas City businessman. He visited the area in 1903 and was so impressed he purchased Ha Ha Tonka Lake, the Spring, and more than 5,000 acres in Camden County in 1904. He immediately began constructing roads and making extensive improvements. He envisioned a private retreat with a European-style castle, with a center atrium rising three and one-half stories to a skylight. Snyder also planned an 80-foot-high water tower, greenhouses, and a carriage house. He once said, "Here I will spend my leisure, secure from the worries of business and the excitement of city life. I will fish and loaf and explore the caves of these hills, with no fear of intrusion." Construction began in 1905 only to be halted a year later. Unfortunately he did not live to see his dream realized. His tragic death in 1906 was one of Missouri's first automobile fatalities.

His obituary in the Kansas City Journal on Oct. 29, 1906, said, "He maintained ideals for which he was recognized, never failing to accentuate the importance of family values. In a personal message to his son Robert Jr., he encouraged him to "lay down for yourself principles of truth ~ of honor ~ of self respect ~ and of unselfishness ~ and do not violate them ~ thus will your life be a success and a pleasure to you and everyone who knows or meets you." It was said that Snyder's business dealings were honorable and his name was synonymous with commercial integrity. His tragic death brought an end to his dream, however his sons finished building their father's dream, though not quite as elaborately as originally planned. The entire interior was gutted by fire when sparks from a chimney ignited the roof. The stable burned the same day. The water tower was burned by vandals in 1976. Only ruins remain... but they are lovely and you can still imagine the splendor.

These are picture of the Natural Bridge, 70 feet wide, spans 60 feet, and reaches more than 100 feet in the air. It is located in the State Park and can be reached by a half mile trek through the woods. Alex of course climbed to the top of the bridge. Zach had on flip flops (and designer shorts - he might have been a girl in a former life... jk) so he wasn't able or willing to climb up. You can see I was red faced just by all the walking and climbing. Brent snapped this oh so flattering picture of me. It's my proof I actually made it... It was gorgeous and certainly worth the effort. What a beautiful end to a truly wonderful family vacation.