Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

from Jockey Mike Smith (AKA - S)

and Superman (AKA - J)

The Nelson-Atkins Museum

We went to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City last weekend. And it was fabulous!

We especially liked the shuttlecocks on the front lawn.
The Thinker, Flat Stanley and S. We brought Flat Stanley on our trip, he is part of the first grade program at school. They chart all the places he visits. We took him to Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park this past summer too.

Isn't it a beautiful building?
It had wonderful exhibits, and it's free!
Plus, the gift shop had the best selection of design, art and cookbooks I've seen outside of Rizzoli's Bookstore in NYC. The Nelson-Atkins is launching on online store this fall.
Our weekend also included the World War I monument, a Toy and Miniature Museum, and Union Station. We will definitely go back to see more of the city.

Shopping at Pryde's of Old Westport

The best kitchen store I have ever been in, and considering how many I've been in, that's saying something! If you are in Kansas City, you have to go to Pryde's of Old Westport.

Note the chandeliers, they are made from whisks.
Preppy scrubbers.

As Pryde's says, if you can't find it, you don't need it.

Don't think this is a place to just "run into", as my husband can tell you, you need some time to cover the multiple floors and to see all the good stuff. He was in the car with the boys, and finally had to come into the store to see how much I was spending, based on the amount of time I spent in there.

The staff were so friendly. They has suggestions of places to eat and things to see. They thanked me for coming into the store, thrilled that I had saved a magazine clipping and had to seek them out.

Shopping and BBQ

Nell Hill's in Kansas City
Mad for the Plaid. I bought some amazing plaid ribbon for a Christmas wreath.

The displays are gorgeous.

I want everything!

If I could have fit them in the car, I would have two new Black Watch sofas in my living room right now.

Lunch at Arthur Bryant's Barbeque

The line was out the door, which is always a good sign! The 'que was fantastic, and totally worth the wait.

Pulled pork, Beef Brisket, and Ribs. Oh my!

Waiting for this to arrive in Madison

I read the book, now I'm anxiously awaiting the movie, The Romantics.

The Name's Laguardia

photo from Life Magazine

I became familiar with Tom Bosley because of the Broadway musical Fiorello. He played the lead, Fiorello H. Laguardia, and won a Tony for his efforts.

My parents played this album when I was a kid, and I was in a community production of it when I was a teen. I, of course, watched him on Happy Days also. But since hearing of his passing, I keep singing the score from the musical.

Required Viewing

I saw this last night, with some teachers from the boys school, at Sundance. AMAZING. After the movie ended, the man sitting next to me, whom I didn't know, turned to me and asked, "What do we do now?" It has that kind of impact, to ask how do we solve this national problem in schools. He joined us for a drink to discuss it. This should be required for every American, to the front of the line should be all politicians.

Go see Waiting For Superman.

Education: Do schools kill creativity?

The Head of School discussed this subject at assembly on Friday. He said you can remain creative and artistic throughout your life. It doesn't have to be lost to adulthood.

I know it's long, but watch it. Sir Robinson is a great speaker.

Voices in the Dark

As I am sitting here, reading the Pioneer Girl Blog, my son, S, calls from his bed where he is suppose to be sleeping, and asks
"Can you find My Old Kentucky Home?"
me: "You mean right now?!"
S: "You know the one they sing in Kentucky and at the Derby (or as he says Dewby)"
me: I know the song, do you want to listen to it as you go to sleep?"
S: "No, in the car."
He is now laying in the dark singing the song to himself. I didn't know he knew all the words! I don't think he knows all the words to On Wisconsin yet. The kid totally cracks me up.

Ready for the Bake Sale

Apple cupcakes ready for tomorrow.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

S overheard me describing a movie plot with my husband, it revolving around a criminal that doesn't get caught. S asked why they didn't call 911. I explained that the movie was set in the late 50's, and they didn't have 911. His reply, "You mean they didn't have nines OR ones in the old days?!"

All-American Boy

Found in the pocket of jeans belonging to my oldest son:

50 cents

two army guys

one bouncy ball

two marbles

one rock

one piece of cloth

-Priceless-