I met The Pioneer Woman

Yesterday, mom and I left on a fun-filled, whirlwind trip to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City for a book signing by the Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond for her new book The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

Our day began with a drive to Columbia and lunch at Roly Poly. Have you tried this place? OMG, seriously yummy. Then on to Kansas City, checked into my favorite hotel, perhaps in the world, the Sheraton Suites on the Plaza, then out for some shopping. We wandered about for a while then headed to Brio Tuscan Grille for dinner before the question and answer session and book signing.

Ree was awesome, charming, and very funny. Her boys were adorable and her husband was well, adorable too. Every bit the Marlboro Man she describes him as. Every attendee received a cool Pioneer Woman t-shirt!


We headed home today after a lazy morning and a slow drive back and another stop in Columbia for lunch.

Birthday Parties!

We had two parties for Olivia's Birthday - a family party on Sunday, Nov. 1st, the day before her birthday - all the grandparents, godparents, a bunch of cousins and a few Aunts and Uncles enjoyed tacos, corn pudding, cake and ice cream. Some even had margaritas.

Olivia got TONS of stuff and loved every bit of it. Some of the highlights were gobs of Little People princess stuff, a cash register, a voice command dump truck, two tea sets, Clifford and Dr. Seuss Books and a bouncy house:






Then on Monday, the big day we had a kid party at Monkey Joe's. Friends arrived and we played and played and played. After we were almost worn out, we drove the short trip to Aunt Julie's house for more playing, pizza, cake and ice cream.





I requested "no gifts" for the second party and suggested donations for the food pantry, which Olivia collected and will deliver to the food pantry soon.