Here We Are in St. Louis

Meet Me in St. Louis

Arrived at the St. Louis airport on time. Had two checked bags so called my brother when we got to baggage claim. Then almost immediately picked up our bags (very good service) and waited for my brother to pick us up. Was not yet noon and already the temp was in the upper 70s. It was very warm for our Alaskan bodies. It was a very happy time when my brother pulled up to retrieve us, wonderful reunion.

The trip to the Bladow home in Maryland Heights, MO was fortunately uneventful, the conversation was light and we were trying to catch up of the past 6 months since we had last seen one another. We were greeted with many hugs when we arrived and began a day of grazing and chatting that seemed to be unending. The graduate, Rachel, was radiant and just as pretty as I remembered.

We were wined and dined continuously while we were at the party. Seemed like Heidi and Chad (Rachel's parents and our nephew and niece) couldn't feed us enough. They were the most gracious host a hostess anyone could ever want. The food and drink was delicious and the libations were wonderful. I heartily recommend attending a party at the home of the proud parents, Heidi and Chad.

During the course of the day we were reacquainted with many and had a wonderful time meeting new people, playing games and watching the children of all ages play. Learned a new game in the afternoon called Blokus. The game is fast paced and addicting. We also played cribbage and the "kids" played on the hill grass surfing, dueling, and rolling down the hill. Ed, Don, and Andre came away with a new teenage hero. He is a friend of Rachel's named Josh. What a guy. The young kids were rolling down the hill and he some how convinced the lovely girls to not just roll down the hill but to do it in tandem with him. He would lie on the ground the girl would lie on him and they would get a push to roll down the hill. Both would return to the top and the next girl would take her turn. We sat in awe of this inventive young man.

Rachel had many friends an family with her on her great day of celebration. We and hopefully Rachel had a most wonderful time. Graduations themselves are not one of my most favorite events to attend but the graduation parties are wonderful. The Bladows from Alaska and Wisconsin retired to the hotel early as the Alaskans were very tired. But a spectacular was had by all and we thank our hosts for wonderful food, gracious company, and extraordinary weather.