Missouri pre-Easter

We begin this post with a picture of a moth. Not because it's a Missouri moth, but because its camouflage looks like a twig off of a tree. Very impressive, Mr. Moth! Alas, your camouflage fails you when you land on a screen door.


Here's a view from the drive up. We think this is Kansas. But it's still beautiful.


The second night we were up in Missouri, John and I drove two hours over to Hannibal to attend a retirement party for my beloved English professor from Hannibal LaGrange, Dr. McNutt. We had a great time--it was rather like a family reunion--chatting with friends and former professors. Here is Dr. McNutt with our crew of English (and formerly English) majors.


We returned home late Friday night, then all sorts of family members came up on Saturday and by Sunday, we were preparing for Easter the next week. Here are some snapshots of our egg-decorating party. Don't be troubled if everybody looks a little grim. Egg decorating is serious business.


It requires a small amount of adult assistance.


And long periods of thoughtful concentration, as Brooke here demonstrates. (Thanks to Neal and Theresa for coming up for the weekend and providing their two adorable little girls for photo shoots.)


But the final product is worth it! Aren't they lovely?


After decorating the eggs, it was time for the annual Plastic-Egg Filled With Candy Easter Egg Hunt (or the PEFWCEEH). Like every good hunt, helmets and hounds were provided.


I forgot to mention that Amadeus came with us up to Missouri. He demanded to be part of the PEFWCEEH, as well. I'd like to say that he found us some good eggs, but alas, all he found was Noah.


Would you like to try a poisoned app--er, egg, Nana? *Cackle, cackle*


Even the sick babies got to join in (referring in this instance to Caleb, not Ryan).


And don't forget the tractor parade! Oh, the memories you can create when a beat-up old golf cart is stranded, only to be pushed to safety by a big blue tractor.


After the golf cart was secured, Uncle Pat took a very excited Madison for a ride, as well.


After all the excitement, everybody needed a good stretch. Here are Seth and Ryan practicing their yoga moves.


Amadeus really enjoyed Missouri. He loved playing with Mom and Dad's little Westie, Dexter, and trying to run with the big dogs. But there were some adjustments. No longer puppy extraordinaire, Amadeus found that he had become just one more hound.


Sigh. . . .


But lest, good viewers, you think he suffered too much by being merely 'one of the canine crowd,' let these pictures assure you that he was not entirely out of the spotlight. Here he is making friends with the children. . .


. . .slithering out of Steph's grasp. . .


. . .bringing Papa down to his level. . .


. . .and in general getting himself into some extraordinary positions.


It's enough to wear a pup out, which made for a very quiet ride back home.