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Dad's 95th Birthday In the beginning of September we gathered in Springfield, to celebrate Dad's 95th!  Dad is pictured above, with his 4 kids and spouses, 3 of his grandkids, his great-granddaughter and her daddy. Over Labor Day weekend, the 12 of us traveled from 6 states to celebrate with Dad in Missouri. The Meyer Clan On the second of September we gathered with more family at my cousin's. Dad was born in Springfield exactly 95 years before.  Most of the Meyer gang still live in Springfield, where Dad grew up. Since I've never lived in town with relatives, it boggles my mind (in a wonderful way) to see all these connected people, in one place! Hats and Cake All felt amazingly relaxed, as we gathered on a lovely day. Food, Family... party hats for some!
There were little ones for Dad to watch. Cake to sing around. And a quick "speech" by Chris, that made Dad laugh! Birthday Party Slideshow This slideshow gives a glimpse of the fun. It was a pleasant lunchtime gathering. We made sure to get a photo of Dad and his kids, before the party broke up.  Springfield is Dad's hometown, not ours. However, my siblings and I have fond memories of yearly visits to see relatives in the town. Cherry and Pickwick in Springfield We 4 kids grew up in many in different towns. I feel like I remember more street names from Springfield, than anywhere I've lived. Our young mom once lived on Pickwick. Our young dad worked at a grocery store on Cherry.  Today, the neighborhood near this sign, is a fun and hopping area. We made this neighborhood our home for a few days, while we visited. Cherry Street Grocery When I was little, I thought it was so cool that my dad had worked at a grocery store as a teen. The old Cherry Street Grocery, is now a gift shop.
Above the shop, there are now 2 Airbnb rentals called Pickwick Places. A few of us stayed there. Right above Dad's old store! Cherry Street House The rest of us stayed a few doors down at this adorable rental, sitting right on Cherry Street.  We have no history with this house. But having a porch brought back memories of the porch games from childhood. Kitty in the Corner!
It felt like home, having a porch and sofas and a dinner table, to gather around,  The evening before Dad's birthday, we gathered with party hats...  ... and we toasted to the Birthday Boy. Having a backyard also made it feel like we had gone back in time.
My brother Chris, grilled up the same bbq chicken recipe that my Grandpa Meyer used years ago. Cherry Street Slideshow Here are more photos of hanging out at the Cherry Street House. No explanations needed. Springfield Highlights We had a few days, to hit some favorite places.
Steak n Shake is always a must. Great Grandpa's Place We had no idea how 2 1/2 year old Charlie would be with her Great Grandpa.
First of all she managed to call him Great Grandpa, which is a mouthful. And she was more than happy to go along with Great Grandpa's playful games and teasing.
Heidi and Scott got in their own poses before saying good-bye. Exploring with Scott Before taking Scott to the airport, we fit in a neighborhood run together. Scott ran slow for me and we made some little stops... at a small park.
Then, Scott posed with the rock pillar in front of his great grandmother's old house. I remember when I was finally big enough to climb it. More Relatives At Scott's request we stopped to see the graves of my mom and her relatives.
It was a sweet visit, until a thunderstorm forced us to dash back to the car. From Springfield to Eureka Springs, AR Don and I departed Springfield, the day after Labor Day. We drove home to Texas, making a stop for the night in Arkansas.
It's always nice to see the curious Ozark town, when it's quiet, after a busy holiday weekend. Nola in Arkansas We stayed at the old New Orleans Hotel.
Eureka Springs always reminds me of New Orleans, with its wrought iron balconies.
We didn't have a room on the balcony-lined front. Instead we had a room on the back with a sunporch, looking out at the spiral, iron fire escape! Cheers! Like Nola, Eureka Springs often has a bit of a noisy, party vibe going on. Mostly with motorcycles coming through.  We enjoyed a drink in the hotel's Voodoo Lounge. It was quiet, (unlike Nola) and that suited us just fine. We toasted to a good birthday celebration. One More Visit Don and I made one more quick trip in late September.
It's nice to be only 2.5 hours from Austin. We had a good visit with this little girl and her parents.
Char loves round things, like soccer balls and pumpkins.
And she loves dressing up! It's not even October! Friends September was also a month for seeing some special (unrelated) people. My childhood friend Diane, came to Houston for work and we met up at her hotel.
I brought along some old dolls to amuse us. It's been 58 years since we were next door neighbors. I was 8 then and that's about how I acted, when I spilled my red wine all over my lap! Honestly, I had only 2 sips before that mess! Friends Nearby We also saw some friends who don't live so far away.  Pat and Susan made me laugh, but I spilled no wine. Texas "Reunion" At the end of the month, my college friend Martha and her hubby Bill visited from Colorado.  We got in the Texas spirit with some western bandanas for our photo. (goofy glasses, candy necklaces and leis in the past) My stomach muscles were sore after our 24 hour visit! September Skies As the month came close to the end, I caught some beautiful skies.  At the lake, we saw eerie clouds before an evening storm. The sky was glowing in the morning.  From our backyard at home, I caught the full moon in the morning and the sunset in the evening. A good way to end a full month!
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