Kitchen capers

Bonnie Bing graciously invited some friends to dinner and poker Sunday night, but the real reason we gathered was to admire her new kitchen remodel. Bonnie and hubby Dick did a French-country redo on their kitchen, and it was spectacular.

Denise and Molly had just arrived in this pic, with the aproned Bonnie getting dinner ready and Dick just looking cute as can be.


Joe Stumpe (with Carrie nearby) helped Bonnie prepare a lavish dinner of carpaccio, fish with a sage cream sauce, grilled flat-iron steak, sauteed veggies, focaccio, peach cobbler and lots of wine. We had lots of fun around Bonnie's new kitchen island.

Dale taking photos of the spectacular kitchen and Carrie sipping wine, with the carpaccio on a plate in front of her.


Joe doing what Joe does so well.

The chefs.

Dale, Mike and Molly.


Bonnie preparing our dining tables outside, with the river in the background, on a gorgeous fall day.

Dick, Molly and Denise, at the poker table. Dick and Denise were the night's big winners.

Sunday adventure

Dale took his grandkids to see the Arkansas River dam and Big Ditch area this afternoon. Even I am impressed when I make the trek there, near 21st and West, so I can imagine what fun it was to the kids.

Josie, Jaden and Luke, in the lead, make their way to the river.


Hopefully, the ticks stayed away.


Jaden under the bridge.

Luke, Jaden and Josie.

Josie and Luke watching the rushing water.

Jaden leading the way...

Jaden on the calm side of the dam.


Standing on the dam.


Josie, Jaden and Luke hypnotized by the churning waters.


Jaden being an explorer.

Heading home.

Lunch with Grandpa Goter

Wednesday was grandparent's day at Dale's grandkids' school. The kids are on this Quizno's kick, so Dale took them sandwiches and, of course, big cookies.

Dale with 5-year-old Luke, thoroughly enjoying his cookie.


Six-year-old Josie is always a goof, which we love about her.


And Jaden, who is somehow already 8, is the smart, serious one who will someday be president. As in THE president.


The gang.

Weekend in Great Bend

This weekend included a fast trip to Great Bend to celebrate my sister Lisa's birthday at her house.

Me with my niece Lizzie and nephew Will (on the left) and great-niece Harper and great-nephew Kobe (on the right.)


My nephew Bobby (my sister's son) and his girlfriend, also named Lisa.


My niece Ashley's husband, Kyle, and their son Hudson.


Kyle with Harper.


My mom and youngest nephew, Joe.