Marianne's Family: July 2010

July 17, 2010

Little Miss is getting quite funny about looking cute and wearing hats...she insisted upon wearing this hat and we added the flower. She also loves her sparkly sunglasses.

July 12-16, 2010 Kansas City - City of Fountains

I learned a lot about Kansas City during my stay...the Plaza was the first outdoor mall in the US. The Spanish influence is seen in the buildings as they were trying to look like their sister city, Seville. Kansas City is also known for it's many fountains. There are more than 200 fountains registered with the city....I loved them. Here are just a few of them...

A view of the Plaza.

Loved the style.

Mac store...a favorite of my girls....beautiful location and loved the flowering baskets everywhere.

July 12-16, 2010 - NNPTC & FTCC

I had to go to our federal training meetings in Kansas City. The meetings were held in the Intercontinental Hotel in Kansas City near the Plaza area. What an awesome location...we enjoyed walking in the plaza until the temps went up and it was too hot. My favorite part of the federal meetings is getting to see all of my collegues from all over the US. My fantastic coordinator from Austin, Tammy was able to attend for a few days. I enjoyed hanging out with her so much. Wish she lived closer!

I stayed at the Marriott Country Club Plaza in Kansas City....wonderful hotel...so helpful and friendly.

My bag and badges.

July 10, 2010

"Anybody want to take a spin....my daddy left the keys in the car!"

Elle loves to stand in her daddy's car while he works on it....she thinks she can drive!

Elle is wearing her Nauvoo shirt I got for her....the face of an angel...I could just kiss those cheeks all day!

July 5, 2010

We were lucky enough to get to watch rehearsal for the opening of the Nauvoo Pageant.

July 4, 2010

For the 4th of July I went with my friend Chris Evens and daughter Hope to Nauvoo. We stayed until the morning of the 8th. It was a completely awesome experience. The pageant opened on the 6th. The driving/girlfriend time was so fun. We laughed and talked and the hours of driving flew by.

Brannon and I before his show "Our Story Goes On" -in Nauvoo- it's impossible to get him to be serious!

Living dangerously with a sparkler ...that's the extent of our fireworks for today.

Our fancy Fourth of July picnic....

My patriotic look for the 4th.

My 1840's hat look....

My Buffalo Bill cowboy look....

July 2, 2010

We had a fun day with my good friend Lori at her pool. Aubrianne, Ellianne, Camielle, Madden, Zaria and Alivia were there. We enjoyed fresh fruit, pasta salad and hot dogs.

Elle cheeses for the camera.

Elle and Madden were good at sharing fruit.

Aubrianne and Zaria

June 29, 2010 - Sweet Natalie

My friend Natalie brought flowers to surprise me after I came back from Houston. She knew I was having an emotional time with my mother-in-laws passing. Isn't she so thoughtful? Thanks bunches Natalie - everytime I looked at them I smiled and felt cared for!

June -Book Club

our book this month was The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck - I'll admit I didn't finish it all....but read most of it before we met. This was such a fasinating look at life for the average Chinese citizen in the 1930's. It reminded me how blessed I am to have been born in this country at this point in time to enjoy the freedom and respect as a woman that I take for granted.

The Bishop Family - San Antonio

Rusty, Aubrianne and Elle went to San Antonio and visited the Children's Museum and Zoo.

Elle loves to pretend - she has a vivid imagination and loved having things that were her size.

She used to be the camera dodger - but has learned to smile...sort of, she says cheese! It usually results in a cheesy smile...I guess that's the point.

I don't know who had more fun Rusty or Elle...

Aubrianne tried to put Elle in a Spacesuit for the 'rocket'....she hated it...she was so mad and tried to get it off as fast as she could.

Aub and Elle with the Elephants

Rusty and Elle checking out the Rhinos

Watching the Rhino get a bath was the most interesting thing about the zoo. Elle signed "Rhino bath" to everyone when she came home!

Annie Get Your Gun - Jackson Hole Playhouse

Brannon has been in Jackson Hole Wyoming this summer playing the part of Buffalo Bill in "Annie Get Your Gun" - This is a picture from the town square shoot-out they do every afternoon for tourists. Brannon was the choreographer for these scenes. He looks like an authenic cowboy -don't ya' think?!

June 25, 2010

Houston ISTDI Class - June 2010

Me-Jessica-Brad-Mary Catherine-Sudipa-Mark-Stormi-Marcus-LaJeane

This was a small class - but we had fun. They patiently worked with me during my family drama - as I had to take a day to go back to Dallas for the funeral of my mother-in-law. Thanks to each of them for their kindness.

June 23, 2010

My student and new friend Stormi and I enjoyed some Pappasitos together in Houston.

June 22, 2010 - Grandma Killgo's Funeral

Frank and Margaret Killgo - Together Forever

Our Grandma Killgo went home to be with her beloved Frank on June 19, 2010. She was a fun grandma, fantastic mother-in-law and loving mother. She was also a good friend and lots of fun to be with. Her sense of humor and flair for the dramatic will always be her legacy. I will always remember the Christmas Tree decorating parties, teaching me the fun of Christmas stockings, helping me win at Spades and Dominos, loving my children unconditionally and always being there for me when my kids were small and I needed her most. She will be missed, but we are so thankful she is free from the pain and sickness which hampered her life for the past 10 years.

Her theater legacy and Love is....cartoons.

Brannon conducted, spoke and sang "Going Home". He did a magnificent job. I was so proud. Aubrianne also sang "Be Still My Soul" - it was beautiful. Kaitlyn and Court prayed.