Horses, Family & Kidneys...Oh my!

This weekend I left Chad behind and headed home to The Lou.  I had vacation to burn (but Chad did not), and what better way to do it then to spend it with family and friends!  Unfortunately I did not take barely any pics.  I must get better about this!!

Friday I met up with the Jefferson's clan (Judy, Vicki & Angie), and we even added a few more...Kristine & Tasha.  Angie & Vicki even brought their families!  It was so great to see everyone!!!  I had been missing them so much!  We've begun to make friends in our new home, but nothing is as good as the old ones.  We had a way of gathering for impromptu Jefferson's dinners.  I knew that I would miss these gatherings, but I didn't realize how much until these last couple of months!  Unfortunately Ashley was out of town for her father's birthday, so I'm still missing her.  I'm hoping to see her soon!  (Hint, hint)
After Jefferson's a few of us went to Fairmont for a little horse racing and people watching.  I did well at the track.  It would have been even better if I'd bet more than $2 on a race.  Ha!  Here's the one and only pic from that night...

Saturday, Mom and I hit the stores in hopes that we would find a dress for her for the wedding.  I originally thought that dress shopping would be easier for a beach wedding, but it appears it's much more difficult for a Mother of the Bride. Even though we didn't actually come away with a clear winner, I think we made progress!  


Saturday evening we headed to Alphonso's Pizzeria to celebrate Father's Day, Mother's Day and my birthday.  I'm probably forgetting something else we haven't celebrated.  LOL!  Here's pic from that night...minus John who's behind the camera.

Sunday started out with breakfast at the Happy Cow, a little dive in Caseyville.  Every Sunday, my grandparents get together there with my grandfather's siblings.  It's a "whoever can make it" kind of gathering.  It was quite the crowd for Father's Day!  The remainder of the day I made my rounds to various Fillback households.  I just about saw everyone I wanted to see except for my cousin, Mike, and his family.  That was disappointing, but I was quite happy to see my other cousin's, Kristina and Scott, and one of my uncles, Dale.  I hadn't seen Kristina since sometime last year.  Since we last saw each other, we've both gotten engaged and one of us is pregnant.  (I'll give you a hint...it's not me.  LOL!)  Sunday ended with dinner at Dad's...a great Sunday!


Today I made a pit stop at Barnes Hospital before heading home to KC.  One of my oldest and dearest friends, Missy, received a kidney transplant on Sunday. She has only been on the kidney transplant list for 2.5 months and just recently started dialysis.  It's a miracle that this happened so quickly for her!!!!  What an amazing gift, and I'm so happy that I could be in town for it!  This opens new doors for her and her beautiful family!  Love ya, Miss!!!


It was so wonderful to spend a relaxing, but busy weekend with family and friends.  I had been craving time with all of them lately!  I'm blessed to have them in my life!