Halloween 2010

Cora, Hannah, and Nolan, (fortune teller, soldier sweetie, and army guy) came trick-or-treating this afternoon and brought our buddy Carter (football player) with them. 
The last picture above wins the prize for best looking group of trick-or-treaters who came to our house tonight.  A few of them have older siblings who are Mario's students at QND.  Now this is what being a kid is all about!!!  I loved it, especially the pink eyelashes on the birds.  :o)

A Day at the Ewersmann Park

Makenna had a great invitation for her cousins on Sunday...."Do you want to come to my park?"  Everyone enjoyed their day at the Ewersmann Park.  :o)

Saturday QHS Soccer and SIUE Alumni Soccer

Blake's senior soccer season ended Satuday, as QHS was defeated by Edwardsville.  It was an emotional time for all, as these seniors had played together for many years.  But life goes on!  Some of them will play collegiate soccer, and some will play just for fun.  I hope none of them hang up the cleats permanently.  One way or another, they can continue to enjoy the game they have played well for so long.  We also enjoyed watching Chris and past teammates from SIUE get together and play some soccer.  There was a lot of laughter, some moments of good soccer, and Chris' team got the V, 1-0.   A banner now hangs on the fence surrounding the stadium, and we all enjoyed seeing Chris on it.

Reunion with Kentucky Cousins--Sunday

 Newly painted interior of St. Mary of the Woods Church at McQuady, Kentucky, where my grandparents, Allie and Stella were married

l-r:  Mark (Joe and Marie's son) and his family; Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Bill, Joe Haycraft, Betty, Carolyn, Jonnie, Marie Haycraft, Jon, Martha, Shelia, and me.  Not sure who the little girl in red belongs to....

 A visit to the cemetary where many of our Kentucky relatives are buried.  Many headstones with the names Bland, Haycraft, and Mattingly.

 Martha, Shelia, Carolyn, Betty, and Joe at their parents' grave:  Lafe and Marie Haycraft

 Not sure if this is Mammy's brother or father's grave....Mammy being my great-grandmother, Mary Laura Bland Haycraft

 Rough River State Park nearby.  We had perfect weather and a nice brunch here Sunday morning after mass.

Our last stop was at Joe and Marie Haycraft's home near Hardinsburg, KY.  Above are 3 of their 7 children:  Yvonne, Dawn, and Jenny.  What friendly folks our Kentucky relatives are.  Kathy, Joe and Marie's oldest daughter, and I discovered we both have Marriott time shares, so we made a plan to vacation together in the future. 
This trip was my 5th journey to Kentucky since I first went with Mom in 2006 to see the historical sites associated with our Haycraft lineage and places of Mom's childhood memories.  Each trip had its special meaning.  On this trip, I had the opportunity to get to know several Kentucky cousins better.  They are a kind and fun family.  All but one of Joe and Marie's children live within 4 miles of them!  Such pleasant folks to be with.  And my ride with Uncle Jimmy and Jonnie and Uncle Bill had its charm too.  Someday I will have to ask Uncle Jimmy why he likes to show off his false teeth. (see last photo in previous post)  :o)

 

Reunion with Kentucky Cousins--Saturday

QND Homecoming Parade

Chico got some shout-outs, Cora and Hannah had their pockets full of candy, Mario was happy with the freshman float, and the weather was perfect for a parade.  AND QHS soccer won their conference title with a 4-0 win at Galesburg.  All is well.  For now!