phoenix phamily phun

Last week, we were treated to a last-minute visit from Cousin Robert.

Robert works for an airline and is often able to zip into town from his home in Phoenix. When he does, we always find something new and unusual to do.

During this visit, we went to the St. Louis City Museum and ate at the elegant Hillbilly Heaven here in the metropolis of Wright City. The fragrance of cigarette smoke from that fine establishment still lingers in the fibers of my jacket.

But the highlight of the trip was the afternoon we spent in North St. Louis taking pictures. Robert and I share a love of photography and every time we get together, the cameras come out.

Our favorite subjects are old, dilapidated buildings and there was no shortage of them that afternoon. Here are a couple of the 500 or so pictures I took.

evening tomfoolery

Todd was bored last night and decided it was time for some family fun.

No, we didn't play a rousing game of charades or get out the Twister mat.

Instead, he pulled out a dishtowel and wound it up nice and tight. Then, he turned on the kitchen sink and got the tip of it wet.

He was then ready to wage war on the family. Logan got the first pop.

By the way, that wierd-looking plastic thing on the floor next to the toybox is where we put Bud Bird's cage during the day. Bud was asleep in the back room when this tomfoolery took place.

Otherwise, Todd would've popped him, too.


After Logan got a few licks, it was Augie's turn.

Logan tried to run for cover and got a few more.

Time for tug-of-war. Mind you, this is a kitchen towel that I regularly use.

Look at the agility Augie displays as he prepares to maim my towel.

Don't worry; it's in the washing machine now.