The Great Outdoors

“What are your thoughts on a family camping trip where you and I stay in a cabin?” Mom asked me back in December. I said of course. And before I knew it, it was time to head back to Missouri and drive to Bennett Spring State Park with a car packed to the brim (including a waffle iron and Keurig). It truly was a little insane the amount needed to sustain the two of us, for two days, when we didn’t have to bring a tent.

I was nervous. Mainly because while I’d like to think I’m a frontier woman, I sorely am not. Now don’t get me wrong, I love being outside. I love staring at the sky aimlessly wrapped in a blanket and just sitting and staring at water. Though I love knowing a bed, four walls and few bugs wait for me at night.

Needless to say, the Ladage Family Camping trip was stellar. Growing up, we ran a pretty tight-knit group. Most often, aunts, uncles and cousins all felt like extra Moms, Dads and siblings. Though as everyone started school, getting married, moving, we started seeing each other just around the holidays. I felt like a kid again spending more than just an evening and afternoon with everyone. There was always an empty chair somewhere around the fire. Someone ready to play cards. Someone ready to make s’mores. Someone needing to make the trek to the bathroom in the dark.

We learned that Cousin Kate and Uncle Rob dominate yard games while Mom and I do not. That the way to anyone’s heart is through a Bacon Station. That fresh fish from the river is divine. That the Olympic theme song truly is inspiring. That beverages make things funnier. That hiking is truly fantastic when you have Cousin Alli ready to play the ukulele on demand. That seeing a bald eagle fly over your head while you’re in a kayak paddling around the river bend is pretty damn American.

And that it’s always a Good S’morning when surrounded by your favorite people.

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Cooking Up a Rivalry

As Mizzou bows out of the Big 12, Adam and I only had one more opportunity to place a Kansas/Mizzou bet. We remember how the last one went–me “losing.” Loser had to bake a cake of the other person’s school and then sent out an email to the whole office alerting them cake was available and that the Winner was the greatest human being alive.

Despite nearly a month passing, Adam paid his debt last week. Rock Chalk indeed.

Baker's Man

Walkin’ on Sunshine

Still reeling from the amazingness that was Saturday.

And then I saw this, Jon Hamm and Jason Sudeikis at a KU Watch Party in LA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then the sun decided to shine so brightly and while walking to the library, iTunes thought this song would be appropriate.

 

It’s alright for a Monday.

Border War

Growing up, I went to Missouri football games. And I knew Kansas as the school with the bird that did pretty well during the month of March. The fact they were terrible, century-old rivals never even occurred to me. Until I applied to Kansas and got in. And then decided to go there.

This rivalry was always something I looked forward to, mainly because so many of my friends went to Mizzou. The trash talking and emails during “Border Showdown” week is right up there on my favorite times of the year. And this year has proved no different, despite the fact I’m not on campus. Mizzou “released” this absurd video and the Jayhawks responded.

So ready for tomorrow!

Beware, this is a bit hard to stomach and sit through.

 

And the classy response.

 

Kansas: 171
Missouri: 94

Enough said.

Belated : We Survived

Mum and I had a Mother/Daughter trip to KC a few weeks ago for the Mumford & Sons show. We had no idea what we were walking in to, but I must say, Mom put up quite the fight and survived 5+ hours in this after driving across the state of Missouri:

Mom wins Mother of the Year for this one