best of the day

February 18 - Kat is still experiencing the Ozarks.  We started the day at the bakery after an early morning phone call to confirm that there were still goods to be purchased.  Mary was getting close to being out of sweets when Ron stopped by, so she created a few more that we gobbled down.  After eating at the bakery, we found hot chocolate at Howell Valley Grocery, and picked up lunch while we were there.  Yes, in a town where there is nothing to eat, we managed quite well.  When we got home, we hopped on the four wheeler with the kids.  Casey couldn't help tattling that Kat went 29 miles an hour when it was her turn.  How could she?  Another trip to Walmart resulted in Kat and I attempting to make a ballerina skirt.  With me bringing zero skills to the table and Kat not thinking straight after 48 hours in the Ozarks, let's just say there is lots of gold tulle sitting by my sewing machine. Before bed, we shot off fireworks, ate ice cream, and then snuggled in her bed that she had layered 5 blankets on.  Since Casey has two box springs and a mattress on it already, Kat and I felt a little like Princess and the Pea, minus the princess and the pea.  It was sad when the evening ended with flatuation on her part, because I knew that my surprise had to leave the next day.  I have to say while she was here, when I woke up, I wasn't sure where I was because in my mind, I couldn't be in Missou and have Kat too.  So, thanks so much for the fun times and the huge sacrifice, Kat.  Oh, and a huge thanks to Nate and the girls, too.  I have been grateful for all y'all as I enjoyed part of you here.