Shecklet #2 received the sacrament of Confirmation this morning at the Cathedral of St. Paul. It was a cool, rainy day but beautiful I’m spite of the weather.
I am so proud of this kid and how he has taken this next step in his faith. His sponsor, a young man from the parish who he has connected with over the years thanks to frisbee and his overall involvement with teens at church, has been a positive role model for #2 in many ways.
Grandma Patti and Grandpa Dave joined us along with Michelle (#2’s godmother). We celebrated after mass by gathering at the Rusty Taco.
It rained again overnight and was still muggy when we got our day started. We planned to meet our friends at the City Museum at 12:30, which gave us just enough time to do a quick run through the STL Zoo. And when I say run, I’m only exaggerating a bit. My kids questioned my speed-walking on a couple of occasions as we navigated the strollers and animal seekers on the zoo paths.
On our way back to the truck we stopped outside the art museum. Shecklet #1’s current thoughts on his future career include being an electrician, so of course I had to have him stand next to the giant electrical plug!
The last time we visited the City Museum was September of 2016. Our kids have grown a bit since then and were able to venture off by themselves for a good portion of our time today. They came back with lots of stories about where they went and how much fun it was to explore on their own. The rooftop was closed (because it’s winter) but the outside was open for climbing. The kids spent a good portion of their time out there as well as inside in the caves.
After saying goodbye to our friends, we made a quick stop at the Cathedral to see our friend Fr. J. We are heading home tomorrow and he will be returning to school in Rome in a few days. I am so glad it worked out for us to get to see him!
It won’t be long and Shecklet #3 will be taller than her Godfather!
This morning, Shecklet #4 and I went on a walk in search of decent coffee. Hotel coffee leaves much to be desired. I never thought of my self as a coffee snob, but the longer I drink it, the more particular I become. Perhaps that’s because I don’t like strong coffee and I miss my daily cup from the Keurig.
Our journey took us down the “Historic Main Street” of St. Charles, MO. The temps were pleasant (much nicer than back home) and it was a bit muggy from having rained overnight. After several blocks, we found a cute coffee shop where I ordered a vanilla latte and then we headed back to our hotel.
Our friend, (Shecklet #3’s Godfather) who is in STL for the Christmas season, met us at Immaculata Catholic Church and said Mass for our family and our friends, who were also in STL for the week. The church was beautiful. (Photo credit below goes to Shecklet #2 who asked to take photos of it after Mass.)
After Mass, we gathered in the rectory for lunch. Msgr. Gardin was kind enough to open his kitchen and dining room to our group. Fr. J. and Jake grilled steaks and burgers and Fr. J. prepared sea bass and sides. It was wonderful to get to share a meal with this great group! Sometimes God does show you why things don’t work out like you originally planned.
After lunch, Jake took the teenagers and tweens to the mall to see a movie – Avatar 2 in 3D. I went with our friends to the other side of the river (Troy, IL,) for a few hours. Before returning to MO, we drove down the highly-decorated street of our friend’s brother. The houses in the cul-de-sac go all-out and even have lights choreographed to music on a radio station. It is quite the sight!
After the movie ended, our group went to The Hill in search of a restaurant. We ended up at an authentic pizza place. Shecklet #2 said the pizza was some of the best he’s ever had. For dessert, we crossed the street and had gelato. Yum!
We loaded up the suburban this morning and pointed it south, with a final destination of STL programmed into the GPS.
The roads in southern MN and northern IA were particularly crummy and we considered turning around when we stopped for lunch in Clear Lake. However, we decided to give it until Cedar Rapids before we turned around. Jake said there were a few slick spots on overpasses, but overall the roads were mostly clear and we were able to drive at posted speeds.
We made a stop in Cedar Rapids for gas and to get shoes for the girls. We discovered about an hour or so into the trip that they only brought their crocs. This wouldn’t have been a huge issue if we weren’t planning some activities that require more secure footwear. Thankfully Target had what we needed.
We have a hotel booked in St. Charles for the duration of our stay.
The girls went for a quick swim before the pool closed for the night. I know I haven’t done much, just sat shotgun the whole day, but I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep. 😴
Shecklet# #3 and Shecklet #4 both had end of the season bball tournaments this weekend. Saturday they played at different locations, so Jake and I had to divide and conquer. He went to #4’s games and I went to #3’s. Both girls won both of their games, so we headed back to the gym (this time at the same location) on Sunday.
Shecklet #4 played first and her team played so hard! They put up numerous more shots than their competition, but the ball just didn’t want to go in! They ended up with a third place finish!
Shecklet #3’s team came into the tournament undefeated and ended undefeated! Their final game was very physical, but they played their game (good sportsmanship and great defense) and pulled away from the other team in the second half. Shecklet #3 earned four fouls! (Mrs. King from #2’s bball days would have been proud!)
Our KS friends arrived on Sunday night and stayed until Tuesday afternoon. The kids seemed to pick up where they left off. The adults always do as well. I love that about our 18+ year friendship. Miles might separate us, but having walked with each other through some incredibly difficult times, we know friendship is for life.
We had to take the annual kid photo a day before they left because my boys both had school on Tuesday.
My friend and stylist had an appointment cancellation, so I got in for a cut and color. Out with several inches and the dark-to-light look and in with an all over color that’s closer to the dark that was hiding underneath the top layer.
The kids did some biking at Carver Lake Park while we caught up with Fr. Joseph. We then headed for lunch before having to bring him back to the airport. It was a very quick trip, but it was SO good to see him!
It was a big day in Shecklet #1’s life! He turned 16 and was Confirmed on the same day!
His sponsor was a gentleman from our parish who he met back in 2nd grade.
A little history of their friendship…Prior to his First Communion, Shecklet #1 gave a loaf of banana bread to a man (Mr. M.) on Bread Sunday. Bread Sunday is a parish tradition where First Communicants help make a loaf of any type of bread and then give it to someone they don’t know at the end of mass. Little did we know then how Mr. M. would become such a strong, prayerful supporter of Shecklet #1 over the coming years. God’s hand in their initial meeting and continued connection is very clear.
When it came time to select a sponsor, there was little hesitation on Shecklet #1’s part as to who he would choose.
It was a beautiful day for a beautiful mass, and we are grateful to have witnessed Shecklet #1 take the next step in his faith. God is doing amazing things in his life!
After missing out on the battle of the books competition last year, (thanks, covid,) Shecklet #3 was excited to participate this year. The first school competition was in December and her team was one of the top 5 to advance to the spring competition. All total, she read about a dozen books between the fall and today’s event. I’m so proud of here.
Here she is with one of her closest friends – and fellow book lover.
