I HEART Columbia!

After meeting Kyle at his new apartment on 10^th street, we quickly decided it would be WAY more fun to explore the town & agreed that we would return when Kaden clearly had enough.

Kyle & I each grabbed a side of Kaden’s car seat and walked the short distance to “the district”.   After someone along the way commented on how we were "such a cute couple", (EEEeeeewwww!) we ended up at the Broadway Brewery for dinner, where I ran into some friends from high school.  From there, we pressed on to visit Helen at The Wine Cellar, where she works, and enjoyed a little (or a LOT of) dessert with Jackie. (Chocolate fondue with trimmings AND lavender shortbread cookies… We couldn’t decide… and I was on vacation.)

Maybe it was the relaxed atmosphere and friendly faces everywhere we went. Whatever it was, Kaden had a good time with the rest of us and we stayed out until 11, when Kaden finally closed his eyes and gave into sleep.

*    *    *    *    *    *    *

I know I've been talking a lot about food, but there’s nothing like taking a morning stroll a crisp, clear fall morning in Columbia, only to be treated to breakfast by your dad at Ernie´s Café.

And just when you think it can't get any better...

MIZ… ZOU!

Kaden's 1st college football game.

For the past 12 years or so, dad has purchased season football tickets. I hadn’t been to a game in Columbia for 3 years and dad treated Kaden & I to the Mizzou-Miami, Ohio game on Saturday.  We made our way down 9^th street, weaving our way across Mizzou’s campus, toward the ever-growing sea of black & gold at Faurot Field.

Kaden relaxing at the tailgate

Hanging onto Grandpa Cook

Leaving the game and walking through Tiger Plaza.

Another future tiger?

As we passed Jesse Hall and came to the quad/ the columns, I couldn't resist taking a few more pictures with the beautiful landscape in the backgroud.

... and we still had a reunion to attend that day.

tall & small looking even more pronounced