The Kansas Prarie

Wichita, Kansas is usually hot and windy. It didn't disappoint this year as temperatures were near 100 and winds were upwards of 30mph at times. We were very fortunate in having a great new family, the Slaters, to stay with. They live right on the golf course which made getting around very convenient for me! We had a great week enjoying the delights of Wichita. There was this wonderful burger joint, Freddy's, with shoestring fries and frozen custard treats! We had some take out BBQ ribs which were fabulous and, the best of all, homemade ribs, courtesy of Rick's gourmet kitchen and smoker!!! Jim made lots of new friends, including neighbor Julie's dog Sarah, an English Springer Spaniel (see picture of the week). Jim and I enjoyed the food, the pool, and the company. The golf was pretty good too...making it a very successful week :)

Joe, Rick Slater, and Jim getting the smoker fired up!

Rick and Debbie enjoying their porch

Rick's famous ribs...I must say they were about the best I've ever had

The four of us (oops...five), enjoying the night air

Oh Mama in Omaha!

Omaha, although it is in the middle of the country, is one of our favorite spots on tour! They have the best tournament activities, the best sushi, the best zoo, is home of the college world series, and a great family to stay with!!!! This year in Omaha was a busy one. The weather was hot and sunny, we just loved it. The week began with a quadruple baby shower on Tuesday. Kristina Putnam, Mindy Dickerson, and Jennifer Anderson were kind enough to throw a shower for four of us fall mommies-to-be. We had a great time! The girls put together some really fun games, great food, incredibly generous gifts, and so many good friends. It was really nice to get to know some of the wives/moms that don't usually travel.

The whole shower gang

The four mommies-to-be, Jenn Willis, Alexa Tambellini, Emily Summerhays, and me

Wednesday brought more excitement. Jim played in the pro-am while I went on a day of luxury with the ladies. Ladies day in Omaha is by far, the most fun all year! The tournament organizers put together a super day. It started with a stretch limo as transportation and gifts by Estee Lauder and some lotions. We traveled a few minutes to a nice shopping area to get a mani and pedi (aaaahhhhh). After our pampering, we had a little over an hour to shop and then it was off to lunch. Lunch was served at an art gallery called The Gallery and Loft in Valley, NE. Catered by Delicious cafe (owned and run by a US Today top 10 pastry chefs in America) , we all sat and had a marvelous lunch in this beautiful art gallery. Later we got some history of the town and its revitalization, and a tour of the gallery and the cafe. From there it was off to another shopping area that was absolutely fabulous. The day ended back at the golf club with a wine and cheese party. I enjoyed the cheese while some of the others enjoyed the wine. What a day!

The ladies day group after their mani and pedi

Kristin Gardiner, Emily Summerhays, and Mindy Dickerson enjoying lunch

Kristina and I decided to match - again!

The golf in Omaha was very good, but we missed the cut and looked for other activities to enjoy. Jim spent his time with our host Nick Kelley and Joe playing golf. I spent my time with Sara Kelley, their daughters Beth and Katie, and soon-to-be grand-daughter Sadie! On Saturday, Sara, Beth (and Sadie), and I went downtown to the old market. This is an area of restored warehouses that now serve as galleries, shops, and restaurants. We walked around for a while and enjoyed the sites, one of my favorite being an old passage way through the town. We had lunch at M's Pub where I was introduced to Lavosh, a wonderful flatbread appitizer. During lunch Beth decided she was in labor!!!!!! Wow, we didn't panic but went and had rootbeer floats instead. Instead of making our way home, we made our way to the hospital. This was a great experience for me, now I have some idea of what will happen in a few months.

The old passage with shops and restaurants

Beth and Sara waiting in the hospital lobby and having some fun!

Beth and Mike ready to go on a big journey!

Saturday night was long. We enjoyed a great dinner with Nick and Sara and attended the fireworks, bands and beer fest at the tournament. While enjoying the evening and partying away, Beth decided it was time for Sadie Day! Sara and Nick wanted to go straight to the hospital, so we did! Jim and I got lucky and went home for a good night's rest. Sunday came early with news of Sadie's birth. Later that day while the boys played more golf, Sara and Katie and I went to see Sadie. Everyone seemed content and happy...Beth to have a baby-free belly and a beautiful daughter, Mike to finally be a daddy, and Sadie to be wrapped up and warm! What a wonderful way to end our time in Omaha!!! Congratulations to the Kelleys and the new happy family!

Aunt Katie with Sadie

One proud grandmom, Sadie, and Beth

The new family, Mike, Beth and Sadie