Painting in Missouri

While we were in OR I got a call from my friend Leah from MO who asked me to come paint a bunch of murals in a new church. (see the complete story and the rest of the murals on my art blog: www.melodyaa.blogspot.com or click on "A peek in the kettle" link on the right.)

The boys and I spent two weeks there and I mostly painted my heart out while my boys were very well cared for by our good friends. We did get a few moments of brief fun in though. We drove to this great new pumpkin farm south of town and got a few pictures and a jump in the blow up Thomas the Train. (I hate those things because they always smell like stinky feet, but Eirik love them. ug) The place was great, as was the company.



I don't remember what Eirik was saying here, but it was something that totally cracked me up. It was probably something like, "I know mom, we can go up in space and make friends with the aliens. It will be so much fun mom!"
I was so glad we got to go to the pumpkin farm since it was the only chance I had to see a bunch of my good friends. How sad to visit our old home and work so much that I didn't get to see our friends much. Well, I hope they all forgive me. I needed to get my kids home as quickly as possible. We ended up leaving before I was done painting because they had had enough of road tripping and we needed a break. But before we made the drive home we got to stay overnight with Katherine and Bobby. What a treat. I felt very spoiled to get the "Domestic Goddess" treatment with this awesome pumpkin penne pasta and homemade rolls, not to mention the great scones and other homemade bread she brought to help me keep painting. Katherine also did me the honor of bragging about me on her blog. I never thought I would be on the front page of a newspaper! Only in Kirksville!



Patty and Alana also came to visit me at the church while I was painting! Thanks ladies. You are such good friends! I miss you all!
Leah and Jo, how can I repay you for such an awesome opportunity! You were such great hosts and friends!
I was a bit worried about the 12 hour drive home with 2 babies, but it turned out great since I left at 7pM and drove straight through until 7AM. I've never had a Red Bull before and yikes! I was shaking like a leaf. It was awesome! :) I didn't yawn once. Plus I was so excited to get home. After almost 7 weeks away.. home sounds pretty good.