INTERESTING

I know many who read this blog are either planning an adoption, in the process of adoption or have adopted. I've been reading a really interesting book, "The Mistress's Daughter" by A.M. Homes. This quote hit me in the stomach,

"To be adopted is to be adapted, to be amputated and sewn back together again. Whether or not you regain full function, there will always be scar tissue." (page 54)

DEFINITIONS

1. Bib - Any one of various liquids for drinking, USUALLY EXCLUDING WATER.
2. Bibacious - Food of drinking; addicted to drinking.
3. Bibacity - The practice or habit of drinking too much; tippling.
4. Bibber - A steady drinkiner.
5. Bibbery - Someone who regularly drinks alcoholic beverages.



Every year, a group of 6 Kangaroo Kuties(friends from high school) meets for a "girl's weekend". Suffice it to say that there was some bibacity going on in San Antonio this weekend. Also, lots of eating, laughing and talking. Not a whole lot of sleeping. Minimal amounts of car lifting, play watching and baton twirling. We had a great time. It's amazing how talk has changed in the almost 20 years since we've walked the graduation stage. Talk has changed from boys, colleges and future plans. We're now encumbered by perimenopause, kids, parents, long term care and gas prices. No wonder we can all be considered bibbers who engage in bibbery.

While Mom was away, Pop and Yulia headed to Arkansas for a ski weekend with friends. They had a fun time. Yulia's first time on a tube. Sorry to say pictures are not available at this time.

We're on the road again this weekend. Headed back to Arkansas for a family weekend.


Love to all,

The Bibacious Barrys

Jon and Ashley Visit St. Louis

Jon and his girlfriend, Ashley, have never been to visit us in St. Louis so they made the drive this weekend. We had a great time!




We had a blast playing the game "Rock Band" or "Rock Star." I can't remember the name, but it has a karaoke mike, a guitar and drums. Needless to say, we were up late jamming.





We took a tour of the Budweiser brewery. This is Anheiser Busch world headquarters for now. Of course there's a lot of talk about the buyout. Paul had never been on the tour, so this visit was a great excuse for him. We're afraid the free tour will end with a buyout.

For those of you who know Paul well, he is quite the Bud fan. He told us he wants to be cremated and his ashes strewn over this facility when he dies.























Family of beers. Need I say more? This is the perfect picture!













Jon and Ashley walking to the arch. Ashley had never been up in the arch, so they took the tram up.

Jon remembers when we visited the arch on a family vacation when he was about 11 or 12. He actually remembered some of what he'd learned about the arch on that trip, so we were very impressed.

CHICAGO, CHICAGO

For our vacation this year, we had planned to take a "Mid American Tour", Paul Barry style, but since Kitty's still in the hospital we spent the week in Texas. It was a wonderful time. We loved spending time with her and it was so good to see her. She's hanging in there but needs everyone's prayers. She's having a tough time of it.

Before our change in plans, we'd already bought tickets to tour Wrigley Field. So, we made a quick trip to Chicago before heading south to Texas.
The Cubs' locker room.

We also visited the Navy Pier area, near downtown. We took a quick tour by boat and learned some history of the town. We're going to revisit the Windy City when we have more time.

A visit to the Hershey store. Yum!!!

In true Barry form, we took lots of pictures, so see parts two and three of our trip below.

FAMILY

Colyn was in Missouri for Father's Day, but it's been a while since we've seen Jon. Here they are lounging on Kitty's back porch.

Yulia had never climbed a tree before. She was amazed that both Colyn and Jon just jumped into the tree with no problem. This is a tree that the kids(C and J) say they used to plow down while playing football in Kitty's back yard when they were kids.

Yulia and Uncle Kevin. Note the chips and salsa she's eating!

Kevin's daughters Julie and Courtney. Julie just graduated from LSU. Courtney's going into the 8th grade.

FRIENDS

The Cuestas boys, Jonah and Noah. Can you believe they're 6 now????

Yulia and Cuestas.

On our way from Chicago to Texas, we stopped to meet the newest Christie, Benjamin Charles. Katie's on the left. Anna's on the right.

Uncle Paul with the girls!

Christie and girls!

Now that vacation's over, it's back to work and school Yulia has been going to summer school ESL 4 days a week. Everyone that got to see her can't believe how her English is coming along!!