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Tonight we attended the annual band camp presentation for parents.  It’s a chance for the band to show off what they’ve been working so hard at for the last two weeks, as well as a chance for the band director to talk to parents about important things such as this year’s band trip (they’re going to march in a parade at Disney World this coming May).  This year, Kaity chose to be in Color Guard.

Kaity's down front with the flag

My oldest sister turned 16 today (she is really getting old)! To celebrate, she asked to go to Mad Greek for dinner. Nothing says happy birthday like flaming cheese!

Sweet 16

Or a dunking in the campus fountain.

While we were on the East Coast, Kaity and a friend were on the Southern Coast visiting Mommy’s godmother. They are coming home from their adventure in Houston today, so here are a couple of pictures from their trip.

Pettable Sting Rays

One-flippered sea turtle

Kaity gets back from Paris today.  This is what her car looked like when we left the house this morning:

It snowed all day yesterday

Mommy, Daddy and I attended a tea and tour event this afternoon at the Castle Tea Room. One of those things that everyone who lives in Lawrence should do at least once.

Since it was constructed in 1894 by Gen. John N. and Emily Roberts, this grand Romanesque residence has been known as the Castle.  The Castle [was] designed by noted Kansas architect, John Haskell,  [and] is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The craftsmanship in the construction of this venerable home is superb, the cut stone mansion is virtually unchanged since its construction, [and] features extensive custom woodwork and stained glass windows.

The castle has recently been renovated and reopened for special events.  The tea was hosted by Brits, the everything UK store downtown, so the tea was great and the snacks were yummy.

Scones with clotted cream, mint chocolate cupcakes, and cheeses.

Tea time!

Stained glass window in the castle dining room

Then we drove to the airport to pick up my sister.

Thanks, Poppy!

She had a great time, and even smiled for a picture after Mommy threatened to put all the goofy-faced ones on Facebook. I still think she’s a weirdo, though.

Today, Kaity went to the Basilica of St. Denis, where many of the rulers of France are buried.

Stained glass shadows

Memorial to King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette

Today, Kaity went to the catacombs, which she thought was awesome, but which one member of her group could only describe as “Creepy.” Repeatedly.

Inside the catacombs

They also had a scavenger hunt around Paris Cemetery where lots of famous people are buried, including Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

Oscar Wilde's Grave

Kaity and the crew saw the Eiffel Tower today. They went all the way to the top, which freaked Kaity out a little.  But she did it.

The Eiffel Tower

They also went to the Louvre, where Kaity got to see the Mona Lisa in person. She’s behind 3 inch bullet proof glass, so the pictures were fuzzy. But she got some other cool shots.

This one is Mommy's favorite.

I was busy working on sitting up unassisted.

I think I got it.

Today, Kaity visited Versailles. She was able to answer so many questions about French history at the time of the Revolution that she was named honorary tour guide.

Detail of the castle gate

Today, my big sister went to Sacre Coeur.

I spent time hanging out with my favorite furry person.

Did you know sneezing is hysterical?