Overland Park Arboretum

Thursday was yet another beautiful fall day, in this string of lovely days we've had this year. After errand-running and lunching with Alyssa and Declan, the arboretum was calling my name. And I happened to have my camera with me, all the better.

I don't know what year the arboretum opened, but I used to take the kids and dog there when it was nothing but a trail hacked through the woods. It is so much more now, and it is truly wonderful.

The only thing I miss? The solitude.

Say Hello to Lilly and Anna

It's no secret how crazy I am about Jackie. This also extends to her family, for as anyone who knows Jackie, knows how devoted and committed she is to them. How can you not adore the whole package?

While society places a high value on appearance (and these girls are very lovely indeed), it is their inner heart, spirit and sweetness that is so extraordinary. With parents as kind, caring, loving and devout as theirs, there is no way Lilly and Anna could be anything but exceptional. Unfortunately, there is no human way to capture that kind of beauty.

Lilly, at seven.

Anna, at four.

P.S. Anna and Alyssa? Soul mates.