Six Weeks of Mooching

My last post was on September 2nd -- almost 6 weeks ago!  We had just arrived in St Louis, Missouri.  Since then, we have been mooching off our kids -- mainly our daughter and her family.  We were in St Louis for five weeks!  Half way through our stay we drove to Minnesota for a week with Steve and his family.  We tried to partially earn our keep by doing minor repairs, babysitting, cooking, grocery shopping and anything else that would help out. 

It’s hard to believe that we have been away from Gotta Smile for almost 4 months.  When we left Granada on June 15th, we weren’t sure we could find enough to keep us busy for the whole summer.  It has actually turned out to be great.  We did stay with family longer than we had planned, when we got to the point where we just couldn’t live out of suitcases any longer.  That rambling trip with no itinerary and no schedule was wonderful, but we've been spoiled by traveling on our boat and carrying almost  everything we own with us....no packing and unpacking.     

We are more than ready to get on our way.  Not that we haven’t had a good summer, but it is becoming chilly, the leaves are falling and I see winter quickly closing in on us.  On October 11th, Saturday, we flew to Florida for ten days before heading to Grenada on the 22nd.      

A chilly day in Minnesota doesn't stop Addison and Niko
from fishing and catching a few frogs.

My little nature girl jumps into the water to catch her
frog -- will he turn into a Prince?

Erin and Addison celebrate
bacon at the Minnesota State
Fair.

Niko doesn't look sleepy...

Steve finishes a 10 mile trail run.

Teaching Christopher and Jacqueline to mainline aerosol whipping
cream.  Grandmas must make sure family traditions are learned by
the younger generations.  

The newest member of the swim team,

Scoping out future job opportunities.

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!