Update!

Well, it's been quite a while since I've updated the blog. Quite frankly I didn't have any reason to update it. I signed up so I could create this website for the wedding to make planning and implementation easier. I heard back from several people who said it was very helpful. Great! I'm glad it was.
Well, now we have a new reason to update the blog...we're pregnant! That's right we're going to be first time parents this Fall. November 5th to be exact. I've attached a "widget" to the left to track the progress of our Little. We get to hear the heart beat next week. I'm excited. Actually, I go back and forth between being excited and totally and completely freaked out.
My dad said he'd look for car seats for us when he's in Germany next week. I've done a lot of research on them and from what I've found the Europeans have the car seat design down far better than we do here. We'll see if they allow him to ship it here.
More to come later. I'll try to update with pictures of my belly when I can.

A photo album of engagement pix

Photobucket Album

Engagement photos done

Blake and I had our engagement photos done. It was fun! We went to a park with Tina, our photographer, and she took some amazing shots! They just came back. Here are some of the highlights. If you want to order some for yourself, you can see them all on Tina's website at http://www.collages.net/ once there, enter:

username: Blake & Betsy
password 16958

From there you'll need to enter your email address and first name, but don't worry it's safe and she won't spam you. I hope you enjoy!

You found us!

Since our wedding is Memorial Day Weekend, we’d love to have you stick around Sunday and explore Kansas City. We’re planning on staying until Tuesday or Wednesday to visit and be your personal tour guides.

He plucked up the guts and asked her…

Blake asked me to marry him on Sunday, January 13th. My parents came up to go to Menards and they stopped by the house for a while, we caught up and then went to Arthur Bryant’s for lunch. I thought it was a little odd that Blake didn’t want to go with them to Menards, but oh well. We said good by to them and went to see a movie. He was acting more cuddly and lovey than usual, but I loved that! When were driving home, he asked me if I wanted to get ice cream. I thought, “middle of January, sure, I’m up for a frozen treat.” So, ice cream in hand, he started driving, but instead of heading home, he pulled into the park where we had our third date. I had a funny feeling at this point…
You see, our third date was the date where we played 20 questions really got to know each other and thought maybe there was something special here.
He led me over to the same park bench we sat on before and he asked me if we could play our game again. He asked me to go first. I asked him what he’d miss most about me if I were gone. He didn’t hesitate at all and said “everything”. Then he said “my turn” (getting down on one knee) and proceeded to ask me if I would honor him by being his wife. I couldn’t have been happier. So, we’re engaged and we’re getting married May 25th. No long engagement for this couple in their 30’s!

The Plan

We’ve decided to get married at Powell Gardens on the outskirts of Kansas City. It should be beautiful in May. Some guests may want to stay near the gardens (and by near, I mean the nearest city with hotels, which is about 20 miles away) in Lee’s Summit. Other guests may want to stay near us and stick around to experience some of the fun listed below (this is what we recommend) knowing that their commute to the gardens will be considerably longer that morning. However if you have hotel points at a particular chain, feel free to book your own hotel. One recommendation: Don’t book your hotel up at the airport. It is at the farthest end of Kansas City and nearly 2 hours from the gardens.
Until then, explore below…

Welcome to Betsy and Blake's Blog

Things to do in KC

Here are some of Betsy and Blake's favorite things to do in KC. If you're here for the weekend and looking for something to do (other than come to our shindig, of course), check 'em out...

Shopping/Attractions/General Milling About
If you're looking to get out and around, check out some shops, and people watch, try:
The Country Club Plaza Kansas City's most famous shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Crown Center Three levels of indoor shopping, dining, and things-to-do close to downtown. Enjoy the outdoor ice-skating rink!
Union Station Exhibits, events, etc. Click the link to learn more...


Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Some of our favorite places to grab food and bevs:
Harry's Country Club - $. In the Rivermarket, just North of Downtown. Classy yet old school place that has a great yard beer selection with the best sandwich eva -- "The Cuban" (cool tiny french fries come with it too).
McCoys Brewpub - $. In Westport. Microbrews with great pub food. Known for their pizzas, and mac and cheese goodness (be sure to order some of the rolls to go with!).
Grinders - $. Pizza and tater tots for lunch! Total artsy dive with good beer selection in the heart of the Crossroads area. Owned by local weirdo/ADHD artist.
Kelly's - $. In Westport, historic Irish bar is located in the oldest building in Kansas City. Gets kinda bar-stupid-crazy on weekend nights, but check it out on a Saturday afternoon.
Lydia's - $$. Great upscale Italian place in the Freighthouse building in the Crossroads.
Papa Kenos - $. In Westport. Great pizza
Cafe Sebastienne - $$. In the Kemper Museum of Art. Aesthetically awesome environment with GREAT creative food. Great brunch or dinner spot.
La Boedga - $$. Off Southwest Boulevard, close to Best Western. Great Spanish Tapas and Sangria, great happy hour deals.
So, there ya go - a list to get you started! And, of course, KC is famous for its BBQ - see below...


For The Sports Fan
The Royals will be in season in May (God bless them...), but the Chiefs will not be. You may want to check out the following instead:
The College Basketball Experience This College Basketball Hall of Fame just opened, in the new Sprint Center downtown. We haven't been there yet, but think it looks pretty cool.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum As mentioned in the "History" section below, this is a great museum. If you're a baseball fan, it's a must-see.
The 810 Zone If you're just looking for a place to watch a game or ten, drop by the 810 Zone on the Country Club Plaza.


Arts
For a little culture, visit KC's art museums and galleries:
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Recognized internationally as one of the finest general art museums in the United States. The new Bloch Building is great. For lunch, grab a sandwich at the cafe.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art "Really cool contemporary art, with a great restaurant", says Betsy.
Crossroads Arts District Lots of local artists' galleries to explore.


History/Exhibits
For the history geeks (like Betsy):
National World War One Museum Opening to rave reviews in December of 2006, this is the nation's only museum dedicated to World War I. An incredible collection of objects and stories from The Great War.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum A great museum in Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine Jazz district.
American Jazz Museum Next door to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Eat lunch at the Peach Tree Restaurant next door.
The Battle Of Westport In October, 1864, the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River sprawled across Kansas City. Take a self-guided auto tour visiting the 25 major sites associated with the battle.
Steamboat Arabia Museum Located in the historic River Market in downtown KC, this museum tells the amazing story of two treasure hunters who dug up a 150-year-old Missouri River steamboat wreck - with the cargo preserved intact through the years.


BBQ
Kansas City, of course, is famous for its barbecue. Mmmm...
Arthur Bryant's Original KC. Good stuff. (Betsy's Favorite)
Gates They'll yell at you (HI MAY I HELP YOU?!?), but it's good eats. (Blake's Favorite)
Oklahoma Joe's It's in a gas station. Don't let that keep you away!
Fiorella's Jack Stack A bit more "high-brow", if there's such thing as high-brow BBQ. It is delicious.