WHOA. What a weekEND!

I think I’m still recovering.

Busy. Busy. Busy. This weekend was one for the books (literally)!

Friday night my family made the trek to Columbia, Missouri for my little sister, Nancy’s engagement!

Nancy’s boyfriend, Pat, surprised her with an outdoor dance floor and their “song,” “Dancing in the Moonlight” playing, just before he proposed. Once inside of the house, she was surprised again with an engagement party thrown by both families!

It was definitely a memorable night.

Two days and one under the weather bushdog later, and Sunday night brought more chaos and festivities!

Sunday was the official party release of both “Lily” AND the brand, new book “Happy Birthday, St. Louis!”

It was very exciting to celebrate with friends and family. We were lucky to have “Happy Birthday’s” illustrator, Ed Koehler, present to sign books as well.

I want to thank everyone who came out to mark this occasion and check out the new books. I hope that everyone had fun and enjoyed ending their weekend the best way possible…with lots and lots of cake!

Above are a few snapshots of the fun!

WHOA, what a week!

Well, it’s official! “Lily: A True Story of Courage and the Joplin Tornado” has been released!

And what a week it has been for the kickoff!

I spent all day last Tuesday at Pheasant Point Elementary School in O'Fallon, reading the story to students. Wednesday I drove to Hallsville, Missouri to spend the afternoon at the elementary school there. Thursday night brought me to Pheasant Point’s Scholastic Book Fair.

That brings us to Friday…

The Washington, Missouri Family Reading Night!

This was an amazing event, with so many people chipping in to make it a very special night. The details that the students of Washington went to to prepare were unbelievable.

They had weather themed decorations with suns and clouds hanging from the ceiling. They drew posters of illustrations from the “Lily” book. There was a dog themed art contest, resulting in many lovely dog portraits lining the hallways, and a real doghouse for kids to play in. And, of course, my personal favorites, several lovely life size cut outs of Lily, gracing the main stage.

I had the honor of speaking to the crowd of 700 and then introducing Tara, who shared Lily’s story with the audience. Kids were delighted to get to pet Lily, the star herself, as they got their books signed.

All in all it was an incredible night, one that I will always remember and a great way to kick off the new book.

I want to thank Dawn Kitchell and Chris Stuckenschneider for hosting me at this event. It was truly a wonderful time.

Check out a few snapshots from the evening below!