Patty Kapeller of Arnold took this photo of her grandkids while visiting Universal Studios Florida in Orlando in 2020. “(The picture) really shows the passion our grandkids have for reading and reenacting their Star Wars fantasies!” Patty said. Posing with lightsabers are Layla Smith, 5, Sawyer Smith, 9, and Jackson Smith, 11, all from High Ridge.
Cousins Joey Recker, 7, of Hillsboro and James Lippitt, 5, of De Soto enjoy the Badlands in South Dakota in June 2023. Their grandma, Gail Lippitt of Hillsboro, who took the picture, said she loves how the photo shows Joey and James’ “closeness.”
Lisa Hamilton sent in a picture of her grandchildren. “It was a beautiful fall day, and the kids were so happy to finally be able to go outside and enjoy each other’s company,” Lisa said.
Sandy Kemp of Festus sent a picture of her grandson, Milo Hileman of St. Louis, while at Westover Farms in April 2017. “This was one of our first family trips with all of the grandkids,” Sandy said. “They were playing with the canoe and (Milo) climbed in. The pose reflects his sweet personality.” Milo is the son of Katie Kemp Hileman.
Sandy Kemp of Festus sent a photo of her grandsons, Cody and Brent Kemp, on the family farm in September 2019. “(This picture) shows their love for the outdoors and the special bond siblings have,” Sandy said. “They had so much fun harvesting pumpkins and watermelons that day!” Cody and Brent are Matt Kemp’s sons.
Donna Andell of House Springs took this picture of her granddaughter, Cora Frazier of Pevely, with a scarecrow during Eureka’s Scarecrow Festival last year. “(Cora) said she was a superhero like the scarecrow and had to pose like her,” Donna said. “Girls can do anything.”
Dorothy Speer of Arnold sent a picture of her grandson, William Russell of Arnold, in May 2023 after completing his first full year of school.
Linda Smugala of Imperial took this photo in January of her grandson, Aiden Smugala of Barnhart, then 5 months old. “He was so excited and proud that he was lifting up his head so well; I just love his expression,” Linda said. “I get to watch him learn new things. Such a wonderful feeling.”
Rick Jansen of Festus and his grandchildren, Karis Jansen of Kansas City, left, and Parker Jansen of Cape Girardeau, attended deer camp last year in Cape Girardeau. “(In the picture, it) looks like Karis is telling Parker how big that deer was she missed,” Rick said.
Brenda Meyer of Festus sent a picture of her granddaughter, Lenna Kopsie of Pevely, in January 2022. “(This is) one of my favorite photos of Lenna because it shows her gorgeous blue eyes, which remind me so much of my own mother’s,” Brenda said.
While on vacation at Panama City Beach in January 2015, Brenda Meyer of Festus took this picture of her granddaughter, Olivia Kopsie of Imperial. “The silly smile captures her happy, silly and sweet energy,” Brenda said.
Brenda Meyer of Festus took this picture of her grandson, Levi Kopsie of Imperial, visiting her in December 2018. “Levi’s natural happy smile, with his chubby cheeks and dimples, wearing his papa’s blue hat, is always one of my favorite (photos),” Brenda said.
Brenda Meyer of Festus visited Bee Tree Park in St. Louis County in October with her grandson, Landon Kopsie of Pevely. “Landon is like a tornado, always whirling in motion,” Brenda said. “Snapping this natural happy smile was extra special.”
Keith Haas sent a picture of his granddaughter, Parker Bilbrey of Imperial, almost 2 years old, posing with her dog, Mia, last month. “Parker just walked up on Mia and said ‘cheese,’ and her and Mia just looked up and did exactly that,” Keith said.
Barb Quirin of Fenton sent in a picture of her great-granddaughter, McKinley Brewer of De Soto, cheering at a Hillsboro basketball game in December.
Barb Quirin of Fenton sent in a picture of her great-granddaughter, Reagan Willey of De Soto, at Hillsboro City Park in October.
Julien branson took this picture of her great-granddaughter, Sophia, right before Christmas.
Wade Hampton of Festus took a picture of his first grandkid, Thea Ruth of Arnold, visiting for her first Halloween last year.
Davina Brown of Crystal City and her family visited a Kansas City aquarium in 2021 during their yearly trip to Great Wolf Lodge. This picture shows Davina’s granddaughter, Kinzlee Anderson of Crystal City. “(This photo) shows my granddaughter’s curiosity about the aquarium, and she was having such a great time,” Davina said.
Davina Brown of Crystal City sent a photo of her granddaughter, Kenadee Johnson of Crystal City, in 2023. This is one of the first pictures Davina took of Kenadee, who said her granddaughter behaved well.
Patty Stauder of Arnold sent a photo of her granddaughter, Alaina Jourdain of Crystal City, at her fourth birthday party last month. Snow White was a guest at the party and led the children in singing Disney songs and gave Alaina the rose she is smelling in the picture. “It was truly a magical day,” Patty said.
Tina Sullivan of Barnhart took a photo in winter 2021 of her grandchildren, Heidi Brumgard, 11, and Carter Myers, 1, both of Arnold. “These two mean the world to me, and their smiles fill my heart with joy!” Tina said.
Darlene Erny of De Soto sent a picture of her granddaughter, Hayden Howard of St. Louis, then 3. “She was lying on her stomach watching the fish swim in the pond,” Darlene said. “She was just a little chatter box, asking questions about the fish.”
Michael Wilde of Festus sent in a picture of his granddaughter, Oaklynn Wilde, enjoying a new gift at her first birthday party in January. “Love this (picture) because of her smile, and she loved her ball pit she got from her uncle and aunt.”
Chad Ruegge of Festus sent a photo of his grandson, Hudson Ruegge, dressed up for his first Halloween last year as the character Jack Jack from the movie “The Incredibles.”
Jan Broderick of Wildwood sent a picture from last summer of her great-grandson, Hudson Douglas of St. Charles. “This little boy loves trucks and working machines so much,” Jan said. “When he was actually able to operate one all by himself, the pure joy on his face made me smile.”
Siblings Carly Roberds, 9, and Tucker Roberds, 6, of Festus teamed up for a great photo opportunity. Their grandmother, Debbie Siebert of Festus, took this picture in August last year and fondly remembers the children’s teamwork. “Traveling on Hwy. 50 towards Jefferson City, we stopped in Rosebud and found large wings painted on the side of one of the old brick buildings,” Debbie said. Tucker wanted a picture in front of the wings, but he was too short for the mural. “(Carly) decided to let Tucker stand on her back so that he would be tall enough. The concrete was rough, so she took her shoes off and used them as cushions under her knees.”
Marsha Shanks of High Ridge sent a photo of her grandson, Connor McGee, 8, of Herculaneum, enjoying a day at Pickle Creek. “His hugs make my day,” Marsha said.
Marsha Shanks of High Ridge accepts a flag for her mother, Evelyn Schneider, who died in June. Three of Marsha’s grandchildren – Evelyn’s great-grandchildren – watch from the side. “(Evelyn) was in the Marines and was 99 at her passing,” Marsha said. “She was a post 111 commander and Girl Scout leader.”
Jerrianne Wallace, 67, of Crystal City took this picture of her youngest granddaughter, Serenity Alexander, 7, of Springfield, while on vacation in Yachats, Ore. last July. “We got to whale watch in Depoe Bay, four-wheel in the sand dunes in Florence and walk the beach during every day’s low tide!” Jerrianne said. “You can’t put a price on memories like these!”
Carol Drury of House Springs took this picture of her grandkids in December 2022, gathered for Christmas. Pictured are Lillian, Holly and Jesse Drury from Barnhart, Daisy and Jazmyn Dennis from Dittmer and Roland Redd of Robertsville.
Leslie Murray, 52, of Festus took this picture last month of her granddaughter, Lizzie Murray, and Lizzie’s dog, Karma. “They were playing hide-and-seek at our barn and, needless to say, Karma searched and found her every time,” Leslie said.
Mary Gan of Dittmer took a picture of her great-grandson, Myles Phillips, at Hillsboro Discovery Trail this year. “He was having a little Zen time,” Mary said.
Mary Gan of Dittmer took a picture this year of her great-grandsons, 9-year-old twins Myles Phillips, left, and Warren Phillips. “They always ask to light candles for dinner,” Mary said.
Cathy Stevens took this picture of her grandchildren, Emmett, Ariana and Asher Stevens. “I had them for the day, and they made the picture frames for photos we took at the pumpkin patch the weekend before,” Cathy said.
Tracey Riehn of Arnold sent a picture of her grandson, Sawyer White of Arnold. “This photo is special because it really shows his awesome personality!” Heather said.
Tracey Riehn of Arnold took this picture of her grandson, Johnny Riehn of Arnold. “Johnny holds a special place in my heart,” Tracey said. “He is the youngest of my grandchildren and named after my husband.”
Tracey Riehn of Arnold sent a picture of her eldest grandchild, River White of Arnold. “He is the smart one, and can put anything together,” Tracey said.
Ed Roman, 67, of Festus captured a moment of excitement from his great-granddaughter, Isla Reppell, 19 months, of Arnold, last month. “I took the picture when Isla saw her great-grandma come outside,” Ed said. “Her expression is pure joy and love!”
Christy Howland of Dittmer arranged a group picture for her granddaughters while at Club Villa in Cedar Hill for a food pantry charity event. “I bought them all matching outfits and I couldn’t wait to get their first cousin photo together,” Christy said. Pictured, from left, are Sadee Frederick of De Soto, Mia Howland of Dittmer and Brooke Frederick of De Soto.
Dana Gillespie of De Soto took this picture of granddaughter Amelia Bremerkamp of Festus having a great time in October 2023 at the Starlite Drive-In in Cadet. “Amelia was so excited to see the Taylor Swift movie at the drive-in and sing ‘Shake It Off,’” Dana said. “We went to see the movie with her great-grandma and mom. This little girl danced in the field under the stars all night long.”
Dana Gillespie of De Soto took this picture of grandson Isaac Bremerkamp of Festus digging into his first birthday cake in December.
Kelly Hall of Festus took this picture in her front yard of her granddaughter, Zariah Binkinz, 10 months, of Festus. Kelly’s favorite part of the photo is the lighting effect on Zariah’s hand. “It looks like she has superpowers,” Kelly said.
Linda Meister of Arnold took a picture of her 5-month-old great-granddaughter, Nataly Mancilla, dressed up for her first Halloween. “She’s got a big personality even as a baby,” Linda said.
Kurt Dummerth of Arnold sent in a picture of his granddaughter, Kinbre, 5, of Imperial
Kurt Dummerth of Arnold sent in a picture of his grandson, Kai, 3, of Imperial
Louis Meyer of Imperial sent in a photo of his grandson, Walt Meyer, helping grandma Lorna Meyer make pea soup on a snowy day last month. “Grandma gives him his own pot to put ‘seasoning’ in,” Louis said. Walt enjoys joining in on the cooking or washing dishes, all while standing atop a kitchen chair. Walt is the son of Louie and Gabby Meyer of Imperial.
Arthur Buecker of Byrnes Mill sent a photo of his granddaughter and great-granddaughter, Daniell and Paisley Motsinger of House Springs, on a shopping trip.
Lynn Koester of Arnold sent a picture of her granddaughter, Allison Schlipman of Maryville, Ill., while Allison was visiting. “Allison is such a sweet girl who, in the picture, looks super confident, but at times needs encouragement,” Lynn said. “She did this pose all on her own, and it warmed my heart because she finally let go of her inhibitions and had fun expressing herself.”
Noah Smith, 2, and Grace Smith, 8 months, both from Hillsboro, are ready to go to a Valentine’s Day dinner in this picture their grandmother, Debbie Massey of Hillsboro, sent in. “My grandchildren fill my heart with so much joy,” Debbie said.
Camden Sauer and his grandpa, Mike Schrage, enjoy racing tractors around the yard last May.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Paris.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Nayeli Lou.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandsons, Camron, Dreyvin and Aiden.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Paisley.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandson, Waylon.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandson, Elijah.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandson, Jackson.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandkid, Iverson.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandson, Brandon.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandkid, Nolynn.
Donna Miller of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandson, Presley.
Deborah Allen of Arnold sent in a picture from September of her grandson, Riley Allen of Arnold, trying on costumes at a Spirit Halloween store. “His dad, his grandpa and I got to spend a day with him,” Deborah said. “We went to find him a costume he loved. He tried so many different ones and had grandpa trying things.”
Liz Greubel of Eureka sent in a picture of her grandson, Maverick Edward Davila of Fenton, on Valentine’s Day. “This is my first grandchild, and his middle name is that of my late husband,” Liz said. “The fact that he is so stinking cute – with his shirt saying ‘heart breaker’ with kisses all over his face – makes (the picture) even better.”
Tricia Reese of House Springs sent in a photo of her granddaughter, Amiri Rupert of House Springs, wearing a special outfit in November. “Amiri is wearing my dress, and I am almost 53 years old,” Tricia said. “My grandma, long deceased, bought it for me. Her note left with the dress said, ‘I had to take a part of the belt to enlarge the sleeve band – arms too chubby.’”
Daniel Nunn, 56, of Arnold took this picture in July last year of his grandson, Murphy Nunn, 3, of Columbus, Texas, getting up to trouble. “So, grandpa was watching as instructed to,” Daniel said. “Nobody said I couldn’t let them play stockcar racing in the mud, so I let them! When he got in trouble for it, he went inside, got in the walk-in pantry and proceeded to tear all the labels off all the canned goods. He's one of a kind!”
Steve Jarrett, 66, of Fenton sent a picture from January of his 4-year-old grandson, Rowan Alvarado of St. Louis, and Steve’s African grey bird, Nell. “Rowan had always been afraid to hold Nell for fear of getting bitten,” Steve said. “This was the first time he let Nell sit on his shoulder.”
Mary Nealey of Imperial sent a picture of her grandson, J.T. Henning, 2, of Fairview Heights, at the Soulard Mardi Gras Parade. Mary enjoys the photo “because my grandson is living his best life!”
Vickie Vitale of Arnold sent a photo from January 2016 of her grandson, Henry Vitale of Arnold, in the woods behind Vickie’s home. “Henry enjoyed taking hikes in the woods, and those were some of our most special times together,” Vickie said.
Vickie Vitale of Arnold sent a photo from March 2019 of her grandchildren, Vito and Abby Vitale of Arnold, who are cousins. “We let Vito and Abby walk the path around the Butterfly House on their own with Granny and Papa trailing behind,” Vickie said. “They walked over to this area with the waterfall and Vito took Abby by the hand. It was so sweet.”
Vickie Vitale of Arnold sent a photo from November of her grandson, Frank Vitale of Arnold, in Kalahari, Wis. “This was a family vacation with our sons, daughter-in-law and our four grandchildren,” Vickie said. “Frank was so excited to ride a tiger on the carousel. I love it when he has this happy face!”
Kathy Feilner of Eureka took this picture in November 2022 of her grandchildren, Grayson and Harper Maxwell of Eureka, laying in the leaves at Lions Park. “Lions park is our favorite park to play in,” Kathy said. “These leaves were naturally there, and (the kids) wanted to play in the leaves (rather than) the playground.”
Bertha Propst of Crystal City sent in a photo of her granddaughter, Julia Alfred, 2, of Barnhart, trying her first ice cream at the Festus McDonald’s. “The face she makes is so precious,” Bertha said. “She is one of the joys of my life.”
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Taylor Swain of Festus, from July last year. “I love that Taylor is so patriotic,” Pat said. “She will dress head to toe on these special occasions. She never disappoints.”
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