Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent in a picture of her granddaughters, Lucy Sebaugh of House Springs, left, and Savannah Swain of Festus, at Pat’s home last month. “It warms my heart that these two cousins are so close,” Pat said. “They love being together.”
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent in a picture of her grandson, David Underwood of House Springs, and his wife, Taylor Underwood, at Pat’s home in April last year. “I think it’s pretty clear why this photo is so special to me,” Pat said. “We used this photo to make the announcement of my first great-grandson’s arrival.”
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent in a picture of her great-grandson, Braylon Underwood of House Springs, at Pat’s home on Christmas Eve. “(Braylon) is my first great-grandchild,” Pat said. “He was only a few weeks old and pretty much slept through Christmas Eve, so he was our best package under the tree.”
Scotty Haines of Arnold took this picture last month of his grandson, Julian March McCarthy, 8, spending a snow day with Scotty and his grandmother, Linda Monroe Haines, in Arnold. Julian is the son of Holly and John March McCarthy.
Cindy Gerding, 63, of Dittmer took this photo of her grandson, Jamieson Gerding, 2, of Union, at his home. “It is a special picture because he is always ready to go out for an adventure,” Cindy said.
Terri Johnson, 53, of Imperial took this photo of her grandsons, Christopher and Bryson “Spud” Johnson of Barnhart, last spring at her house. “We were releasing butterflies that we had grown from caterpillars,” Terri said.
Virginia Marler of Byrnes Mills sent in a picture at Andy Romano Park in Daytona Beach of her grandchildren, Andrea, Jacob and Logan Riley of Wentzville, seeing the ocean for the first time. “We arrived in Florida before sunrise in May 2018 and they could not wait to see the beach,” Virginia said. “One look and they fell in love with the sea and love to go every chance we get!”
Pat Nienkamp sent in a picture from October of her two great-granddaughters, cousins Aislyn Rose Nienkamp, 5, and Amelia Blair Nienkamp of Texarkana, Texas, days after Amelia was born. “(The picture) shows me how much love and gentleness there is between them.”
Will Solomon of Imperial took this photo of his granddaughter, Ellie Solomon, then 3, of Imperial. “This (picture) was taken when Ellie liked me to take her photo,” Will said. “We had taken her shopping, and she wanted those sunglasses. (She) put them on and never wanted to take them off.” Ellie is now 20 years old and a student at Missouri State University. “She still lets me take photos, but it has to be her idea and on her terms.”
Cindy Nestor, 65, of De Soto took this picture of her grandchildren, Finn Boyster, 7, and Avery Boyster, 4, both from Arnold, while on vacation in Destin, Fla. last year. “This photo is special to me because it shows the pure happiness of my beautiful grandchildren,” Cindy said. “We were so lucky to be invited on their summer vacation and had the best time.”
Nancy Wood, 78, of De Soto took this photo of her granddaughters at the St. Louis Science Center while they were visiting Nancy and their grandfather John Wood in 2018. “They enjoyed acting like lab techs and solving problems,” Nancy said. From left are Madison Wood of Lee’s Summit, Zoe Wood of De Soto and McKinley Wood of Lee’s Summit. According to Nancy, this is one of the first pictures she had taken of her granddaughters with all of them present.
Patricia Cantrell, 63, of Hillsboro took a picture of her grandson, Cooper Braun, 6, of Cedar Hill, imitating his grandfather, Kenneth Cantrell Sr., 64. “Grandpa (was wearing) his glasses and Cooper picked up my reading glasses, put them on and said, ‘Look Grandma, I look like Grandpa,’” Patricia said. “Wherever Grandpa is, Cooper is right behind.”
Mark Schmitz, 64, of Festus took this picture of his grandsons, from left, Emmett and Greyson Schmitz of Festus, at Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills in November. “They ‘took’ me to our favorite hiking park for my birthday,” Mark said. “Their curiosity and innocence of youth brings me such joy and keeps me young.”
Michael Wilkins, 58, of De Soto sent in a picture of himself and his grandson, Levi Pyatt of De Soto, earlier this month. “I love spending time with my blond hair, brown-eyed grandson who loves to see me, spend time on the John Deere lawn mower and be my helper,” Michael said.
Jacqueline Tamborski of Cedar Hill sent in a picture of her grandson, Justin Williamson of Cuba, ready to visit her in May 2006. “Justin was so excited to go to grandma’s,” Jacqueline said.
Brenda Habsieger of Festus sent this picture from July 2019 of her granddaughter, Taylor Habsieger of Festus, at Goose Creek in French Village. “(This photo) shows her love for animals and the lake,” Brenda said. “She is the fourth generation of my family enjoying summers at the lake.”
Brenda Habsieger of Festus sent this picture from July 2017 of her grandson, Austin Habsieger of Festus, at Goose Creek in French Village. “He loves to ride on the boat, waiting patiently with his boonie hat and his ‘nockulars’ (binoculars),” Brenda said. “He is the fourth generation of my family who loves to spend summers at the lake.”
Debbie Visnovske of Festus sent in a picture from July last year of her grandson, Freddy Visnovske of De Soto, resting with dog Oakley while camping at Eleven Point River. “It was a great day on the river with family and friends!” Debbie said.
Tillie Winchester, 63, of Hillsboro sent in a picture of her four grandchildren while they were visiting Tillie’s cabin in Dittmer. “We have been celebrating ‘Christmas at the Cabin’ for years,” Tillie said. “Our grandchildren, along with their parents, cut down a Christmas tree, decorate it, take a long walk, then come back to the cabin to see that Christmas presents were delivered while they were gone. … The icing on the cake is that the grandkids spend the night with Mimi and Pops, sleeping in front of the fireplace and waking up to Pop’s big breakfast the next morning.” Pictured, from front, are Lyla Winchester, 4, of Columbia, Ill., Quinn Winchester, 7, Kaleigh Winchester, 12, and Christopher Winchester, 13, all from Hillsboro.
Cheryl Radosh, 64, of Festus took a picture of her grandson, Lucas Collins of Herculaneum, while visiting in January 2019. “I love watching him play with his dog,” Cheryl said. “They have so much fun, and it is just a joy to watch a boy and his dog.”
Cheryl Radosh, 64, of Festus took a picture of her granddaughter, Abigail Siebert of Herculaneum, enjoying a treat from Ted Drews in June 2017. “We had a fun day taking her to the zoo and topping it off with ice cream,” Cheryl said. “She had such a great time, which means we had an even better time because of all her smiles.”
Cheryl Radosh, 64, of Festus took a picture of her granddaughter, Alyssa Collins of Herculaneum, at Twin Rivers Campground in July 2018. “Getting to take her on her first float trip and sharing a new adventure was a fabulous memory,” Cheryl said. “We had a lot of fun swimming, splashing and floating.”
Carroll Metzger, 77, of Festus took this picture of her grandson, Leo Becker, then 4, of Webster Groves, while visiting Suson Park in November. “Leo is always so intentional; he wore his overalls because we were seeing the farm animals,” Carroll said.
Donna Hickey, 59, of Hillsboro took this picture of her granddaughter, Hazel Hickey, then 6, of Hillsboro, while visiting Chicago, Ill. in April 2023. Hazel poses in front of a picture of the “Bean” sculpture, which was displayed in the former Sears Tower, now Willis Tower. “Hazel is an amazing child with a great sense of humor and is always having fun when taking pictures,” Donna said. “This, by far, is one of our favorites.”
Terry Grass of Festus took this picture in March last year of grandson Leon Murphy, then 2, of Festus. “He is sitting on the kitchen floor looking at the package of honeybees I recently received,” Terry said. “This picture reminds me of how mesmerized he was listening to them buzz and watching them walk around in their container. He now has an interest in honeybees and likes to watch me go to my bee hives in my bee suit. Occasionally he puts a mesh laundry bag over his head and pretends to be a beekeeper.”
Frederick Mesey, 52, of De Soto took this picture of his grandchildren, Olivia Kenuam and McKinley Jones of De Soto, while fishing and swimming in the river, where they often spend time. On this trip, Olivia and McKinley were especially excited and were waiting outside when Frederick came to pick them up. “We rode down to the river blasting country music, singing our hearts out,” Frederick said. “It was a beautiful day. I taught them how to drive the boat and how to put a worm on a hook and how to take a fish off the hook. They each caught several little bluegill, and they were so stoked.”
Tangee Werkmann, 50, of Festus took this picture of her grandsons, Owen Bellew, left, 3, and A.J. Nappier, 7, both from Festus, while they were spending the night. “I love this picture because it’s so sweet,” Tangee said. “A.J. was reading to Owen at bedtime.”
Kathy Smith, 63, of Pevely took a picture of her granddaughter, Aspen Tkach, 5 months, of Brentwood, during the Super Bowl. “Aspen is always smiling!” Kathy said. “She is the happiest baby and already has a sweet and fun personality.”
Kirstin Barnes, 63, De Soto took this picture in May 2022 of her grandson, Joshua Moore III of De Soto, playing in her front yard. “Joshua found a puddle and had the best time running and jumping into it,” Kirstin said. “He played as the sunset filled the evening sky. To me, this picture captures the pure joy of being a kid!”
Mary and Bryan Moore of De Soto sent a picture of their grandson, Luke Richard of De Soto, in Estes Park, Co. last July. “Luke is very serious about finding Bigfoot,” Mary said. “Last summer was his first trip to the Rocky Mountains with us. As you can see, he was well prepared for hiking and searching for the ever-elusive Sasquatch. Although he didn’t actually see a Bigfoot, he did find some signs of Bigfoot activity along the trails and may have heard some unidentified sounds in the wilderness. We are looking forward to more Bigfoot hunts with Luke this summer.”
Mary and Bryan Moore of De Soto sent a picture of their granddaughter, Ava Richard of De Soto, in Estes Park, Co. last July. “She wanted to go hiking with her grandparents and was well prepared,” Mary said. “She had a backpack, jacket, gloves, water and many of the other essentials that are required for a hike in the mountains, but she was missing just one item: a flashlight. As luck would have it, she found the perfect solution at a gift shop in town, and with this headlamp she was ready to be the leader of the expedition.”
Mary and Bryan Moore of De Soto sent a picture of their granddaughter, Addison Richard, then 9, of De Soto, in Estes Park, Co. last July. “She was a little concerned about going up such tall mountains,” Bryan said. “So as we started our hike up the Lily Lake Trail, we would sometimes come to a steep section of the trail, and I would shout out encouragement to let them know that when we got to the top of that section we could take a short break. After conquering several of these steep sections, we reached the top and this photo was taken.”
Kathy Munzlinger of House Springs sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Autumn Watson, 18, who is a senior at Hillsboro High School. According to Kathy, Autumn was a junior firefighter for three years and is now a volunteer firefighter with an EMT certificate. Autumn plans to “pursue her passion” after she graduates, Kathy said.
Denise Magruder, 59, of Festus took this picture last year of her only grandson, Atlas Magruder, 2, of Poplar Bluff. Denise said the photo is special because she has a similar one of her son.
Denise Magruder, 59, of Festus took this picture of her granddaughter, Luna Louise Carter, 3, of Festus while visiting Santa. “This photo is special to me because she just looks so much like her momma at that age,” Denise said.
Renee LaPresta of Festus sent in a picture of her grandson, Eli of Boston, while at Cedar Point Amusement Park last summer. “We celebrated a clean brain scan after (he had been) fighting a tumor since he was 9 months old,” Renee said. “He is 2 years old in this picture and is thriving, as you can see by the cheese on his face.”
Renee LaPresta of Festus sent in a picture of her grandson, Sam, 8, of Boston, seen swimming in the Colorado River while in Needles, Calif. in 2022. “This photo is special as it highlights his beautiful eyes and reminds me of a wonderful week in the desert with him!” Renee said.
Jan Schultheiss, 69, of Eureka sent a picture of her grandson, Stefan Schultheiss of High Ridge, in Bud Weil Park in Fenton earlier this month. “My grandson loves music,” Jan said. “This little outfit seems to express his personality perfectly!”
Beth McCormick, 61, of Cedar Hill sent this picture of her grandchildren in 2021. “Our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter came in from California and met the rest of the family at our Lakehouse on Tablerock Lake and celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas together,” Beth said. “It was the last time all of us were all able to be there at the same time, and that’s why this photo is special to me.” Pictured, from top, going clockwise, are Elliott Wohldmann of St. Charles, Eden Scruggs of Cedar Hill, Fiona Kistler of Pismo Beach, Calif., Stephen Scruggs of Cedar Hill and Alex Wohldmann of St. Charles.
Suzanne Jennings, 64, of De Soto took this picture in 2017 in Florida of her granddaughter, Wren McCullough of DeSoto. “I was trying to ‘get’ her when she would swing towards me, so she started trying to get me with her foot,” Suzanne said.
Stacy Doolin, 52, of Festus sent in a picture of her grandson, Tobias Puder of Festus, at the Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District firehouse in January. “Tobias is disabled, and he loves firetrucks and firemen,” Stacy said. “He received this outfit for Christmas and couldn't wait to visit the firehouse. We baked cookies for the firemen, and he took a tour of the fire station. This meant so much to me that they took the time to make him feel welcome and special. His smile says it all. He hasn't stopped talking about the visit to the station and practices putting on his fireman outfit so he can be really fast in case of an emergency.”
Pam Byrd, 54, of Imperial took this picture of her grandson, Cohan Abney of south St. Louis County, at the St. Louis Zoo last month, celebrating his first birthday. “This was his pose after he had finished eating a cake pop I bought for him,” Pam said. “I love being a part of his life and making memories.”
Chris Schell, 60, of Herculaneum took a photo earlier this month of grandson Franklin Christopher Winingar of Herculaneum. “The first few weeks if his life were challenging, and this picture represents his journey to this particular moment where his smile is what we all feel about his healthy presence in our lives,” Chris said.
Charlie Haverstick, 62, of De Soto sent a picture of granddaughter Braylee Haverstick of Desoto from last fall. “We have had the pleasure watching her ride since she was 3, and she’s getting better every day,” Charlie said.
Vicki Muehlhauser, 53, of Festus took this picture of her granddaughter, Rosie Barley of Festus, shortly after her second birthday last month. “Even though Rosie has a rare skin condition called dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (her skin is thinner and tears and blisters easily), she is always smiling and has such an outgoing personality,” Vicki said. “She doesn’t let her disability slow her down. She is an inspiration to all she meets.”
Christine Walter, 67, of De Soto took this picture in fall 2021 at the De Soto Fall Festival of her grandchildren, from left, Harrison and Ellie-Rae Finley of Crystal City and Hennleigh McClain of Imperial. “I bought these shirts at a store on main street and felt the shirts matched their personalities to a ‘tee,’” Christine joked. “Right before this picture was taken, unbeknownst to us, Henny got a piece of popcorn up her nose, and it popped out when she stumbled and fell down. She wasn't too happy at all!”
Karen Hester of Hillsboro sent a picture of her grandson, Logan DiMucci, 2, of Clarksville, Tenn., picking out a Christmas tree for the first time in December. “The sparkle in Logan’s eyes and grin on his face say it all!” Karen said.
Cindy Hansen, 62, of Wildwood sent in a photo of her grandson, Beckham Richards, nearly 2 years old, of Kansas City, exploring Union Station in December. “I love this picture because he looks like he is so inquisitive about the magic of Christmas,” Cindy said.
Susan Wright, 64, of Festus took a picture of her granddaughter, Riley Suzanne Springemann of Festus, at her second birthday party. “She was opening up her gifts from me and Grandpa Rex,” Susan said.
Susan Wright, 64, of Festus took a picture of her grandson, Abram Christopher Springemann of Festus. “This picture just melts my heart because he is being held by his dad, and he looks so content and innocent and perfect!” Susan said.
Jim Bakula, 69, of Hillsboro took this picture in September of himself and his granddaughters, Ava Hall, 9, and Lily Hall, 4, of Maryland Heights, at Disney’s Fort Wilderness in Orlando, Fla. “The photo is special because we had just taught (Jim) how to use the timer setting on the cell phone,” said Trisha Bakula, Jim’s daughter. “While we were loading the car to go home, he was able to get this shot of him and his granddaughters enjoying their last couple of minutes in Disney World.”
Pat Spalt of Arnold took this picture in July 2017 of her grandson, Chase McDowell, then 4, of Imperial, resting by the pool at the Arnold Recreation Center following one of his first swimming lessons. “He found that he loved the water and was so excited and appreciative that he was learning to swim,” Pat said.
Sheila Jones of Imperial sent a picture of her grandchildren, Zane, Lexi and Addy Kronk, goofing off.
Kaycee Buddenhagen of Fenton sent a picture of her granddaughter, Cecelia Buddenhagen, on Cecelia’s first Christmas Eve. “Being a grandparent is the BEST gift ever!” Kaycee said. “The gift that keeps on giving!”
Lynn Ellegood of Imperial took this picture last month of her granddaughters, Winnie and Evie Schroeter of St. Louis. “We were having a day together, just enjoying the outdoors at Grammy and Pa’s house,” Lynn said. “I love how Evie has her princess dress on, and it stayed on the entire time we were playing outside.”
Veronica Hartz sent in a picture of her great-grandson, Rowan Brody Fletcher of Hillsboro, from his first Easter last year.
Donald and Beverly Pinckard sent a 2006 picture of their grandson, Benjamin David Cole of Bonne Terre, son of Taffy (Gamble) and Steve Cole.
Donald and Beverly Pinckard sent a picture Beverly took of their grandchildren, cousins Alexis Lee Gamble, left, and Melanie Ann Brown.
Donald and Beverly Pinckard sent a picture Beverly took in 2000 of their grandson, Jason Matthew Brown Jr., then 2 years, in De Soto. In the background is his sister Melanie Ann Brown and mother Taffy Jo Gamble.
Lora Barnes of Festus sent a picture of her grandson, Oliver Michael Barnes, 9 months, of St. Louis, celebrating his first Halloween last year.
Donna Womack, 62, of Festus sent a picture of her grandchildren, cousins Olivia Pashia of Hillsboro, right, and Gesina Womack of Cape Girardeau, visiting last June.
Donna Womack, 62, of Festus sent a picture from last month of her grandson, Donald “Jay” Womack IV, 4, of Cape Girardeau, reading a Leader newspaper. “He is wearing the same outfit as in the photos of his dad (Donald Womack III) at the same age,” Donna said. According to Donna, Donald won a photo contest for the most original photo.
Shelly Schlueter, 62, of Pevely took this picture on her family’s farm in October 2021 of her grandson, Everest Riggleman, 1, of Eswatini, a country in southern Africa. “Since Everest lives in Africa, he only visits once a year,” Shelly said. “I wanted him to experience the farm in the fall, and he was so happy just being outdoors and with me.”
Kathy Feltman sent a picture of her granddaughters, who are the daughters of Steve and Melissa Chastun, posing for an old-timey photo in Branson. “The two youngest (Aubrey and Madison) they got out of foster care and are adopting,” Kathy said. “Madison is trying to look like the skunk (on the right).” The two oldest are Stephanie and Mel.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent a picture of her great-granddaughter, Celestial Rose Rhodes of Hillsboro, spending time with Celestial’s grandparents, Robert and Donna White, and Rosemary. Rosemary especially loves her granddaughter’s “beautiful blue eyes.”
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent a picture of her great-grandson, Everett Rhodes of Hillsboro, at the Hillsboro Horse Show last year.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent a 2021 picture of her great-grandson, Riley Brock of Hillsboro, making a Christmas craft with her. “Riley and I have done crafts together since he was about 2 years old,” Rosemary said.
Margaret Connor of House Springs sent a picture from fall 2004 of her granddaughter, Erin Trolinger, then 3, of House Springs. “That determined look proved to be how she has led her life,” Margaret said. According to Margaret, Erin graduated from Jefferson College with cum laude honors while in the National Honor Society and made the dean’s list for almost every semester. Erin now attends Missouri Baptist University and earns straight A’s while working part-time at Walmart.
Donna Hogenmiller, 65, of Arnold sent in an April 2022 picture of her first grandchild, Lydia Robinson, then 6 months, celebrating her first Easter. “Love those dimples!” Donna said.
Don Brady, 89, of Imperial sent a picture from October 2022 of his granddaughter, Bryson Brady, 6, of Imperial, comforting her dog during a family reunion.
Cindy Heimos of De Soto sent a photo of her great-grandson, Wyatt Moss, at a family gathering. “Wyatt was having a ball in his walker in his daddy’s shop,” Cindy said. “His face was so dirty because he was playing with tools and at times crawling around. His mom (Dakota Moss) did not worry about how dirty he was, just that he was having fun.”
Mark Schmitz, 64, of Festus took this picture of 1-month-old Juliette Schmitz, who is his first granddaughter.
As featured on
For Brett Young, it was easy to pick which photo he wanted to enter in the annual Show Off Y…
