Susan Williams of Arnold took this picture in October 2013 of her three granddaughters, Mira Svoboda, then 4, Lauren Juedemann, then 9, and Ava Svoboda, then 7. “We had a tradition of carving pumpkins every Halloween when they were small,” Susan said. Mira and Ava now live in Webster Groves and Lauren lives in Arnold.
Ben and Michelle Nungester, both 53 of Arnold, sent a picture of their grandson, Calvin Jack Nungester, 1, of Arnold, in front of their Christmas tree after unwrapping presents. “We love having him come to our home and spend quality time with us,” Michelle said. “He is growing up way too fast.”
Ben and Michelle Nungester, both 53 of Arnold, sent a picture of their grandson, Calvin Jack Nungester, 1, of Arnold, snacking on a banana. “We love having him come to our home and spend quality time with us,” Michelle said. “He is growing up way too fast.”
Joanne Spiro, 70, of Crystal City took this picture in February of her granddaughter, Makenna Penberthy, 18, of Festus. “Makenna is a senior at Festus High School, and her studio days of competitive dance are in countdown mode,” Joanne said. She said she loves watching Makenna dance and will miss watching her perform once she moves on to college. “This photo is special to me because of the memories that have been made watching Makenna dance since the age of three. It is bittersweet but yet so beautiful.”
Sharon Richard, 81, of Hillsboro took this picture of her great-grandsons in November 2025 at a family celebration in Arnold. In the photo are Johnathon James Gilmore, 1, of House Springs and Brody Ellis, 2, of St. Peters. “I am blessed to have lived long enough to have eight great-grands as well as some great-great-grands,” Sharon said. “I love this picture because I can see how the youngest of my great-grandsons growing up together might be best friends like some of the older kids are.”
Patricia Jennewein, 70, of House Springs sent a photo of her grandson, Otto Meyr, 10 months, of Cedar Hill, while at a luncheon with his sisters. “It’s those ‘smiling eyes’ that caught my attention in this must-have moment.”
Al and Judy Skubic, 83 and 76 from Imperial, sent a picture from Halloween 2024 of their great-granddaughters, Madelyn Schuler, 4, and Alivia Schuler, 2. “We have many other pictures, but this is one of our favorites!” Al said. Madelyn and Alivia’s parents are Danielle and Jon of Barnhart.
Lisa and Eddie Clark of Hillsboro sent a picture of their grandson, Landon Clark, 4, at their home.
Lisa and Eddie Clark of Hillsboro sent a picture of their granddaughter, Ellianna Clark, 1, celebrating a birthday at their home.
Lisa and Eddie Clark of Hillsboro sent a picture of their granddaughter, Ellianna Clark, 1, celebrating a birthday at their home.
Pat Dennis of Robertsville took the first picture in 2019 of her granddaughter, Amelia Dennis. “Now that Amelia is 7, she still giggles when she sees it!” Pat said. “She was so into the big M&M, so we thought, ‘why not put her in and take a picture?’ Getting her out was a bit of a puzzle, but her smile says it all—she absolutely loved being inside.”
Debby Larson, 64, of Imperial took this picture in her backyard earlier this year of her grandson, Wade Douglas Sang, 4, of Imperial. “It was a rare beautiful day in February,” Debby said. “Wade was goofing off and wanted me to take pictures of his silly poses. This was one of them.”
Debby Larson, 64, of Imperial took this picture in October 2023 of her grandson, David Reno Sang, then 3, of Imperial. “(It was) David’s first trip to City Museum, and we had a blast exploring that magical place,” Debby said.
Margo Oberkrom, 76, of Cedar Hill sent a picture of her grandson, Ronald “RJ” Oberkrom, then 13, of Imperial, from 2023 when he caught an 18-inch bass at the family’s farm pond. “The next year, he caught a 20-inch bass. Same fish? Maybe.” Margo said. “He released both fish back in the pond for someone else to enjoy catching. In fact, I caught a 21-inch bass later that year in 2024, which I promptly let go. The photo is special to me because we both share the sport of fishing. Maybe this year it will be two feet. Who will catch it?”
Kathleen Yuengel of Crystal City took this picture while at home with her granddaughter, Alaina Carr, 3, of Festus. “She was eating a popsicle when it started melting, so I put it in a small bowl and she decided to just drink it from the bowl,” Kathleen said. “Love the side-eye look!”
Kathleen Yuengel of Crystal City sent a picture of her grandson, Boston Villegas, 6, of Festus, playing a game at the Crystal City Baseball Fields. “From the time he could walk, Boston loved baseball,” Kathleen said. “He has never lost that love and continues to learn and grow. Remember his name; I think we have a future St. Louis Cardinal!”
Pat Sebaugh, 74, of Hillsboro took this picture in August 2024 of her granddaughter, Taylor Swain, then 14, of Festus. “We love to take photos in and around Festus, and this mural is a favorite spot,” Sebaugh said. “Taylor’s fun personality and creativity really show here.” This mural can be found at Schneider Park.
Pat Sebaugh, 74, of Hillsboro took this picture in August 2025 of her great-grandson, Braylen Underwood, 2, of High Ridge. “For me, this photo shows what a happy little guy he is. Always smiling,” Sebaugh said. “This tic-tac-toe game is a favorite of his at my house.”
Rose Shannon, 81, of Eureka took this picture in April 2019 of her granddaughters, Lena Hill, 12, and Eve Hill, 9, both from Culver City, Calif. “The girls were visiting from California when one evening we noticed this amazing sunset,” Rose said. “Lena and Eve ran to the edge of a hill to say goodnight to the sun. I was trying to keep up from behind but stopped to capture the moment. We all lingered there, enjoying the moment until the sun disappeared. Although you can’t see their faces, their body language says it all!”
Claudia Foran, 73, of House Springs took this picture in 2010 of her grandson, Krieg Spisak, then 3, with a birthday gift. Krieg lives in Columbia, Ill. “He is graduating this year!” Claudia said. “He is very special and loved.”
Claudia Foran, 73, of House Springs took this picture on Easter in 2005 of her grandson, Jack Spisak, then 1, who now lives in Waterloo, Ill. “He has grown into a fine young man,” Claudia said.
Claudia Foran, 73, of House Springs sent a picture of herself holding her grandson, Kyle Spisak, 4. “He got into trouble and I had to talk to him. So cute,” Claudia said. “He was mad. I was babysitting and mom just got back. He now is married and lives in Rolla.” The picture was taken by Kyle’s mother, Kristie Spisak, then 30.
Glenda Bass, 81, of De Soto sent a picture from May 2025 of her granddaughter, Ada Maria Bass, 8. “She is showing her love and happiness to me, as always, with her smile and true love,” Glenda said.
Harold Bryan, 90, of De Soto sent a picture of his great-granddaughter, Lexy Rae Winters, 6 months. “Lexy and family came to visit from Michigan,” Harold said. “She is always happy and loving, and she shows it.” The photo was taken by Lexy’s grandfather, David Bryan.
Margo Oberkrom, 76, of Cedar Hill took this picture of her granddaughter, Katelyn Nadeau, 16, of Cedar Hill, while at Bull Shoals Lake in southern Missouri. “Hurricane Beryl was in the gulf at the same time we were at the lake, making it rain in our area,” Margo said. “Katelyn and I decided to go fishing at the dock. We did really good, catching a bunch of bluegills. We both love fishing and spending time together.”
Sandy Ballew, 68, of Imperial sent a picture from February of her grandson, Danny Ballew of St. Louis, who is 3 this month. “My grandson is having a blast shooting his shark bubble gun, and (the photo) shows the beautiful view of my backyard,” Sandy said.
Denise Grass, 53, of Herculaneum took this photo of her grandson, Warren Grass, 2 months, of Crystal City, just before Christmas. “It’s a magical time of the year, and he gave me the title ‘GiGi,’” Denise said.
Lisa Biagi Stuart, 71, of Hillsboro took this picture in November 2018 of her grandson, Jaxon Taylor Stuart, then 1, of Hillsboro. “This photo has always been my favorite because it makes me think of hope and the bright future that the next generation will bring,” Lisa said. “Jaxon’s eyes are so bright and focused. His expression is one of anticipation and a kind of wisdom, but with a child’s innocence. This photo never fails to make me smile and fill my heart with peace and happiness.”
Marie Dill, 72, of Arnold took this picture in December of her great-granddaughters, Emersyn and Oakley, both 5, and Maizy, then almost 2, all from Festus. “I must snap fast as Maizy is so busy!” Marie said. The family was having breakfast with Santa at Villa Antonio Winery in Pevely.
Lonnie and Diane Price of De Soto sent a picture of their great-granddaughter, Goldie Garrett. “She weighed a scant 3 pounds and 15 ounces and stayed in NICU for 10 days before coming home,” Diane said. “Goldie has been a fighter from the start and, now at 17 months, loves to play outside, swinging or picking up rocks from our driveway as a gift to us. Her favorite constant companions, Bunny and Smokey, are shown in this picture. She brings so much joy and happiness to all who meet her.” Goldie is the daughter of Greg and Carleigh Garrett.
Lonnie and Diane Price of De Soto sent a picture of their great-granddaughter, Goldie, with her parents, Greg and Carleigh Garrett. “She weighed a scant 3 pounds and 15 ounces, and stayed in NICU for 10 days before coming home,” Diane said. “Goldie has been a fighter from the start and, now at 17 months, loves to play outside, swinging or picking up rocks from our driveway as a gift to us. She brings so much joy and happiness to all who meet her.”
Nancy Nicholson Wood of De Soto sent this picture taken during Memorial Day weekend in May 2006 of her late husband, John B. Wood, with their granddaughters, Madison Wood, then 6, of Lee Summit, center, and Zoe Wood, then 4, of De Soto. “He was raised on this farm (in Paragould, Ark.) with his other 12 siblings,” Nancy said. “This picture brings back fond memories of the Wood family reunions, because this was the first reunion we had both granddaughters in attendance. My husband John has such a cute smile on his face, and my granddaughters loved their ‘paw paw’ dearly.” John died in June 2022.
Pam Aylesworth, 64, of De Soto took this picture in October 2024 of her grandson, Slate James Aylesworth of Imperial, and his dog, CoCo, both 18 months. “Paw Paw was cutting grass outside, and Slate was wanting him and so was CoCo,” Pam said.
Mary and Glenn Armbruster of Festus sent a picture of their grandson, Cash Henry Armbruster of Florissant, and his dad, Greg Armbruster. “We were at the Beacon in Bloomsdale eating breakfast when my grandson didn’t want to eat,” Mary said. “So his dad was talking to Cash and was trying to coax him into eating by offering him a toy! I like the picture because Cash was showing his dad his sad face.”
Judi Ronzio, 74, of High Ridge sent a picture of her grandson, Roman Ronzio, 4, of Festus at Six Flags St. Louis in September 2025. “This was Roman’s first time visiting the park,” Judi said. “He loved the airplane ride at kiddie land.”
Debbie White, 61, of Festus sent a picture of herself and her granddaughter, Delilah Gravel, 4. “This photo is special to me because how her hand rests on my shoulder as she reaches in to give me kiss,” Debbie said. “She just recently moved back to Missouri from Kansas with her family, and now I get to spend more time with her and make the best memories I will cherish forever!”
Cindy A. Foster of Arnold sent a photo of her family on vacation. “I don't have kids of my own, but this is my great-niece, Emmy Luebbers, 5, and great-nephew, Ollie Gilfoil, 4, enjoying Halloween at Disney World,” Cindy said. “It's great to see cousins as best friends the way we were with our cousins.”
Kim Carey, 64, of Hillsboro sent a picture taken on Christmas Eve 2024 of her grandson, Mac Hodges, then 8 months, of Hillsboro. “This was Mac's first Christmas and, as you can see in the photo, he was just over having his picture taken.”
Kim Carey, 64, of Hillsboro took this picture in October 2024 of her grandchildren, from left, Levi Carey and Charlie Hodges, both 2 at the time. The family was visiting the sunflower maze at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. “I loved that I was able to catch the two of them together investigating the same sunflower,” Kim said. “They were both so serious about it, especially for 2-year-olds.” Levi now lives in Stuttgart, Germany, and Charlie lives in Hillsboro.
Penelope Gerst, 50, of Festus took this picture in October 2025 of her grandchildren, Axel Gerst, 4, Oliver Hayes, 2, and Samuel Hayes, 4, all from De Soto. “We made so many memories this past fall together,” Penelope said. “I will say, it is difficult to get a picture of them all together where they are all smiling!”
Penelope Gerst, 50, of Festus took this picture in October 2025 of her grandchild, Kasen Italiano, 6 months, of De Soto. “(Our family) made so many memories this past fall together,” Penelope said.
Linda and Pete Duncan, both 60, of De Soto sent a picture taken in December of their granddaughter, Coral, 2. “I asked her what happened to all the grapes…She looks a little guilty,” Linda said.
Linda and Pete Duncan, both 60, of De Soto sent a picture taken in October of their granddaughter, Ehani, 4. “She was trying to cover herself in bubbles!” Linda said.
Linda and Pete Duncan, both 60, of De Soto sent a picture taken in September 2017 of their grandson, Trevor, then 2. “He is literally covered head to toe in dirt,” Linda said.
Pete and Linda Duncan, both 60, of De Soto sent a picture taken in December 2014 of their granddaughter, Eliza of Cedar Hill. “This is the sweetest picture, showing the curiosity of a one-year-old looking at herself in a mirror,” Pete said.
Cindy Hansen, 64, of Eureka sent a picture of her grandson, Beckham Richards, 3, who previously lived in Kansas City. “It was a beautiful fall day, just playing outside,” Cindy said.
Pat Sebaugh, 74, of Hillsboro sent a picture of her granddaughter, Lucy Sebaugh, 13, of House Springs performing at her school’s Christmas concert last year. “I am very proud of how far she has come playing the flute,” Pat said. “She practices all the time and just gets better and better. I always look forward to her concerts.”
Pat Sebaugh, 74, of Hillsboro took this picture in January of her granddaughter, Savannah Swain, 14, of Festus, after Savanna asked for photos with her favorite guitar. “What I love about this is her flair for posing and her creativity,” Pat said.
Dale Michaelis, 80, of Barnhart sent a picture taken in March of his granddaughter, Brianna Cobb, 9, of Crystal City, at Great Wolf Lodge in Chicago. “(The trip) was a birthday gift to her from her mom and dad,” Dale said. “Even so, she begged Grammy and Gramps to go with her. She posed herself for this photo.” Brianna is the daughter of Jason and Cherie Cobb.
Angi Bassin, 51, of Crystal City took this picture of her grandson, Wyatt Bassin, then 7 months, of Crystal City. “A little swing, a big smile and a lifetime of love growing in Gram's and Gramp's hearts,” Angi said.
Sue Busken, 70, of Byrnes Mill sent a picture taken in March of her grandchildren, Reed Pulos, 4, and Blakely Pulos, 2, both from Fenton. “While we were riding bikes on the trail at the park, Reed found a flower and gave it to his sister, Blakely,” Sue said. “That’s how sweet he is. She took it with a big smile.”
Terri Elders, 66, of De Soto sent a picture of her granddaughter, Athena Elders, 4, of De Soto. “Athena spent the weekend with Grandma and Papa anxiously waiting to go to the motel swimming pool,” Terri said.
Terri Elders, 66, of De Soto sent a picture of her grandson, Xander Elders, 1, of De Soto. “Xander went out to eat with Grandma and Papa,” Terri said. “While waiting for food to come, he was playing so big with Grandma.”
Del Henry, 77, of Eureka sent a picture of her grandson, Silas Henry, 7 months, of Breese, Ill.
Chris Mays, 68, sent a picture of his grandson, Cameron Mays, now 11, at Chris’ daughter’s wedding in Farmington in 2018. “(Cameron) was so excited to be a part of the day,” Chris said.
Roberta Rader, 56, of Imperial sent a picture of her granddaughter, Stella Marzuco, 21 months, of Imperial, docked on a cruise ship in Tortola in October 2025. “Even though we have taken several cruises, it was special to see it through her eyes,” Roberta said. “We took the whole family. This was Stella’s first time seeing the ocean. She didn’t know what to think of all that water.”
Mary Fehlker, 73, of Festus sent a picture from May 2023 of her youngest granddaughter, Rayna Wren Fehlker, then 3, of Festus. “She loves oranges and decided it was a beautiful day to step outside and enjoy a sweet, juicy orange,” Mary said. “She has the most amazing one-dimpled smile. To say we are smitten with this little doll is an understatement. This photo is one of my favorites of Rayna because it showcases her happiness with the simple things in life.”
Mary Fehlker, 73, of Festus sent a picture from July 2018 of her grandsons, Flynn and Blair Fehlker, then 4 and 2, of Festus. “This is a favorite picture of mine because it shows two happy boys enjoying a summer day,” Mary said.
Darla Rieger, 52, of Imperial took this picture in March of her granddaughter, Arabella Rieger, 6, of Imperial, and Arabella’s dad, Christian Rieger. “It was her first father-daughter dance,” Darla said. “She was so excited.”
Darla Rieger, 52, of Imperial took this picture in March of her granddaughter, Frankie Jane Rieger, 1, of Barnhart in a new toy car Darla gifted her for her first birthday.
Darla Rieger, 52, of Imperial sent a picture from September 2025 of herself and her grandson, Jack Rieger, 5, of Barnhart, at his first Grandparents Day at preschool. “He was so excited to show off his class,” Darla said. His grandpa, Rex Rieger, took the photo.
Mary Kohne, 66, of Festus took this photo while visiting her son and his family in Fort Washington, Md. Pictured are Maeve Kohne, 4, and Adella Kohne, 2. “We were going to a July 4th celebration,” Mary said. “The girls were excited to see us, and we were happy to spend time with them. We don't see them often, so anytime we can be with them is special.”
Sharon Grunzinger, 64, of Festus took this picture in February of her first great-grandchild, Valerie Dacus, 5 months, of St. Louis County. “I was not able to help babysit my grandchildren because I was working full-time,” Sharon said. “Now I am retired, and I have the privilege of watching my great-granddaughter Valerie a couple of days a week. She brings such joy and happiness to me with her sweet smile!”
Debra Stotler, 66, of Festus took this picture at Silver Dollar City in November 2025 of her grandchildren, Astrid Bushur, 8, Ephraim Bushur, 6, and Jonas Bushur, 5, all from Arnold. “I look forward to this trip every year to spend time with my family and see the grandkids get so excited with all the Christmas lights!” Debra said.
Linda Runzi of Festus took this picture during Christmastime of her granddaughter, Blayke Green, 3 months. “She was so tiny we could hold up this little sugar cookie to her,” Linda said.
Linda Runzi of Festus took this picture in December of her granddaughter, Garen Green, 7, in Pacific. Garen was the flower girl at her dad’s wedding.
Linda Runzi of Festus took this picture of her granddaughters, from left, Addie Bell, a freshman at the University of Missouri, and Olivia Stewart. “The sisters were just enjoying some time catching up at home in Imperial,” Linda said.
Paulette Kuda, 62, of Arnold took this picture in March of her granddaughter, Zoey Kuda, 13, of Imperial. “I have always enjoyed spending time with my grandkids and taking photos,” Paulette said. “Zoey was turning 13, and I asked her if we could do a photoshoot. ‘Of course,’ was her answer. So, we went to Kimmswick and took her photos. Zoey is always happy, smiling and full of life. We enjoyed spending quality time together.”
Cathy Naber, 68, of Imperial took this picture in October 2025 of her granddaughter, Lilly Elizabeth Weeks, 4, of Nashville, at her fourth birthday party. “Lilly knew she was having a unicorn party, but my daughter—her aunt—surprised her with a pony dressed like a unicorn!” Cathy said. “When Lilly came out of the house, she had the biggest smile on her face and asked, 'Is that for me?' I had tears in my eyes from the look on her face. I’m one proud maw maw!”
Ginny Murphy Weaver, 80, of De Soto took this picture in September 2013 of her granddaughter, Lilly Hofstetter, then 4. “I have thousands of pictures of my only grandchildren (Lilly and her brother, Hunter),” Ginny said. “Every time I see these pictures, a big smile finds its way onto my face. When my daughter asked Lilly what she was doing, she replied, ‘groovin’ to music, Mom.’ I think she nailed it.” Lilly is now 16 and lives in St. Clair.
Ginny Murphy Weaver, 80, of De Soto took this picture in July 2014 of her grandson, Hunter Hofstetter, then 20 months. “I have thousands of pictures of my only grandchildren (Hunter and his sister, Lilly),” Ginny said. “Every time I see these pictures, a big smile finds its way onto my face. I started snapping pictures and asked him what he was doing. “He replied to my question with, ‘me simmin’,’ quite seriously as if to say, ‘isn’t this self-explanatory?’”
Yvonne Nickless, 71, of Festus sent a picture from February of her first grandchild, Athena Rose Pauley, 3 months, of Jefferson City. “Athena is posed with Fredbird, which was gifted to her mother when she was a baby from Athena’s Cardinal-loving great-grandma.”
Cathy Ash, 69, of Festus took this picture in May 2025 of, from right, her granddaughter, MaKayla Ash, 12, of Hillsboro, and a friend, Chloe Finlay, 10, Newfoundland, Canada. “This picture was taken on an eight-day cruise with our friends from Canada that we met on a cruise 10 years ago,” Cathy said. “Our granddaughters met, and they have become great friends themselves. We try and cruise every year or every other year with them.”
Theresa Barker, 60, of De Soto sent a picture of her granddaughter, Margo Frantz, 7 months, of Bloomington, Ill. “Our Margo is precious,” Theresa said. “With her outfit and blanket matching, we had to ask, ‘Where’s Margo?’ But her excited, beautiful and joyous face could not be hidden. Blessed!”
Madelin Martin of Pevely sent a picture from June 2025 of her great-granddaughters, Stella Dirkesen, 2, and Scarlett Dirkesen, 6 months. “The look of Scarlett to her sister Stella. Precious.” Madelin said.
Jennifer Buschbacher, 59, of Imperial took this picture in December 2025 of her grandson, Ryland Zitoun, 15 months, of Cedar Hill. “Ryland had open heart surgery when he was born and, as a result, has a feeding tube in his belly. Every day he amazes me,” Jennifer said. “He doesn’t crawl but ‘butt scoots.’ This day he found his way to his late great-uncle’s letterman jacket. I could feel his uncle’s love wrapping around him like a giant hug.”
John Leitner of Festus took this picture in spring 2025 of his first grandchild, Mateo Stout, 2, of Festus. “I love watching him explore and learn new things, especially outdoors in nature,” John said. “The joy of being a grandparent is overwhelming.”
Renee Townsend of Byrnes Mill took this picture at the park of her grandson, Drake, then 2. “He is so kind-hearted to his household animals and other children, and he loves his family,” Renee said. “He loves any sport that has to do with throwing or catching any kind of ball and loves to cast his fishing pole.”
Mary Albert of High Ridge took this picture of her granddaughter, Avery Albert, 2. “She’s grandma’s lucky charm,” Mary said.
Christina Miller, 59, of Hematite took this picture in summer 2016 of her grandsons, from left, Cameron Hill, now 17, and Ian Hill, now 14, both from Hillsboro. “While visiting us one summer afternoon, the boys made a mud puddle out by the pump and had a grand time of playing, splashing and nonstop laughter,” Christina said. “They decided they needed goggles to keep the mud out of their eyes.”
Nancy Phillips, 72, of Hillsboro took this picture in St. Petersburg, Fla., of her and her husband’s, Earl Phillips, granddaughter, Josie Long, 2, of Flippen, Ark. “She is the fifth granddaughter in our family,” Nancy said. “She recently lost her mother, who was very ill, in February. Our hearts go out to her, and we pray for her every day.”
