Cindy Heimos of De Soto sent two photos of her grandchildren, the first taken in 2013 at Farmington Water Park, the second a re-creation taken last year. “My daughter had the first photo made into a necklace for me, which hangs in my car,” Cindy said. From left, in both photos, are Samantha (Heimos) Urfer, Dakota (Heimos) Moss, with Emerson La Bruyere in front, Kelsi (Heimos) Holland and Brilynn Heimos.
Cindy Heimos of De Soto sent a photo of her great-grandson, Eliott Urfer, outside with his grandpa, Rob Heimos, left, and great-grandpa, Don Heimos. “At a family gathering it had been raining all day,” Cindy said. “Eliott wanted to go outside and play, but mom (Samantha Urfer) was not having it. So, once it stopped, (Rob and Don) decided to take him outside and teach him how to stop in water puddles. He thought it was so funny and had a blast getting wet.”
Susie Stanton of Arnold captured this picture while on a video call with her granddaughter, Kinslee Huff, 4, of Arnold. “She (called) me, went on her swing set, flipped over on the bar, and was talking to me when I took this!” Susie said.
Judi Ronzio, 72, of High Ridge sent this picture of her grandson, Roman Ronzio of Festus. “First time looking at things using a magnifying glass. Fun!” Judi said.
Tanya Cook, 61, of Festus snapped this picture of her grandson, Declan Nelson, 3, of Festus, while she babysat him last month. “I couldn’t get over how cute he was in this little shark outfit,” Tanya said. “It was cold out, so he was wearing them for PJs. He wanted a snack, so I gave him that apple. When he took a bite, I would say, ‘chomp chomp.’”
Roxane Howard, 64, of Pevely took this 2022 picture while visiting Critter Lane in Valley Mines with her granddaughter, Emma Jean Howard of Hillsboro. “I see Emma’s tender loving care she shows in this picture,” Roxane said. “She has a kind, loving heart. She loves animals.”
Roxane Howard, 64, of Pevely took this picture in November 2017 of her grandchildren, from left, Carter, Chloe, Riley and Paige Cox, all of Hillsboro, while on a day trip to Springfield, Ill. “We stopped and had a picnic along the way,” Roxane said. “One of our best days ever with the grandchildren. Time flies by so quickly.”
B. Ketcherside, 83, of De Soto took this picture last year in Cannon Mines of great-grandchildren Malorie Lawrence, 2, of Festus and Everhett Rotter, 3, of De Soto. “These two are inseparable cousins, and them enjoying a July sunset together is priceless,” Ketcherside said.
Diana Redfer sent a picture of her great-grandson, Zabai Moore of St. Ann, in Imperial in October 2020. “He is so cute and a happy baby,” Diana said. Zabai’s mom Zoie is Diana’s first and only grandchild.
Diana Redfer sent a picture of her great-grandson, Zabai Moore of St. Ann, in Imperial in October 2020. “He is so cute and a happy baby,” Diana said. Zabai’s mom Zoie is Diana’s first and only grandchild.
Ronnie Dicker, 74, of Eureka sent a picture of his granddaughter, Violet Hinkle, 5, of High Ridge. “On a special warm Sunday afternoon in fall 2022, Violet loved being barefoot with the dogs on the front porch of our lovely home,” Ronnie said.
Nancy Waters of Hillsboro sent a picture of her granddaughter, Zoe McCarthy, then 8 months, of Hillsboro, celebrating her first Easter.
Nancy Waters of Hillsboro sent a picture of her 9-month-old great-grandson, Aiden McCarthy of Hillsboro, at her home in the fall. “He looks like he’s thinking, ‘Look out world, here I come,’” Nancy said.
Nancy Waggoner of Hillsboro took this picture of her grandson, Elias Waggoner Zayas, when he was almost 2 years old, having fun with his grandpa, Gerald Waggoner.
Janet Van, 57, of Imperial sent a picture of her granddaughter, Paisley LeAnn Van of Arnold, visiting the library for her first time in 2017. “She is now 9 and LOVES reading!” Janet said.
Janet Van, 57, of Imperial took a picture of her grandson, Madden Michael Van-LeSieur. Janet said she enjoyed “his smile every time he sat on his ‘big boy’ potty!”
Karen Hester of Hillsboro took this picture last year of her grandsons, Weston Scholer, 5, Branton Scholer, 4, and Keegan Scholer, 2, all from Hillsboro. “The kids had such a great time on Halloween and thoroughly enjoyed their costume identities,” Karen said. “I am ‘over the rainbow’ about these guys!”
Karen Hester of Hillsboro took this picture earlier this month of her granddaughter, Camryn Scholer, 4 months, of Hillsboro. “This photo is special to me because it depicts this little baby’s heartwarming smile that brings joy and delight to all she encounters,” Karen said. “She is a cuddly package of sweetness and love!”
Debbie Przygoda of High Ridge sent this picture of her granddaughter, Kyleigh Przygoda of Ste. Genevieve, at Lost Valley Lake during a trout fishing tournament. “She went with us for several years, but now she is busy with work and college,” Debbie said, though she appreciates the memories that were made.
Bill Cline, 60, of Imperial sent a picture of his grandchildren, Hazel Capriglione, 8 months, and Tucker Capriglione, 2, in Hillsboro. “Hazel was just starting to sit up, and it’s a great picture with the two of them together,” Bill said.
Janice and Barry Wetherell of Imperial sent this Christmas photo of themselves with their five grandchildren.
Janice and Barry Wetherell of Imperial sent this photo of their five grandchildren.
Robert Shoults of Arnold sent a photo of his granddaughter, Mackenzie Buckles, at her fall dance recital in Concord. “This picture shows me not only her inner beauty but the beauty on the outside,” Robert said.
Robert Shoults of Arnold sent a photo from September of his grandson, James Buckles, “doing what he does best, watching cartoons on his Daddy’s phone,” Robert said.
Nancy Kilpatrick, 62, of Hillsboro sent a picture of her granddaughters, Savannah Layton of O’Fallon and Isla Rutledge of De Soto, at the Magic House in September. “They are just the sweetest little girls!” Nancy said. “Love them both so much!”
Kim Gordon of Crystal City sent a picture of herself with her granddaughter, Maverick Bleitner of Arnold. “She is my first grandbaby and I love spending every moment with her,” Kim said.
Maria Guzman, 56, of De Soto took this picture of her grandchildren on Christmas last year. “Each child is looking in a different direction and that totally captures the chaos that occurred when we tried to take a picture with all four grandkids smiling at once,” Maria said. Pictured are, at left, Tatum Guzman, 4, and Isla Guzman, 1, daughters of Luke and Emily Guzman; and Owen Reams, 2, and Calum Reams, 7 months, sons of Logan and Rachel Reams.
Nancy Connelly of Eureka sent a picture of her Eureka-area granddaughter, Addelyn Connelly, overlooking the Big River last month. “When I saw the photo, I just thought it was so beautiful and sweet,” Nancy said.
Johny Reynolds, 55, of High Ridge sent a photo of his grandson, Rhiver McCabe of High Ridge. “I love the smile in that picture, and he just found his toes,” Johny said.
Rich and Carol Engle of Festus sent a photo of their 11 grandchildren in the Sacred Heart school gym in November. “This picture is special to us because we were able to get them all together at the same time, which is very difficult,” Rich, 70, said. “It was a celebration of their great-grandmother, Margie Fulton.” From left, youngest to oldest, are Jocklyn Engle of Imperial, Madeline Lee of Festus, Kellan Warren of Yorktown, Va., Cameren Squries of Oakville, Olivia Lee of Festus, Liam Warren of Yorktown, Va., Aydan Squires of Oakville, Shannon Bradley of Crystal City, Reilly Warren of Yorktown, Va. and Mallory Bradley of Crystal City, holding the youngest, Luca Engle of Imperial.
Douglas Shropshire, 65, of Dittmer sent a picture of his grandchildren, Raegan, Douglas, Henry, Jacob and Ella Shropshire, and Hugo the dog jumping into a pool.
Barb Lowry, Festus’ director of recreation and tourism, took this picture on Christmas in Hillsboro of her grandson, Christopher Michael “Chip” Ellermann Jr. of High Ridge, who turns 2 next month. “My mom (Becky Martin Lowry) was so excited to give Chip this Jeep,” Barb said. She remembers Becky standing nearby, “beaming” at Chip. “He gave her the sweetest little kiss when he said ‘tank too’ (thank you).”
Cindy Roland, 60, of Arnold sent this picture of her grandson, Caleb Smith, 5, of Imperial, at her house last month. “Caleb rolled this snowball all by himself and was so proud of it,” Cindy said. “It was not an easy snow to roll. He went around the entire yard to get this snowball.”
Darla Rieger of Imperial sent a photo of her grandchildren, Jack Rieger of Barnhart and Arabella Rieger of Imperial, at Arabella’s birthday party in January.
Holly Shanks of Hillsboro sent a picture of her granddaughter, Shalyn Getty, 7, of Hillsboro, on Barclay Lake in Kentucky. “One of my favorite vacations, spending a week with all my grandkids on the lake,” Holly said.
Holly Shanks of Hillsboro sent a picture of her grandson, Ashdon Getty, then 2, of Hillsboro, at a rodeo 13 years ago. “He’s all grown up now; just turned 15 and getting ready to get his driver permit,” Holly said.
Holly Shanks of Hillsboro sent a picture of her granddaughter, Kali Telle, then 1, of Hillsboro, seven years ago. “A great memory,” Holly said. “Papa brought in tomatoes from his garden, and Kali thought they were strawberries. Oh, her face when she took a bite and quickly handed it to her gigi (Holly).”
Holly Shanks of Hillsboro sent a picture of her grandson, Chase Getty, then 2, of Hillsboro, at Holly’s mother’s house in De Soto eight years ago. “My mother passed in 2020, and Chase loved playing his piano whenever Mom played hers,” Holly said.
Holly Shanks of Hillsboro sent a picture of her grandson, Kyson Telle, 13, jumping into Lake Barclay in Kentucky while on family vacation two years ago. “I enjoyed sitting on the dock watching all my grandkids play, away from the internet, video games and the phone!” Holly said. “They played and had a great time jumping off the dock and enjoyed the great outdoors!”
Cindy Roland, 60, of Arnold sent a picture of her granddaughter, Abigail Mader, then 3, of Chesterfield. “On this day, May 20, 2023, we celebrated my daughter, Abigail’s aunt, being cancer free after a very hard battle for one year,” Cindy said. “The joy a child can bring you, especially your granddaughter, can get you through the toughest of days.”
Cindy Roland, 60, of Arnold took a picture in November of her granddaughter, Adelaide Smith, 9, of Imperial, in Linden Heights Park in Des Moines, Iowa. “This was a special trip with my daughter’s family, and we stopped by this park where Adelaide’s parents were married,” Cindy said. “I was able to capture Adelaide throwing leaves in the air on this beautiful fall day. In this photo, in front of the tree is where they had their wedding ceremony.”
Cindy Roland, 60, of Arnold sent a picture of her grandson, Benjamin Smith, 7, of Imperial, on his sixth birthday in Omaha, Neb. in November 2022. “On this day, we found out Benjamin’s mom (Lindsey) had stage four Hodgkin lymphoma,” Cindy said, explaining that they celebrated in the hospital so that his mother could join in. “His mom is now in remission.”
Debra and Gerald Ehlen of Imperial sent a picture of their grandson, Van Ehlen, 3, of Imperial. “Van is seeing the first sign of spring and the blooming of the jonquils located in the woods behind his house,” the couple said. “Van enjoys the nature of the outdoors.”
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this picture of her granddaughter, Katarina Spisah of Columbia, Ill. “I was babysitting her, and she was just being a sweetheart and being silly with her dad’s gloves and hockey hat,” Claudia said. “My only granddaughter with five grandsons, now grown up and studying to be a nurse.”
Madilyn Herrmann, Barnhart, granddaughter, Jan. 6, 2024, at home. Madi finally got to build a snowman.
Deena Carter, 67, of Arnold took this 2023 picture of her granddaughter, Presley Carter, then 10, of Arnold, and great-granddaughter, Ainsleigh Pope, then 8, of Arnold, following an Easter egg hunt. “I love the joy on their faces as they anticipate opening all the eggs!” Deena said.
Lisa Sofia sent this picture from earlier this month of her grandson, Griffin Sofia, 7 months, being held by his father, Drew Sofia, at the Arnold Rotary pancake breakfast. “Drew used to come to these Arnold Rotary pancake breakfasts every year with his grandfather, Rotarian Wes Griffith,” Lisa said. “The legacy continues!”
Jeannine Yeast, 58, of De Soto sent a photo of her grandson, Hunter Seffens of Herculaneum, before his hockey game in November 2019 in St. Louis. “(The picture) shows that hockey is for everyone and that his teammates don’t see a child with autism, they see their fun-loving goalie living his best life and making memories with them,” Jeannine said. “That, to me, is priceless.”
Valerie Dulle of Hillsboro sent a picture from July 2023 of her grandchildren, Josey Dulle, left, and Eddie Dulle, with their father, Trevor Dulle, at Reflections Arena in Festus. “This photo is so special to me (because of) the pure joy I see on their face and in their smiles,” Valerie said.
Linda Lynch Rees, 70, of Hillsboro took this picture of her first granddaughter, Khloe May Lynch, while visiting Khloe in Pearland, Texas. Khloe’s aunt Christina gave her the apron and hat.
Sharon Shaffer, 64, of Festus sent a picture of her grandsons, Hudson and Calvin Shaffer of Arnold, at her house last summer. “Seeing my grandsons so happy makes my heart happy,” Sharon said.
Colette Clifton of Festus took this picture of her granddaughter, Emerysn Marie Byrum of Festus, who will be turning 4 in a few days. Colette said Emerysn and her twin sister, Oakley Sue Byrum, were visiting her and her husband, Phil Clifton, around Thanksgiving. “(We) were all slurping our spaghetti,” Colette said. “We were all laughing so hard and having a great time playing with the grandkids.”
Mary DeGrant, 63, De Soto took this picture of her granddaughter, Elliana Handley, 3, of Owensville, while spending time together last month.
Rex Rieger, 60, of Imperial took a picture in August of his grandkids, from left, Houston Rieger of Barnhart, Liam Rieger of Imperial, Jack Rieger of Barnhart and Arabella Rieger of Imperial. “We took all of our grandkids to the zoo for a family day,” Rex said.
Gary Brown of Herculaneum sent a picture of his grandsons, Miles and Hunter.
Kathy Feilner of Eureka took this picture of her grandson, Grayson Maxwell of Eureka, in April 2022. “It was the 50th (anniversary of) Wild Animal Safari,” Kathy said. “Grayson wanted to show me he could monkey around.”
Kathy Feilner of Eureka took this picture of her granddaughter, Harper Maxwell of Eureka, at Sky Zone in Fenton in July. “She is so adventurous,” Kathy said. “This picture reminds me of the magic carpet ride.”
Kathy Feilner of Eureka took this picture of her grandson, Grayson Maxwell of Eureka, at the St. Louis Zoo in August 2022 “Grayson is looking at the hippo, and I feel the hippo is posing and smiling too,” Kathy said.
Kathy Feilner of Eureka took this picture of her grandchildren, Grayson and Harper Maxwell of Eureka, at Edward Park in June. “The grandchildren had just learned how to cast in the yard,” Kathy said. “Took them to the park to see how they did.”
Otto Mac Fletcher
Front row, from left, are Waylon, Evelynn, Maybelle and Waylon Powell of Valles Mines and back, from left, Kolten Moss of Festus, Blakeley Hall of Cedar Hill, Graysen Moss of Festus and Walker Powell of Valles Mines.
Cindy Heimos of De Soto sent a photo of her grandson, Emerson Labruyere, on a school trip to the St. Louis Zoo in first grade. "He was so excited to see the polar bear swimming, so I took this picture," Cindy said. "It wasn’t until later that day when going through (the pictures) I realized that the polar bear looked like it had stopped to pose with Emerson. In fifth grade, he did a report on polar bears and used this photo in his report."
Louis Meyer of Imperial sent in a photo of his grandson, Walt Meyer, in November last year. “I was in the shed, letting him sit in my mini excavator, and turned around and he was sleeping,” Louis said. “That is how he took his afternoon nap.”
Marsha Shanks of High Ridge sent a photo of her granddaughter, Charleigh McGee, 3, of Herculaneum. “She makes my life full with her beautiful smile,” Marsha said.
Marsha Shanks of High Ridge sent a photo of her grandsons watching hot air balloons take off.
Gerald Waggoner of Hillsboro took this picture of his grandson, Elias Waggoner Zayas, when he was almost 2 years old, wearing a clown nose. “His dad is a professional clown,” Gerald said. “Like father, like son!”
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