Official St. Louisians

 To celebrate the end of summer break, we decided to do something that we haven't done before and visit two of St Louis' finest eateries, Imo's and Ted Drewes.

It is finally official.  We are St. Louisians!

Peach Pickin'

The summer before last, Scott made delicious peach jam.  He was determined to stock our pantry shelves with several batches this year.  We decided to take advantage of the beautiful Sunday afternoon and head to Eckert's to pick peaches.

We are now one step closer to yummy peach jam.

We ventured back to the zoo last week with our friend, Natalie.  It was a beautiful day with a high of 84.  Let's just say...going to the zoo was obviously not the creative choice.  The zoo opens at 9:00, and both parking lots were full by 9:37.  We did manage to tour the insect house, and we snagged front row seats to the Sea Lion show.

 (Nat didn't want to get wet.)

 The butterflies were a plenty, and they were absolutely beautiful.  This portion of the zoo always reminds me of the creativity of God and His attention to detail.

 Did I mention that we waited A LONG time for the Sea Lion Show?

 Well...we did!

However, I personally think that it was worth the wait.  Every time I watch this show, I think....I sure do love living in St. Louis!

Abigail + Childrens' Zoo = Perfect Morning

Olivia has been at a special camp every morning this week in West County.  I have used this opportunity to spend a lot of one on one time with my favorite soon to be 3rd grader.  It was really hot (106 degrees to be exact), but we ventured to the Transportation Museum.  He really wasn't in the mood to be photographed, but with a mother like me...you learn to just deal!

 Photo attempt number 7...

 Photo attempt number 8...

This was the first time that we were able to tour 3 different passenger train cars.  Our guide was wonderful at engaging Andrew, and Andrew analyzed/filed away every detail that the gentleman presented.

 We both really enjoyed the automobile exhibit.  Thankfully, it was air conditioned.  This building houses a classic car from decade.  Cars sure did get boring in the 80's.

I walk around this museum visualizing my family in the vehicles of the past.  I think that I was meant to live in the 40's.  However, I am super thankful to have an air conditioner in my 2004 mini van.  It may look boring, but it sure is convenient and functional.

Family Afternoon at the Zoo

Scott decided to take off early Friday afternoon, and he managed to convince us to head to the zoo to experience Sea Lion Sound.  My parents were able to join us which was an added bonus.  The weather was absolutely perfect for late July.  

 I am a sucker for turtles.  I am already missing my Turtle preschool class.

The new exhibit was amazing and worth the wait.  I am confident that I was just as excited as Andrew and Olivia.

We spent a few minutes watching the zookeepers tidy up the chimpanzee area.

Olivia (very loudly) asked grandma, "Why do people want to get those forever tattoos all over their bodies?"

 We managed to secure great seats to the Sea Lion Show.

We also watched the zookeeper feed the brown bear his dinner which consisted of ground beef, vegetables, fruit, and fish.

We finished our afternoon at the snow cone shack.

 Andrew bragged, "I NEVER get brain freezes!"  Just a few short seconds later, his hand went to his head as he screamed, "I have a brain freeze!"

It was a super fun afternoon in St. Louis!

Science Center

After a week of winter weather, a never-ending high fever, and an out-of-town daddy, we ventured to the Science Center for a day of exploration.We flew (or should I say.. attempted to fly) an airplane under the arch. We all worked together to build a state of the art cinema. We experienced being an architect, a supplier, and a builder.

(Cheapo) Daddy surprised us by buying not just any ole popcorn, but BUTTER popcorn.

Thanks Daddy!