St. Louis :: Day 3

Another full and amazing day ... and photo overload. We switched gears and went for calmer today. It started with another trip to Soulard Farmer's Market since we kind of missed out yesterday. Super cool place. Really inexpensive, nice produce. We even saw an ostrich egg. Which the boys of course wanted, but we had to pass up. Across the street was Bogart's Smoke House. We happened to be there right as it opened at 10:30am so decided to get a snack. As soon as the doors open, people started piling it. We knew it would be good. And it was. We all split one meal of a half slab of ribs, tri-tips, baked beans and collard greens. It was amazing. And put C over the edge for the rest of the day, to be honest. We spent a couple hours walking down Cherokee Street. The highlight for the boys was the piñata & candy store. They had absolutely everything. We ended our time there with lunch at La Vallesana. The boys all tried beef tongue tacos (C had a single one) and a couple other varieties. I opted for chicken and pork. The carnitas was amazing, by the way. Next was Ted Drewes. We had to, right? H and I split a St. Louis Classic (vanilla custard, St. Louis Sticky Cake and cherries). So good. C passed. Next, it was off to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Honestly, it's what we all needed. Such a lovely, peaceful place. We walked the entire grounds, and were all smitten with the Japanese Garden. The koi were huge! Anyhow, that place made us all really happy. After coming back to the apartment and watching some basketball, it was time for dinner. Ended up around the corner at VP Square. One of H&C's favorite meals is hot pot, and they were super excited it was offered. Perfect last night.

The next day we were up early to hit the road. Nothing too exciting -- the entire route is basically highway and farms. But we made it time to reunite with our dogs. What a great getaway. St. Louis, I heard you were cool but you surprised me. We all enjoyed getting to know you a little.

St. Louis :: Day 2

Photo overload! It was a big day that started with crepes at Rooster then hours at City Museum.  Wow, that place is crazy and cool. Definitely stimulation overload. I crawled with the boys up some scary metal tunnels (Brian stayed behind) and went with C on the 10-story slide (H and Brian opted for the 5-story version). Some takeaways were: 1) wear moveable pants. My stiff jeans made moving around slightly difficult which was a little scary when you are trying to change leg position in the middle of a suspended tunnel. 2) bring knee pads. And headlamps if you think you are going to be going in the caves (which, I wasn't going to do anyhow). It was a pretty amazing place. After that, we went to the Soulard Farmer's Market. Most everything was closed when we went so we headed to the Gateway National Park. There was no way this family of scaredy cats was going up in the elevator, but the museum was interesting and impressive. In the evening, C unfortunately got a headache. That kid and his headaches! He's gotten better, but I think just get overstimulated on vacation. Or something. We left him at the apartment and went to Pho Grand for dinner. It's been rainy now, so totally hit the spot. Such a great day. We are loving this city.

St. Louis :: Day 1

Spring Break! It may not be somewhere warm and tropical, but we all just wanted a change of scenery, so a trip to St. Louis for a few days it is. I've never been before, and am excited to explore the city. We stopped in Springfield, IL for lunch and walked around the old State Capitol. From there, it was only a couple hours until our final destination. We rented a really cute Airbnb in what seems to be a pretty cool little area. Tons of restaurants with walking distance, which is awesome. The boys all had a slice of pizza at Pizza Head (Brian's chicken tikka masala was so good) before we explored. Dinner was at Meskerem Ethiopian. H has always wanted to try it, and it was absolutely delicious. We got the vegetarian and standard combo platters so we could try everything. Yum. After a long day, we were back at the apartment and in our PJs by 9pm. We're crazy like that. ;)

Moments 03 19 :: Week 05

Ranunculus! Definitely some of my favorites. As seen at Trader Joe's.


C had soccer in Schaumburg, IL all weekend. He was thrilled to have his brother from another mother, Finn, watch his game. It wasn't one of his best, and ended in an injury. What's with this guy, always taped up? Ugh.


After the game, we joined the Elsmo's for conveyor belt sushi at Kai. Best spur of the moment lunch date ever.


We even brought C's friend from soccer along for his first sushi experience ever, which was so fun. And look who else made an appearance! H! I'm guessing it had more to do with Finn being there than anything. :)


Sunday's game was rainy, but the ended up with a win and included a goal from C.


Pretty girl. So tired, but never can give up the ship.


College visit #3 -- Purdue. It's all so exciting!


Brian and H even got to meet up with Gracie who is a sophomore there. <3!!!!