Meet Me In St. Louis

I can't count the number of times I've been to Gatlinburg which is a rather short distance from Bowling Green, but we have managed to miss the opportunity to see some other cool places close to home.  St. Louis is one them.  After recent visits to Boston, Atlanta and Chicago, we are LOVING big cities.  We took a mini-vacation with the kids to St. Louis over Spring Break. I found a room at the Drury Inn near the arch with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, free breakfast AND dinner.  Our room was super awesome too.  It was a two-room suite with two queen beds in one room and a sleeper sofa, refrigerator and microwave in the other room - lots of space. We left Wednesday afternoon and arrived around 7:00ish.  The arch was literally right at our back door.  After we got settled, we walked over to get a better look at it.  I don't think I have ever seen anything that cool!  It's literally takes your breath away.  I have to admit looking up at it made my heart BEAT out of my chest, my palms sweat and my feet tingle - 630 feet in the air. 

It was fairly late when we got to St. Louis, and the kids were really wanting to go swimming in the indoor pool.  We headed back to the hotel and got their suits on.  There is a scene in the movie Titanic where the ship is sinking and everyone is scrambling to race to the top of the boat while others are already in the ocean swimming.  It's a sad scene with all of those survivors ending up in the ocean - but the scene and the masses of people in the ocean all concentrated in one area, reminded me much of what it was like in the Drury indoor swimming pool.  I'm certain the pool was WAY over capacity and was teeny tiny.  There was zero room to swim or do much of anything.  The kids lasted about 10 minutes before they were ready to go back to the room.  Matt and I were just as excited.  The chlorine in the room was strong enough to make your eyes water, and there was no where to sit.

We hadn't made any concrete plans for the week but had an idea about the things we wanted to do.  Since the weather looked sketchy on Thursday, we decided it was the perfect day to visit The City Museum.  We also made the worst decision to walk over there because it was a short distance from our hotel.  We managed to stumble upon the City Garden

Igor Mitoraj - Eros Bendato or the big sideways head sculpture with my son's finger up the nose.

 

Jim Dine - Big White Gloves, Big Four Wheels - the sculpture which looks just like Pinocchio to me.

 

The swirly wheel (left) and the sink stopper (right) is what I have named these sculptures.

Tom Claassen Untitled (two rabbits) or FIVE rabbits if you count our crazy, rabbit-ear giving kiddos.

I thought this was the BRIGHT spot in our LONG walk to the museum.  The kids were pooped by the time we got there, and I immediately noticed about 4-6 school busses parked out back.  I imagine the average kids love the City Museum, and I know that I would have loved it as a kid.  My kids weren't fans.  I can't really put my finger on it, but Karson didn't like all the crawling and climbing and banged her legs and knees up pretty good.  People covered the entire facility - it was super crowded.  All Isaac could think about was when we would be going in the Gateway Arch (he had that on his brain since we'd arrived).  It was very humid inside.  I climbed and did my best to try and encourage the kids to take off and explore.  They were attached right on our hips.  At one point, one of the workers convinced me to go down in this tiny hole called the dungeon which was tight and super narrow.  It was also a one-way tunnel where you had to hunch over and "feel" your way through.  Karson followed right at my heels, but Matt and the boys were chickens.  The worker took them over to where the tunnel ended.  I have never been that glad to see light and get out of that - Matt actually had to hoist me up.  The concrete rock was too slippery for me to get secure footing on. The dungeon managed to lead up straight over to the 10-story slide which required lots of hiking up a spiral staircase.

 We spent a combined two hours at the museum, and that was plenty of time for our crew.  They were ready to leave after about an hour, but we MADE them continue to explore and look around.  (In all seriousness) I would highly recommend this attraction to any tourist visiting, but there's a good chance we will never go back. Weirdos.

Brothers don't shake hands, brothers gotta hug ~ Tommy Boy

We were all pretty hungry by the time we left and landed at Bailey's Range.  A friend had recommended it to us, and it totally hit the mark.  The food was wonderful, and I could not stop eating.  I was secretly happy the boys didn't have big appetites because once I finished my burger, I started chowing on theirs.

With full bellies, we made our way back to the hotel but decided to stop at the Old Courthouse to purchase our tickets for the Arch and paddle boat tours for Friday's agenda.  It was actually a better deal to purchase them at the courthouse than online.  I had perused the website and debated on when to purchase tickets and decided to wait.  I'm glad I did because it saved us close to $20.  It wouldn't have bothered me if all the tours were full - the idea of going up in that arch made me ALL KINDS of nervous.  We managed to secure our spots for 12:10 and the paddle boat tour for 1:30.  We headed back to the hotel in the late afternoon, and the kids wanted to do some more swimming.  We basically had the entire pool to ourselves which was nice.  We spent the evening chilling at the hotel, watching TV, playing cards and what has become Isaac's new obsession...

It cracks me up playing with Karson and Isaac.  They are both on opposite ends of the spectrum.  Karson is all about the degrees, wealth, furthering her career - Earn It and Learn It and Isaac is all about getting married and having babies, getting a mansion and sports car - Love It.  They like to play with tons of years too which makes the game last FOR-ever.  It's a fun time away from the electronics though =). 

 

After breakfast on Friday morning, we decided to spend some time exploring the Old Courthouse which was right across the street from our hotel.  The interior is breathtaking, built between 1839-1862, it was a significant historical place where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for freedom from slavery and Virginia Minor fought for women’s right to vote. We got to see a couple of the restored courtrooms and exhibits describing how St. Louis served as a hub for early settlers moving west.  We also visited the gift shop, and the lady behind the counter told us about a few places we should try and visit during our stay.  I will say this about the residents of St. Louis - every single person that we dealt with during our time there was incredibly nice, friendly and helpful.

 

The package deal that we purchased included a movie, trip to the top and paddle boat tour.   We started our tour with the 30 minute movie about the construction of the arch.  Something about watching the video DID NOT put my mind at ease, besides the fact that none of the workers died while constructing it (that's cool).  After the movie, we killed some time in the gift shop and grabbed some quick snacks before getting in line for our impending death ride up.  It is terrifying looking up at the arch from the ground and riding up 630 feet in that rickety pod is the worst.  However, after you are at the top of the arch, it's actually not that bad - more like being in an airplane.

We spent about 10-15 minutes up there before getting back in line to ride the pod down.  We were cutting it super close to our paddle boat tour and were supposed to be in line for it about 15 minutes early.  Once we got back down to the ground, we raced over to the docks to catch our boat.

DO not, I repeat, DO not waste your money on the paddle boat tour. The worst.  Matt was completely and totally absorbed in the PGA Masters tournament.  The kids were pooped and snacked on popcorn, completely zoned out.  The highlight of the tour was when I was in line for snacks and this curious little girl ran right passed me in line, realized she'd gone too far and got behind me with her mom.  She looked very familiar, but I couldn't place her.  I turned around and briefly glanced at her mother (without staring) to see if I knew them.  I had one of those ah-hah moments a few seconds later and realized the mom was the daughter of one of my ticket office co-workers, Debbie, at SKyPAC (who was also Matt's 5th grade teacher from Alvaton back in the day).  I'd only met Debbie's daughter once or twice so I didn't want to seem weird walking up to her and saying something.  BUT, I couldn't help myself.  I didn't get to talk to her in line but after we both got our concessions - and both got settled - I went up and said something.  Small world!  Small, boring world on the paddle boat tour - BLAH!

We spent late Friday afternoon at the St. Louis Science Center.  FREE admission, and our kids loved it twice as much as the City Museum. 

 

We spent time doing experiments in the lab, digging up dino bones, everything was hands-on, and they were thoroughly entertained and actually took off exploring (unlike the museum where they were glued to our sides).

 

 

At the recommendation of the gift shop attendant at the science center, we ate dinner at Zia's.  I've read the "the hill" is the best place for Italian food, and we were in the carb-filled heart of it Friday night.  She said it was her favorite place, and we really enjoyed the fresh, homemade pasta.

We weren't entirely sure what to do on Saturday, which would be our last day.  We thought Grant's Farm sounded like fun, but it was also opening day which meant it would be packed.  Miles had mentioned wanting to go to the zoo.  Now, as the parent of three kids, we have been to loads of zoos and aquariums.  I have reached that point in my life where I feel like if you've seen one zoo (or aquarium), you've seen them all.  We've been to the Louisville zoo quite a few times and have also been to the aquarium in Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach.  Miles has always been little though when we've gone to those places, so I'm not sure how much he remembers.  I didn't want to rob him of the opportunity to visit the St. Louis Zoo which is also FREE.  We landed there on Saturday morning, and it was also a trip Highlight!  I would recommend the zoo to anyone.  It was better than any zoo I've ever been to (which isn't saying much because Louisville is the only one I can think of).  After the zoo, we grabbed some grub and got on the road.  St. Louis was a blast!  We loved it and hope to return for a visit in future!

Sugar Addicts

Matt loves Frappuccino's.  Starbuck's selfie! Tis' the beginning of our weekend of sugar!

I totally blew it with Miles this Easter. My imaginary character tank is empty these days. I love Miles's innocence. I'm not sure if he is terribly naive or simply doesn't give the whole Easter bunny concept much thought, but I was fairly certain he knew I was, in fact, the bunny. By the time Karson and Isaac were his age, they had already knew about all the imaginary figures.  We've never really made a BIG deal out of any of them, and common sense kind of lends itself to the FICTION that surrounds these characters - flying reindeer, bunny who delivers candy, fairy who takes teeth and leaves money. Come on. For Easter this year, I asked the kids what they would like in their baskets?  I figured that was a definite clue for the bunny identity.  On top of that, every single year, I do a clue game for the kids where they actually have to search for their baskets.  Since we usually don't do any sort of egg hunt at our house on Easter Sunday, I decided years ago that I would hide their baskets and make them hunt for them.  Each kids gets the same amount of clues as their age.  I have done this every year.  If the Easter bunny left a basket, there would be no clues.  Right?!?  Again, I had to assume baby boy knew this.  Easter-Eve as I am tucking the kids in their beds, I decide it's time to see where he stands with the whole "bunny" thing and mentioned that I am the bunny.  His look of shock and confusion immediately told me that he DID believe.  Well, I spoiled it.  Bad Mommy.  The next morning, I felt this obligation to reinforce the idea that we are not to share the bunny news with others.  Sheesh!

 I don't think I blew it entirely, and by it, I mean the whole imaginary character thing  because....

I may have mentioned this in a prior post, but I'm too tired to find it right now.  Around the late summer/early fall of last year, I was sitting in St. Jo's gymnasium thinking about my 7/8th grade glorious days of playing basketball there while Karson and the Lady Spartans volleyball team was warming up for their game.  Matt had taken Miles for his 6-month check up at the dentist. He walked in St. Jo with Miles and proceeded to tell me that he had EIGHT cavities.  What?!?  A bad joke.  Nope, it was completely true - EIGHT.  I don't know if the Spartans won or lost those games - my head was filled with dollar signs and fog that afternoon.  Over the course of about 3-4 months, he had them all filled.  He had another check-up recently when Dr. E noticed that one of his teeth looked like it was abscess.  I'd noticed a giant bubble protruding from his gums at night when flossing.  Being an expert in abscess teeth (Karson had a few), I figured Miles was heading down that path soon.  He told Matt to schedule the appointment for May.  When Matt was brushing his teeth Monday night, the tooth was kind of gray in color and the protrusion was sensitive.  We figured it was time to get it out.  I texted my hygienist Monday, and she got him in at 1:40 for the extraction.  He put on a brave face and handled the entire ordeal perfectly.  How does ALL of this time in with the imaginary characters, you ask?  Sweet Miles asked Matt if the tooth fairy was really small.  Matt said, "yes", and Miles said, "why would God make someone so small?" Matt said, "he just did.  That's how she gets your tooth and gives you money."  Seemed to work for an answer.  Guess I'll have to keep that charade going.

I keep it simple for Easter - all the kids favorite candies and maybe a gift or two.  Cracker Barrel is the best place for little novelties.

 

Karson told me that she didn't want anything in her basket this year, she just wanted a massage from Regina Webb. I'd gotten her one for her birthday, and she loved it.  I splurged and got her a gift card in her basket.  I got off a lot cheaper than last year when I surprised her with Katy Perry tickets.

Miles rocking out his new goggles.  He'd also told me he wanted one of those LARGE hollow bunnies.

Easter Sunday is always a whirlwind.  This year proved to be exactly that.  The boys weren't that resistant to "dressing up." I found my Karson's dream dress at my friend Jennie's store.  I loved the bright colors.  With two graduations (212 and 6th Grade) coming up, I figured we'd get some use out of it.  We aren't big dresser-uppers.  I got the boys some bright shirts that will be nice for the summer.  Time got away from me - so I never got around to shopping for a new outfit for myself.  I knew I could come up with something for an Easter picture.  I got some flowers at Lowe's on Saturday - perfect for the porch pics.

We had a great crowd at church on Sunday.  Matt did his famous Tony Campolo lesson - "It's Friday, but Sunday's a Comin'."

Karson's boyfriend Sawyer is always a fixture on our pew.  His mom Shana told me she was rockin' him the other night and he whispered, "I wuv Karson." They play stickers, trains, planes, and snuggle up with each other.  He gets a little perturbed when she tries to stand up and sing.  He tugs on her, pats the pew, and asks her to sit back down.

Isaac and his buddy Gunner - top left picture about sums them up.  Gunner and Isaac had a playdate on Saturday.  I get a text from his Mom Chas on Sunday night sharing the following conversation:

Gunner: "fine watch your show.  I'm taking a shower, then watching an awesome show Isaac showed me."

Chas: "What show?"

Gunner:  "The Simpson's! It is hilarious, why didn't you tell me?"

Nice.  I told her Isaac is a big Simpson's fan.  He's got a calender in his room and dressed up like Bart for Halloween.  I proceeded to tell her how she could find shows On-Demand. Isaac's always been well above his years in humor and sarcasm.  I'm not surprised he likes the Simpson's.

38th Bday and Looking So-So...

Looking great would be stretching it especially with my crow's feet, forehead wrinkles and gray hairs popping out daily.  However, GREAT, would definitely describe the way I felt with my family and friends showering me with love yesterday!  My co-worker Deb brought me a handmade necklace which was gorgeous.  She even managed to intertwine my kids birthstones into the design.  It was incredibly thoughtful.  My sweet friend, Jennie, brought me a  bouquet of tulips which grace my backporch in a beautiful planter that my friends Lisa and Vicky got me.

My friend Debbie from work surprised me a great summer t-shirt!  I'm spoiled!

 All of my coworkers surprised me with a sweet card and my favorite Krispy Kreme donuts in the break room that morning. It was the perfect start to a wonderful day!

My mother-in-law texted me yesterday morning before work wishing me a Happy Birthday to which I replied..."if only it was raining so I could wear my jacket."  She and I went birthday shopping on Saturday morning.  We met at Cracker Barrel for breakfast, then headed over to Gander Mountain.  I told her I had been wanting a rain jacket.  Matt has one, and every time he wears it, I think to myself...wish I had one of those too.  I wouldn't have thought finding a rain jacket would have been tricky, but it was.  Most of the one's that I tried on were really fitted and kind of tight.  I was surprised they weren't a bit more like a standard poncho.  I don't mind the fitted part, but since I will probably have on something underneath my raincoat, I need a little room.  I wasn't about to go a size up either =) - a women's medium should fit.  It was harder than I thought to find one.  I finally found a nice one that I liked and am looking forward to some springtime rain.  Actually, I followed that text to my MIL with "nah I like the sunshine on my birthday."  What gorgeous weather we have had this week so far!  It was also a treat peeking at facebook throughout the day to see all the birthday wishes.  That's one of the small bonuses to social media - loved seeing all the posts!

Matt had a PLC meeting after school.  I'm sure he's explained to me what that is, but I can't remember.  Afterwards, he had another meeting with a friend at Starbucks where he instantly in love with the frappucinno.  He'd made plans with our family to meet us at Chuy's at 5:30.  Chuy's is my absolute favorite place to eat. I had plans to get in a work out after work, but with Matt gone, time got away from me quickly with the kids, homework, Miles leaving his jacket at school, blah, blah (maybe I was just making excuses about not working out).  I grabbed my Chuy's shirt, and  me and the kids headed over to Chuy's to meet everyone.  And by everyone, I mean ....

We had the best waiter in the world.  In fact, I called the manager this morning to brag about him.  We were seated privately in their back room.  The kids had an impromptu dance party (the waiter had showed them how to control the music). 

Our service was great.  The food was wonderful as usual.  The waiter even brought me two sopaipillas.  I usually get a tres leches cake, but I was way too stuffed for one.

 

Shannon got me lots of goodies for my birthday including garden gloves, shears, a new beach towel and sunscreen, a cute pair of earrings and some workout pants.  It was great!  My parents, uncle and grandparents all got me birthday cards filled with cash which is always nice as well =).   

 

To quote my lovely friend from Florida (Hannah Rogers) who is a blogging GREAT - If your life is half as beautiful as the ones that surround you, it must be a very best life indeed!  She wrote that on my facebook wall (about the picture above), and it made such an impact on me.  Thanks Hannah for knowing exactly what to say and putting it so simply.  Love you and all the people in my life!

Chuy's was the perfect end to a perfect day.  However, Isaac had his heart set on a t-shirt from the hostess stand.  I had loaded up all my goodies and got side-tracked when we got to stand.  I love all of Chuy's shirts, and he was really wanting this one.  Of course, generous Pap Colvin was with us and gave him some money to buy it.  Because I was sporting my Chuy's shirt, I got $2 off the purchase.  However, as I was leaving, I took off without my gift bag.  I was waiting at the stoplight on Scottsville Rd. and Ken Bale Blvd. when I realized it.  I wasn't as concerned about the gifts as I was about losing my sister's SKyPAC Camp applications and check which I had stuffed in the gift bag.  I trust people, but it certainly made my heart race.  When the light turned green, I whipped out a U-turn and got right back to the Chuy's.  The hostess at the stand had set it aside in the office and went and grabbed it.  Whew!  Blood pressure officially lowered =).  Maybe my mind is slipping now that I'm 38!  Who are we kidding, it was slipping before.  Happy birthday to me!  Thanks everyone for making me feel so special!