St. Louis, in picture...

We arrived in St. Louis in Saturday evening. Douglas lives just down the street from a fun, downtown area in University City. We walked downtown and went to eat at Blueberry Hill which, I guess, is a pretty popular restaurant in the area. We got back and got settled in for the night. There was a double bed and a fouton and Douglas slept on the fouton and I slept on the bed. The bed is too soft for the two of us...like sleeping on a hammock which is never fun with two people. Oh, I should mention as well, that the AC wasn't working in Douglas' apartment when I got there...another reason we did not share a bed! The kids sacked right out. It had been a long drive and they were wiped out.

The next day was Sunday. We got up early and headed out to the branch that Douglas goes to. They meet in an old funeral home. It was a small ward and very diverse. I always think it is hard to go to other people's wards, but I want to set an example for the kids, so we go.

After church we got changed and headed over to Forest Park. It is this HUGE park just down the road from where Douglas is living. The Zoo is in the park, if that gives you any idea of how large it is. I bet it is 5 miles square at least. Interestingly enough, there are no playgrounds though. Strange. So, we just parked and walked around and played. The kids had a great time. I was hot. I was grumpy. Coming from Douglas' hot apartment to the hot outdoors didn't bode well with me. I tried to be happy about it, but finally I just sat on a bench and let Douglas walk around with the kids.

One great thing about the midwest is that everything is green. I love that. Of course, with green comes bugs and mosquitsos, but I guess you just deal with that.


There is a lot of water in the midwest too...lots.





Douglas and I find the same things funny. We laughed and laugh when we drove by "non park". What?? It really was a "non park".

with really weird benches.

On Monday I decided I would get the zoo over with. I assumed it would be hot, so why not just do it. Of course, Monday ended up being significantly hotter than any other day. Figures. The zoo was free, but we were able to buy a pass (half price with my AA museum membership) to go to the sea lion show, ride the train, go on the 3d motion thing. I told the kids that if we hiked in (probably a 1/2 mile once we found a spot) that we could ride the train. I get so cheap about things like $15 parking. What a rip. They were great sports about it.

As soon as we got into the park I gave the apartment management company a jingle about the AC situation. It was nice and cool when we got home from the zoo. I felt like a good wife...taking care of business.

cutest baby giraffe. Honestly, my kids aren't huge zoo fans. I enjoy it much more than they do. They look for a milisecond and are ready to move on. Oh well.
I mean, come on, that little giraffe is the cutest thing ever.

This peacock was so cool. He was standing in the middle of the walk way and just spread his feathers as soon as we got close!

gorgeous!

Sea Lion show. I always enjoy these. J was disappointed that he didn't get wet. This isn't the whale show at Sea World, sorry to say!


Paige LOVES carousels. J, not so much. I guess it is better than standing and watching. The carousel was also included in our ticket pass.



And what amusement park or zoo is not complete without cotton candy. I think I am growing up. I didn't even take a bite. I found it kind of repulsive.

Petting the Blue Tongued Skink.



My two little sea otters.

They had a little splash pad. It was so hot so we spent a good chunk of time just running around. I wish I had gotten in too. Paige especially loved it.
J sitting in the hippo mouth. They have a fun kids area at the zoo...also included with our pass. I love getting my money's worth!



Onto more later!