The kids were off from school for a week in August so we decided to take a short vacation to St. Louis for part of the week. We had been talking about it at home and discussing what we might do while there. Ben was most eager to “march on the arch”. It was going to be quite the feat, but he was sure it was possible.
We arrived late Saturday afternoon just in time for naps and unpacking. That night we ate at Imo’s Pizza and enjoyed some St. Louis style pizza. Mom and Ben ate more than their fair share while Dad enjoyed some pasta. We enjoyed the downtown Kirkwood area and then headed to the hotel to rest up for our first full day.
On Sunday we visited a church in the area where some family friends are members. Everyone was so welcoming! Ben was even comfortable going to their children’s church and had a great time learning about Moses and the burning bush. We headed downtown for lunch at Morgan Street Brewery and then walked to the arch. Ben was a little surprised at the size of the arch and decided he probably shouldn’t march on it. We told him about going up in it and he would point to a lower spot on the arch and say that he wanted to go that high, but not to the top. We tried to explain that it was to the top or not at all and then agreed that we would enjoy some ice cream in the park instead. After naps we swam at the hotel and went out for Mexican food. Everyone slept well that night. In fact, it was the first and only time that Elizabeth has slept through the night. She slept from about 9pm to about 8am. Mom and Dad were shocked but pleased! Now if she can just repeat this at home. :)
Monday was zoo day. The kids did so well. The zoo was amazing. It was well designed and had lots of shade and beautiful animal habitats. Ben was so excited to see each animal and “announced” himself at each stop. “Hello, elephants! I’m here!” Elizabeth enjoyed the shade and watching Ben race between exhibits. Ben got to pick a treat from the gift shop at the end of our day and chose marbles of all things. But he did pick out a magnet for Elizabeth with a picture of a giraffe, so she won’t need to share the marbles.
Tuesday we went to the World Bird Sanctuary. They had lots of different kinds of birds including eagles, owls and other birds of prey. Ben really liked talking to all of the birds and also enjoyed seeing some reptiles in one of the building exhibits. We spent the afternoon shopping at the outlet mall. The girls tore up Gymboree and the boys enjoyed hanging out at the indoor skate park and the mall playground.
On our final day we went to Grant’s Farm. This is such a wonderful place for kids of all ages. I was amazed at how nice everything was and free! The trip started with a scenic ride into the farm where we saw buffalo, goats, sheep, cows and more right outside of our tram. It was fun to see the animals so close! At the farm, there were shows to see, animals to feed and snow cones to eat. Ben even got his first carousel ride!
Fun times in St. Louis were had by all! We highly recommend it to any family and look forward to going back!
We arrived late Saturday afternoon just in time for naps and unpacking. That night we ate at Imo’s Pizza and enjoyed some St. Louis style pizza. Mom and Ben ate more than their fair share while Dad enjoyed some pasta. We enjoyed the downtown Kirkwood area and then headed to the hotel to rest up for our first full day.
On Sunday we visited a church in the area where some family friends are members. Everyone was so welcoming! Ben was even comfortable going to their children’s church and had a great time learning about Moses and the burning bush. We headed downtown for lunch at Morgan Street Brewery and then walked to the arch. Ben was a little surprised at the size of the arch and decided he probably shouldn’t march on it. We told him about going up in it and he would point to a lower spot on the arch and say that he wanted to go that high, but not to the top. We tried to explain that it was to the top or not at all and then agreed that we would enjoy some ice cream in the park instead. After naps we swam at the hotel and went out for Mexican food. Everyone slept well that night. In fact, it was the first and only time that Elizabeth has slept through the night. She slept from about 9pm to about 8am. Mom and Dad were shocked but pleased! Now if she can just repeat this at home. :)
Monday was zoo day. The kids did so well. The zoo was amazing. It was well designed and had lots of shade and beautiful animal habitats. Ben was so excited to see each animal and “announced” himself at each stop. “Hello, elephants! I’m here!” Elizabeth enjoyed the shade and watching Ben race between exhibits. Ben got to pick a treat from the gift shop at the end of our day and chose marbles of all things. But he did pick out a magnet for Elizabeth with a picture of a giraffe, so she won’t need to share the marbles.
Tuesday we went to the World Bird Sanctuary. They had lots of different kinds of birds including eagles, owls and other birds of prey. Ben really liked talking to all of the birds and also enjoyed seeing some reptiles in one of the building exhibits. We spent the afternoon shopping at the outlet mall. The girls tore up Gymboree and the boys enjoyed hanging out at the indoor skate park and the mall playground.
On our final day we went to Grant’s Farm. This is such a wonderful place for kids of all ages. I was amazed at how nice everything was and free! The trip started with a scenic ride into the farm where we saw buffalo, goats, sheep, cows and more right outside of our tram. It was fun to see the animals so close! At the farm, there were shows to see, animals to feed and snow cones to eat. Ben even got his first carousel ride!
Fun times in St. Louis were had by all! We highly recommend it to any family and look forward to going back!
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