Chris's Birthday

 Chris had to work on his birthday so we celebrated the day before with birthday pancakes,

 and a birthday dinner out.

We brought lunch to Dad at work.

Just as we were packing up the crew got a call so we got to see Dad and crew in action.

C turns 4

Back in May Caleb turned 4. He had been looking forward to his birthday for a long time, finally it day came. Caleb is a great big brother! He love to be a helper and talks about being a pilot one day and flying with Daddy. He informed us the other day he needed a flight suit NVGs (night vision goggles), a helmet, and a badge so he can go to work at the base with Dad.

Highlights of the day were a visit to the zoo, rides, lunch, presents and cookie bowls and ice cream. We love our Caleb! Happy Birthday Buddy!

St Louis Part 2

 The St Louis arch was so fun to see in person. It's amazing to think St Louis was once the western frontier. The arch was complete in 1968 and there are elevator shafts in each side that your ride to the top. They look like pods and only a few people can squish in each one. On the right is a picture of the boys and I inside the pod riding to the top. The left is a picture of Chris and C at the Museum of Westward Expansion at the arch.

view of St Louis from the top of the arch

 We loved visiting St Louis! So many fun attractions to explore. A of the highlights of the trip was the food. We love finding delicious local joints and loved: The Shaved Duck, Anthonino's Taverna, & Pappy's Smokehouse. As luck would have it less than a week after we returned home my sister recieved her mission call to St Louis Missouri. 

St Louis: Part 1: Botanical Gardens

Back in April Chris needed to go to St Louis for work so the boys and I tagged long- free vacation Yippee! Candice, one of my besties from cosmetology school told me the Missouri Botanical Gardens were a must see. The gardens are absolutely breathtaking. We spent hours there and didn't see everything. Here are some of my favorite shots.