Fun with Friends

The #1 reason we went to STL was to see old friends and meet new ones from The Home of God's Love.  We had a wonderful time picnicking together, watching our children play together, reminiscing about Taiwan, and marveling at God's amazing design of creating our individual families. 

Our attempt at a group photo.  :)

The Arch

What would a trip to St. Louis be without an adventure to The infamous Arch?

Since neither Titus nor Daddy have ever been up in The Arch, we decided to buy tickets and enjoy the adventure to its fullest.  It was a HOT, crowed, July day and it seemed as though half the population of St. Louis must have had the same idea for an adventure too.  The two lines to enter The Arch were both out the doors and meandered through the beautiful park.  Finally, when Daddy purchased our tickets, we were told there was a 2 hour wait.  Oh no!  What to do with a one year old boy, for two hours?  We decided to buy tickets for a riverboat ride on a paddle wheel steamboat down the Mississippi River.   Might as well make good use of two hours, learn some history of St. Louis, and go for a long, hot ride. 

The Flooded Mighty Mississippi

Finally it was Arch Time!!!!!   Titus fell asleep in my arms as we were waiting in yet again another line to begin our ascent up The Arch.  I have to admit I was a bit disappointed, but realized that he wouldn't remember this experience anyway.  However, right before we entered the claustrophobia inducing egg  with three strangers for a LOOOOONG three minute ride to the top of The Arch, he woke up.  Yay!!!!  

Titus loved The Arch.   He crawled right up into the little windows and pointed, smiled and looked and looked.  So happy he was able to enjoy the adventure.

The Old Courthouse where the famous Dred Scott case was tried.

Busch stadium.   Wow, look at that humidity!

Illinois

All Creatures Great and Small

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

~Cecil Frances Alexander~ 

"St. Louis Zoo"

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While at the zoo Daddy was able to fulfill a childhood dream of his: to touch a stingray as well as a hammerhead shark.  Mama had no interest whatsoever and was happy to watch from a distance, man the camera, and let Titus and Daddy share an experience.  

Magic House Fun

We absolutely loved the Magic House; it was hands down our favorite place that we visited while in STL.  When planning our trip, we almost skipped this destination because we thought it might be too old for Titus.  Boy, are we glad we didn't miss out on this fun!  Titus had a blast and we spent four hours playing and having fun together as a family.   

 

 Titus has always been drawn to musical instruments and the Magic House didn't disappoint him. He could have played all day with each instrument; but there was so much to see, play, and do that we had to almost tear him away from each one.   

Titus loved the alphabet peek-a-boo activity.  And in true Titus fashion he went down the line in order opening each box.  Even exhibiting patience as he waited on a little boy to open R, S, T, and U SEVERAL times.  Love my little boy's order in all things!

Titus' eyes were wide as he watched Daddy blow HUGE bubbles.  He loves bubbles but for some reason our bubbles are never quite that large at home.  

This was Titus' first time to play in sand.  At first he was a bit hesitant but after a few minutes of Mama helping and encouraging him he enjoyed himself. 

After the sand play we had to visit the water area.  Titus loves playing in our sinks at home, so we knew this would be a big hit for him.  I love the slicker they give little ones to protect their clothes. We couldn't help but laugh, he looked like he was about to head out on a shrimp boat.  

And what would a trip to the Magic House be without playing with the static electric ball generator.   Daddy is blessed to have short hair and not have this embarrassment, errr fun, with his son.  Oh, the things we do for our children!  :)

We could have spent a few more hours playing; there was so much to see and do!   Maybe in a few years we will have to come back to play again.