There's No Place Like St. Louis

Yesterday while T.V. stations across the planet looped footage of protesters hurling bricks, looting businesses and blowing up cars in historic Ferguson...a St. Louis suburb located just 15 miles from our home -- our T.V.s remained off.  We refused to give those who have chosen to take advantage of a town hurting, our attention. However, our hearts are open and prayers focused on families and business owners forced to wade through the chaos. 

Instead, Steve and I decided it was time to introduce the kids to The Wizard of Oz.  As we sat squashed on the couch together, I waited for them to flinch when the creepy flying monkeys appeared.  As I did, I realized how incredibly unfair it was the scariest thing my kids would experience that evening would be watching a group of soaring mutant primates; while families living across town were devising safety plans for completing every day tasks like buying groceries.

It's not fair.

While I've traveled to Europe and worked in the Caribbean for a spin, I've lived in St. Louis nearly my whole life and have always been proud to call the Gateway to the West -- home.  However, the media's near constant focus on those set on destroying Ferguson...is not only tarnishing our city's reputation, it's doing little to nothing to help bring positive change and support to those who need it most.

It's not fair.

I'm a Christian, a wife, a mother, but mostly I'm just an imperfect human -- trying to raise a family in a broken world.  While I'm not sure how to fix some of the problems that lead us to this very dark place, I believe compassion and love are a good place to start.
Recently, I was asked to participate in a grassroots initiative started by a local vlogger, called We are StL.  The purpose being to promote all that is good about St. Louis.

I don't know where to begin. There are so many things to highlight. Whether it's enjoying our unique dishes: toasted ravioli, cracker crust-provel-laden pizzas, gooey butter cakes, Ted Drewe's frozen custard concretes or the numerous educational and cultural experiences available (many of which are free).  Below are links to adventures our family has enjoyed in and around St. Louis. After reading I'm sure you'll agree -- there's no place like St. Louis.

I wish I could click my heels three times and bring us all to a better place of understanding to heal our communities, divided.  We ask for your prayers and support by sharing your favorite things about St. Louis at #WeAreStL or by linking your blog and vlog posts using the linky tool below.

American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog
Audubon Center at Riverlands
Challenger Learning Center
City Museum
Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center
DesPeres Park Youth Fishing Derby
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park and Visitor's Center
Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden
Fair St. Louis
Forest Park Forever Playground
Grant's Farm
Kemp Auto Museum
Laumier Sculpture Park
Magic House 
Mastadon State Historic Site
Missouri Botanical Gardens
Missouri History Museum and History Clubhouse for kids
Muny
Museum of Transportation 
National Great Rivers Museum and the Melvin Price Locks and Dam
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Purina Farms and  Blue Grass Festival and Kids' Carnival
St. Louis Art Museum
St. Louis Science Center
St. Louis Zoo and special exhibits - Caribbean Cove  Sea Lion Sound
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
World Bird Sanctuary  and  National Trails Day

Labor Day Delivers

While early reports predicted a soggy Labor Day weekend, Mother Nature decided to give St. Louisans a break...at least until after the kids were put to bed Monday night.  About 11 p.m. she treated us all to a free light and sound show, but I'm not complaining because we had a wonderful weekend.

We didn't have plans to get out of town.  Our social calendar was not filled. We simply did our best to enjoy a weekend completely free of labor and worries. On Saturday we took advantage of the mid-70 temps to enjoy a romp at Queeny Park.  The next day we met up with some of our favorite people, the Brauns, who treated us to a day at DesPeres Lodge.  That day, my friend, Barb and I often split up to keep better watch as our six cuties were never all in the same place at the same time.  The kids coasted down the lazy river, rode waves in the indoor wave pool and blasted down various water slides. It was truly a whine free day. In fact, it could be said that everyone got along just swimmingly.

Labor Day Monday we lay like broccoli until I decided we all needed to get out to enjoy the sunshine.  I challenged Steve to take us some place new where we could walk and the kids could find creepy crawly things.  He delivered by taking us to Russell E. Emmenegger Park a.k.a. Emmy Park located in Kirkwood. We spent the afternoon skipping rocks along the Meramec, walking trails and watching the kids catch toads, daddy long legs and other creatures.  The kids worked up an appetite and Natalie tossed out the word "donut".  Steve and I just looked at each other and shrugged.  "Why not?" So, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon we rounded out our day with a trip to Krispy Kreme. Since it had been years since we last set foot in one - everything was new for the kids.  They marveled at the conveyor belt and ooh'ed and ahh'd over the selection of treats.  That evening when I tucked Natalie into bed she shared that she wished she could rewind the day.  Her response served as another reminder for me --my kids don't need a lot...they just need their parents to be present in their lives. 

Dear God: Thank you for showing me the beauty of relishing the present.

She just needs to learn to relax more.

Noah and Carter share a double tube on the lazy river.

Playfulpalooza

DesPeres Lodge Cake

Catching toads at Emmy Park

Crawdaddy

Mussel Man

A toad it is.

Getting Schooled in Rock Skipping.

Natalie finds another friend.

"Look! A cave!" said Noah

"I'm gonna call him Todd."

D O N U T S!

Postcards From the Peanut Gallery Wks. 11 & 12

"I can't believe it's over!...can't we have just one more week?!" said Natalie.

While our summer vacation has been memorable, I'm not sure I share her sentiment.  Tomorrow is the first day of school for both kids and I'm ready...
 1. School supplies have been purchased and teachers have been met - Natalie was thrilled to get Mrs. Raymond this year and shared with me "Did you know a cool fact about Mrs. R. is that she is perky!"
2.  Noah is beginning 5th grade at a new school and while he is nervous, he is also excited.  However, when I asked him what he was looking forward to most, 'making new friends' was not the response I heard. Instead he said, "maybe I'll meet a girl."
Say what?
Both kids have grown so much this summer.  Last week we visited Grant's Farm and during the Animal Encounter Show Noah raised his hand to be volunteer.  I couldn't believe it.  Normally, when anyone asks for a hand, Noah is practically hiding under the seats.  Later in the day he said yes to riding a camel...a camel! 

Feeding hungry goats at Grant's Farm...it never gets old.

Noah was part of the "rat race" at Grant's Farm's Animal Encounter Show.

Noah took a couple laps with Gumby.

Noah was invited to explore the Museum of Transportation with his new friend.

My favorite view that day. The two boys chatting about their train adventures.

Noah and Natalie cashed in on their free Magic House tickets earned from the library's summer reading program.

This week Steve made me 8 jars of blackberry jam.
I haven't been good about rationing it.

We spent Sunday afternoon fishing at Suson Park with my brother's family.

Noah surprised us all by picking up a pole.
He was so proud of his catch.

Postcards From the Peanut Gallery Wk. 10

July 28 - August 3 
Summer vacation is winding down to single digits --This week we built, climbed, read, learned new skills and discovered...

Noah assembled a 560+ piece LEGO Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter he received for his birthday. 
Thanks Mike, Sarah, Paul & Lila!

The kids tried out the new playground equipment at school.

Noah earned bragging rights and space on our lawn to display his Super Summer Reader status. 

Mad Scientist, Kinetic Kevin taught us all kinds of wacky things with a free show at Oak Bend Library.

Natalie learned to ride a two wheeler!

We discovered a new park and some new friends at Simpson Lake.

Postcards From the Peanut Gallery Wk. 9

July 21-27th The first day of school is fast approaching and still there are many friends we haven't had a chance to see all summer because our schedules have never matched up. This week we squeezed in as many park and swim play dates as we could.

Monday, 21st - I met up with two lovely ladies -- both whom I met through my 10 year membership with MOPS.  Together our kids enjoyed the beautiful Forest Park Forever Playground located adjacent to the Visitor's Center.  This inclusive playground offers 29 pieces of equipment divided by age, physical strength and ability.

Time flies - I can't believe they'll be starting 2nd grade!

Tuesday, July 22 We headed to Tesson Ferry Library for their free, Science Chefs program. The kids experimented with food, learned about water density and made homemade ice cream!

Natalie explores the properties of salted water vs. plain water.

Enjoying the fruit of their labor - homemade vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday, July 23nd - We played at Tilles Park.  Noah brought his friend Evan with him and the two spent a large portion of the time having lightsaber duels.  Natalie quickly made a new friend -- together the girls made clover jewelry and collected acorns.  In the afternoon we visited Weber Library to enjoy their free, Fizz, Boom, Pop class.  We got messy exploding bags and making lava lamp look-a-likes using everyday household materials and enjoyed a refreshment of homemade fizzy lemonade.

Flower Power

Noah and Evan reflect on their surroundings.

Noah watches as the alka-seltzer tablet sets off a new reaction.

Thursday, July 24 - We enjoyed an early, yet cool morning romp with friends at Kirkwood Park.  The first hour we had the place completely to ourselves.  My friend and I tag teamed to keep up with her littlest ones who favored climbing the highest heights. Good times!

Friday, July 25th - We met my cousin, Sarah and her kids at Deer Creek Park a.k.a. Rocketship Park for a long overdue get-together.  The kids are a great match and our meet ups often lead to marathon play dates. This one was no exception.

Old School Fun

Saturday, July 26 - We got a late start as Steve and I spent the morning pulling weeds and cutting back the brush in the backyard. Our plan was to visit some of the stl250 spots in the Chesterfield area.  We visited Dr. Edmond A. Babler Memorial State Park, Kemp Auto Museum, August A. Busch Memorial Conservation, Rockwood Reservation Area, Spirit of St. Louis Airport, and Bonhomme Old Stone Church. My favorite stop had to be Babler Park.  We'll definitely be back.  Along our travels we discovered a roadside stand selling freshly gathered honey, tomatoes and eggs.  No one manned the booth, rather the family left an honesty jar on the table for customers to leave payment.

Noah chases after a groundhog we spotted upon entering Rockwood Reservation Area.

Rockwood Reservation offers visitors a bird's eye view.

Limestone Kiln - Rockwood Reservation

Edmond A. Babler State Memorial Park

The Babler Park Visitor's Center offers lots of hands on exhibits for kids including binoculars along the back wall for excellent bird watching.  In addition, they show a free, 20 minute film in their Owl Theatre.
The current feature is on Black Bears.

"Look, Mom! I'm a scientist!" exclaimed Nat.

Natalie pays for our homegrown goods.

It's a bird! It's a plane...it's a plane.
Spirit of St. Louis Airport

The kids stand next to their favorite car at the Kemp Auto Museum.

Steve shows Natalie some of the places he fishes and finds berries on the map featured on top of the
August A. Busch Conservation Area stl250 Cake.

Bonhomme Old Stone Church

Sunday, July 27th  - After a two week hiatus, we returned to Sunday service at The Gathering.  The sermon series, "Silver Linings - The Art of Being Content" could not have come at a better time.  The main idea cautioning us not to put all of our energy and love into earthly things (family, friends, job, service...stuff) because none of these things are permanent.  Only God's love is forever.   The path to true contentment starts and ends with putting our faith and trust in Him.
After church we spent most of the afternoon at home.  I tried to be present and not worry so much about the future.  Steve made homemade biscuits and a blackberry roll using the berries he'd picked at Busch Conservation area.  We invited my folks over for dinner - fried chicken with all the fixins. After the meal, my waistband was seriously tugging at my skin.  But, when it came time to tuck my two into bed -- both kids asked me to pray for them...somehow it was easy and I discovered my stomach wasn't the only part of me that was feeling full.

Steve gets a hand from his sous chef.