Fishing Fun

Last weekend Steve, Nat and I headed to a friend's house for some fishing. 

Steve caught the biggest. Nat caught the most.  I caught poison oak.

While I'm still not very good at fishing. I had a great time enjoying the sunshine and peace and quiet with two of my three favorite people. (Noah hung out with his grandparents as he isn't a fan of fishing and has a fear of bugs.)

Nat caught (with help from Dad) a nice one, too!

Iron Works Festival - Maramec Springs Park

In the hustle and bustle of school work, extra-curricular activities and carpooling - it's nice to take a moment to just s l o w  d o w n. Two weeks ago we took a leisurely drive to St. James, MO for their annual Iron Works Festival held at Maramec Springs Park. We enjoyed a beautiful, Fall day listening to folk music and meeting all kinds of artisans committed to sharing their passion for keeping traditions alive. We listened to folklore from seasoned storytellers, took a walk around the park, fed the fish which swim in the 100,000 gallon spring and meandered through the museum.

Greentree Festival 2016

A few weeks ago our family stepped back in time a bit to enjoy Kirkwood's Greentree Festival. The annual event included a car show, live bands, book sale, food booths and an arts n'crafts fair along with a slew of actors skilled at taking one back to life in the 1700's.

Nat plays with a popular toy of the time - Jacob's ladder

Nat makes a "church baby"

Celebrating 50 Years with St. Louis Reperatory Theatre

A couple weeks ago I took my two dramatic kiddos to enjoy a party to celebrate the St. Louis Reperatory Theatre's 50 Years of "acting up". While Natalie was looking forward to it, Noah was sure he would have a terrible time.

More than a dozen theatre groups were on hand to share their upcoming performance schedules and youth programs. I had no idea St. Louis Opera Theatre offered a summer program for kids. We received a backstage tour and watched a team of folks creating backdrops, costumes and props. Every 20 minutes or so a new round of actors would crop up -- putting on snippets of popular shows like Kiss Me Kate and Grease.

We also watched a rehearsal for the upcoming St. Louis Teen Talent Competition to be held at the Fabulous Fox in the Spring.

In the end both kids were entertained for nearly two hours. Noah even enjoyed making a dragon puppet with his sister.

Theatre is Magic Therapy.

A Door That's More Like a Window

Natalie has always been a good communicator. I've enjoyed watching her bedroom door change with her ideas. Currently, she's started a "quote of the month" and a cartoon paper called The Daily Grin. She's also added a feelings board, too.

August Quote of the Month "Alone we are one drop, Together we are an ocean."
(words being shared by her character Mr. Smart E. Pants)

Her feelings board often reveals she is happy

The Daily Grin

September Quote of the Month: "If you know what you need to do, you'll wake up excited about life."
Thanks, Mr. Smart E. Pants.

Stranger Things in Robertsville

The weekend of September 3-4th, St. Louis was bustling with lots of festivals and events, but our family just needed some quiet and down time. We decided to explore Robertsville State Park -- about an hour drive from our home. We walked, we talked, we caught flying things and saw some Stranger Things, too!

Family cemetery located about a quarter of a mile from the road.

Noah tries to catch a grasshopper with his hat.

Noah shows off his collection of shells

Stranger Things...in Robertsville