Little Guys Can Sure Be Expensive

July 6-8, 2012

Boy do two little boys get expensive, but oh how it is worth it.  I just can't say "No" to the little guys and when you do, it just breaks your heart to see their disappointment.  So my solution,  get them whatever they want.  It doesn't happen to often that I get to see them, but that could be changing.

Chris and Rachel are in the process of moving to Illinois which will be much closer for the boys to have a weekend away to PARTY and party we do.  When I dropped them off on Sunday Ty said, "That was a serious party."

Friday I met them in St. Elmo Illinois where we had a quick exchange since we had stuff to do.  First stop, Target.  Ty needed to spend his money on baseball cards and Beya says, "I don't have any money."  That doesn't stop us from looking around the whole store for extra presents on their visit.  Aunt Sarie has money!  Second stop:  dinner.  We went to Crushed Red where we got pizza and salad.  Third stop:  Keith's house to check out his baseball collection from when he was a kid.  Ty got to pick a card and you would of thought he won a million dollars.  He has a "special" place for that card!  The boys started watching Alvin and the Chipmunks before we needed to head home for a busy day Saturday.  I was informed by Brady," I should of told Keith determination: finish what you start.  We didn't finish our movie."

Saturday we woke up bright and early to head to the Sea lion show at the zoo.  We didn't stay long since it was over 100 degrees very early in the morning.  We headed over to the Science Center to check out the telescopes, dinosaurs, and construction site.  We went through the drive through at McDonalds before taking a quick break at the apartment.  The boys got to show off their swim skills before making our way to dinner.  We met Keith at a Mexican restaurant where the boys finished off their dinner to get a treat.  Our final stop, FroYo.

Sunday morning came to early, but we headed to church and 54th street before I had to say the sad goodbye to my little guys.  I can't wait for the next party.  It's so much fun to hang out with both of them.  Their personalities are so cute and fun to be around!

Love them!

Firecracker Firecracker Boom Boom Boom

Happy 4th of July!

I don't ever remember spending the 4th of July in St. Louis, but it fell on a Wednesday this year so it seemed I just played "sick" from work.  I always volunteer at the Food Kitchen downtown on Wednesday's, so I kept to my commitments and dodged the parade traffic to serve food.  It was quite the different crowd, but I survived.

I stopped by Whole Foods to grab lunch before meeting Keith at the park.  We headed to his sister's house for a full afternoon of swimming.  It was so hot outside and the water was refreshing!  That evening we headed to Harry's Bar and Grill where they have a rooftop patio.  We watched the fireworks over the arch before calling it a night!

Just Like the Good Ol' Time

June 29-31, 2012

LeeAnn decided to make a visit back to St. Louis for a girls weekend and brought Miranda along with her.  Amanda and I had so much fun, just like the good ol' times.  It was so much fun and a successful trip for LeeAnn since she found a dress for Miranda's wedding.

Amanda and I just couldn't wait for them to arrive.  We were a little hyper, but had fun taking pictures.

Friday night we headed for Barcelona to enjoy some tapas style food.  Yummy--my favorite. 

Saturday I met LeeAnn and Miranda up at the mall before going home to get fancy for dinner and an outdoor show at the Muny.  It was hotter than heck outside,but we made it through.  We went to eat at Subzero before watching Chicago.  This was my first time seeing the show and sweating was worth it. 

Sunday we went to church and lunch before we had to say our goodbyes.  As always, it was a great treat to have LeeAnn back in St. Louis!

Zooming By...Or I Wish

Saturday, June 30th

Today Keith and I competed in a 1 mile race.  Macklind Mile.  Yes, 1 mile.  Everyone goes to this race to have a record breaking time on the mile.  It's mostly downhill and everyone runs just one mile.  I was worried about just finishing the race!  7:30 seconds later I was across the finish line with my best time.  Keith was surprised I finished so fast, but my lungs sure felt the heat.  Afterwards there were tons of tents set up to sale stuff, eat, and celebrate summer.  I found a new pair of running shoes for $50. 

Of course I counted this as a day I ran!

Making My Way Back Home

June 23-25, 2012

It never fails that when I travel back home I never take my camera out of my purse.  This weekend was no exception.

It's always great to be back home once you finally arrive and sad when it's time to get back in the car.  This weekend I started the adventure off very early on Saturday morning.  Keith completed in his first triathlon west of St. Louis and I went to see the swim before the drive back. 

After  the swim I met up with my mom, sisters, and nephews at Abuelos in Zona Rosa.  This hit the spot!  It was better than I even remembered.  Time really does fly.  I took a vacation day on Monday so I had one extra day to take in the rays, set my mom up with my Europe scrapbook, and sleep.  Of course we hit 54th street. I made a joke to the waitress about how I needed an IV for the Chiptole Ranch Dressing.  She set me up for the best 54th experience ever!   That's when I remembered the camera.