Just In Time

The weather this weekend came just in time. Open windows, fresh air, even sunshine. The winter gets oh so long.

It's also true, of course, that weather like that makes it just a pinch harder to stay inside when the cold returns, but live in the moment!!

We took a walk to the zoo. Always a favorite thing to do when we must get outside, but we're not sure what to do. And Sophia climbed on the beetle in front of the bug house. She simply cannot walk past it. I must have hundreds of pictures of her on this thing because it's also one of the few things of which she wants photographic evidence.

Back at home with the windows open in our currently being established game room. We had a chess tournament. I lost.

I love weekends like this one, even if they do make the week feel a little longer.

Zoo Time is Family Time!

This Saturday, before Sophia had a sleepover at a friend's house, the three of us went to the zoo. It was one of those perfect days where the weather was just cool enough for all the animals to be active but not so cool as to make us miserable.

We saved some things for another time, of course, but we traveled all over the zoo, including the spot where Sophia likes to climb in and around the scrub trees and bushes.

Some days things just work out right, and it was important that this was one of those days. The previously mentioned sleepover weighed heavily on Sophia's mind all day. Maybe that's part of the reason she got a piggyback ride part of the way home.

The sleepover went better than any of us honestly hoped. We were so happy for her. Then we realized that another little thread of that cord that keeps us so tightly bound just frayed away. Of course it's best! But it's true that our baby isn't a baby any longer. 

Mother's Day

Like each mom I know, I feel grateful just to be along for the ride with my child. 

Sometimes that's more literal than others.

Best of Busyness

Since we got back from vacation, we've been busy. We have spent a lot of time at the zoo, as we tend to do in the summer.

Once with these guys:

Once with these Seattle guys:

And we're never very far from Forest Park, especially when the weather is going to insist on being so lovely.

We've also had fun of our own. Just packing it all in before summer comes to an end.

Spring Break

Last week was Sophia's spring break. It was just what we needed. The first half of break was relaxing. Just one long play date, some projects at home and lots of snuggles and games. The second half was full to bursting with time outside and adventures around St. Louis and down in Springfield/Branson with my parents.

Thursday was spent around St. Louis, at the Magic House and hiking the trails around Laumeier Sculpture Park. That's one of my favorite things to do, and it's a great way to get started on a spring and summer full of outdoor activity.

Friday, we got to go to the Zoo with Casey and Henri. A special treat for any day!! We all had fun, but Henri and Sophia took fun to another level... A crazier, freer level.

Saturday was spent at Silver Dollar City. We haven't been there at non-Christmas time in quite a while. Sophia was thrilled. I think her favorite part of the whole park might have been the Old Homestead area. Here, she got to be a model student.

And she met Cotton, the cutest, fluffiest little horse she's ever met. She was very much in heaven.

Yesterday, when I took Sophia into school, she caressed the wall as we went up the stairs and said, "Oh, I've missed you, old friend." So, while Spring Break is over, the fun apparently continues for Sophia. She does love school.

First Grade Field Trip

Today was Sophia's first field trip of first grade. To say that she was excited would be a gross understatement. The funny thing is that she was going to the zoo, which she goes to dozens of times every year. Riding the bus the five minutes that it takes to get there apparently kicks the zoo up about a bajillion notches.

Because there were so many parent volunteers, I had a group of three little girls. Easy peasy. That's not sarcastic. It really was. At least as easy as walking around the zoo all day ever is. Did I mention they were three chatty girls? As long as I nodded occasionally and looked like I was paying attention, they were happy as three cute little clams.

No matter how many times we go to the zoo, it never gets boring or old. But, apparently, you can have more to say about it. Chat-ty...

Look how excited she is to get on that bus. It beats walking, which is what she knows I'd make her do...

Five Days of Fun!

We just said goodbye to our nephews. We had five days with them, and we stuffed each day full of adventure. I'm too tired to describe much, so here are some pictures.

Water balloons with the other St. Louis cousins.

At the St. Louis Art Museum. Got them to stop long enough to snap this picture.

Also at the Art Museum, there is currently a traveling exhibit put on by Yoko Ono. It's a wishing tree. Each of the big kids made a wish and secured it carefully.

Bowling was a serious load of fun. A lot more fun than indicated by Henri's face...

Again, Henri's face is not a good measure of how much fun we were having...

These guys give a pretty good clue.

That was just the best time. I love those kids. 

Cure for Cabin Fever

It looks like we may get some spring temperatures next weekend, but we couldn't wait till then to get out of the apartment.

Yesterday, Grandmary was with us for our trip to the Botanical Gardens. The outdoor areas were not yet in bloom, but we enjoyed the Climatron. I also enjoy saying Climatron. Sophia spent most of our time in the Climatron complaining about the heat. She's really a cold weather girl.

The Temperate House was -- well, it was more temperate. And it's by far my favorite. It feels English and Mediterranean at the same time.

In order to get our fix today, we headed to the zoo. We were bundled up, but Erick and I were not quite as stylishly bundled as Sophia.

In other news, Sophia has started to read. Apparently, when one begins to read, one wants to read everywhere. For example, one might want to read in the Sea Lion Tunnel. And a sea lion might just want to read with you!

Since Sophia had spent most of our zoo time either reading or climbing on rocks, we decided to add a trip to Turtle Park, where she could get her climb on.


P.S. Creaches look great in layers.

Ridiculously cute.

Beautiful Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a walk to the zoo. I never get tired of going on adventures with these two. And yes, it's December. Weird.

Recovering from the Weekend

We had a very thrilling weekend. One part was a change of address, but the more unique experience actually took place at the zoo. This spring, we learned that it's possible to spend the night at the St. Louis Zoo. Naturally, we decided to do everything in our power to make that happen. Saturday night, after moving for two days, the three of us headed to the zoo in our pj's. We began with a short walk around the zoo led by a keeper. Everyone - kids and adults - learned a lot about animals during the night.

Then we went into the indoor area where we would spend the night. They let us all pet the animals that live in the educational building. One of these was a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. Erick and Sophia took advantage of that, but I did not. Gross.

Pretty much everyone's favorite part of the evening was the night walk. We headed out way past dark, armed with only flashlights. It was great to see the animals at a time when they were comfortable and expecting only the familiar keepers. The big cats, especially, were much closer and more comfortable than they are during the day. The male and female lions were spooning while they slept. It was so sweet! The whole night walk was lots of fun.

We got a relatively good night of sleep. I think Erick and I were tired enough to sleep about anywhere. And the floor of a conference room definitely qualifies as anywhere. We were all a little sleepy when they woke us up the next day. Then we set out on one more walk before the zoo opened. The morning was cool and drizzly. That was a pleasant surprise.

The experience was one that we'll always remember. It's something we'll definitely consider doing again, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with kids. I'll post pictures of our new place once I get everything at least a little more where I want it. We are getting settled in nicely. I love this place. Can't wait for you to see it!

Zootastic

Last Sunday, the three of us had the most fantastic day at the zoo. We walked from our apartment. And it was a lovely day for a trek through the woods. Sophia so enjoyed leading us down the path. With gusto. Once we got into the zoo, we just wandered aimlessly. Ate and watched animals. If we felt like resting, we rested. If we felt like skipping an exhibit or spending an extra long time somewhere, we did it. We just allowed ourselves all the freedom in the world. Normally it's too hot or threatening rain or we have other plans in the day to work in. Not on this day. We even rode the train just for the sake of the ride and the rest. It was our favorite kind of day together. And a great way to start our celebration of ten years of marriage.

Best Day Ever

That was what Sophia called our day today. She followed that up with, "Well, maybe not the very best, but it was a really really good day!" It's the middle of Sophia's Spring Break, so I was glad to hear that she's having fun.

Our morning was spent hanging out and completely relaxing with TV, books and the like. Then we got serious about the fun. We met our friends (and thousands of strangers) at the zoo. Look how much fun we had. Have I mentioned that Maurice finds Sophia hilarious? She loves that about him.

 

After they left, Sophia danced. Because she must, I suppose.

 

Then she posed.

 

We had worked up a sweat, and I noticed that Sophia was in a mood to climb around. So we headed down to the World's Fair Pavilion and fountains. Sophia got wet and climbed all over.

 

It was a great day. A few more days of break to go. Let's see if they can live up to the hype...

Sophia

 

It is relatively easy to catch Sophia in a pose, but this is definitely my favorite pose in a while. We went to the zoo yesterday with a couple of Sophia's friends. Instead of looking at animals, Sophia and her friends just found different spots around the zoo to stop and pretend and perform.

These girls are also natural performers, so they had a lot of fun together. And we had a blast watching them make the zoo their stage.

Autumnal Fun

I guess I'm determined to get my money's worth out of this year's costume because Sophia donned it once again for another trip to the zoo. Grandmary came to visit this weekend, so we all headed back to the zoo for Spooky Saturday. More crafts and treats and such. The animals were supposedly out, but we didn't see them. We did however, ride the train and Sophia and Mary took a trip on the carousel.

 

We are accustomed to being out-fancied by Sophia, so we weren't surprised when she strutted out of her room this morning ready to go to breakfast - like this.

 

After breakfast, we went to the St. Louis Art Museum because Monet's three huge Waterlillies paintings are there in a special exhibit together. They are here until January 22nd, and I highly recommend making the trip if it fits into your schedule. Admission is $10 for adults. But if you can make it on a Friday, admission is free for everyone! I imagine we might make another visit on a Friday before they leave.

The chill of fall is rolling in this afternoon, and we enjoyed the view in Forest Park, where the trees are still beautiful shades of red and gold.

 

A lovely fall weekend in St. Louis.

Princess

 

Tonight we kicked off the beginning of our Halloween festivities. We went to the St. Louis Zoo at night for Boo at the Zoo. Animals, characters, lights and activities at night. A great time all around.

Halloween - This is the one time of year that Sophia's wardrobe gets to match the rest of her.