We celebrated the Fourth of July weekend with family in St. Louis - a spot we picked so that everyone had to drive the same 4 or 5 hours! When we started planning in the spring, we chose a downtown hotel convenient to the arch and the fireworks on the Mississippi River. Due to construction and St. Louis's 250th birthday, the Fair St. Louis was moved to Forest Park further inland. It wasn't walking distance anymore, but it was still easy enough to get to. We went on the 3rd when we all got to town, since we assumed it would be less busy than the 4th (it was) and because there was an awesome concert line up (Thompson Square and The Band Perry) all free! Unfortunately, we didn't get on the road early enough to make the concerts, but we did enjoy the fireworks!
After the Shields Family slept in on the 4th, we met up with the Schweers and Lohrmans at City Museum. Oh my goodness; this was everything I hoped it would be and more! We had a blast. The six adults to three five-year olds ratio was perfect. These climbing structures are not for the faint of heart - or the nervous parent. It's pretty much impossible to keep an eye - much less a hand - on your child as they go off exploring. But, there was usually a parent, aunt or uncle that had a visual on each kid. Usually. . . .
Will and I rode this big slide together. Jason (in the red hat) rode a little later on his own, while Will was climbing up for a third ride on the white tube slide above this slide.
Indoors pictures were hard to get as well. There was plenty of climbing, slipping and sliding to be done in a room straight out of a skateboard park.
New five-year olds Will and Lexi had no trouble conquering the City Museum's obstacles!
After all that playing, what better way to make the nearly mile walk home to the hotel: on top of daddy's shoulders! That last about two picture perfect blocks before various kids wanted down to walk themselves or have a mommy hold them. Tired, sweaty kids are extra heavy!
We enjoyed some time at the pool; cupcakes for Lily's 6th birthday; and dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory before retiring back to our rooms to watch fireworks out the window. At one point we could see three sets of fireworks shows (plus the ones on TV)! It was a fantastic weekend with family, and we're so thankful for all those who could make it!
