Family visits

This past week we were fortunate to have some of my family come and stay with us in hot, humid St. Louis. My brother JJ is in law school at Vermont Law School. He had a summer internship in Washington DC and a fall internship in Denver, CO. St. Louis happened to be a half-way point, so he stayed with us for 5 days. He was pretty busy finishing up some things for school and his internship, so I think he saw more of Borders than of us, but we were happy with whatever we could get!

My sister Lara and her 3 kids also came down to visit us and see JJ. The kids are Ben, 6 1/2, Grace, almost 5 and Emma, 2. What a blast we had together. My favorite part was how well the kids played together. Nolan keeps asking for Ben and Grace and wondering when we can see them.

We were pretty busy each day, but knowing me, I of course only got a few pictures.

Emma, Nolan and Ben

Grace and Parker
Ben, Nolan and Emma

The first day we went to the Whittle Train Store in Valley Park. The second day we went to the Kirkwood park, played in the sprinklers, and watched the ducks by the lake. That evening we took the kids swimming at Ted's parents. Grace even learned to swim without her life jacket!

On Saturday we all (including JJ!) got up early and went to the zoo. During the first hour, you can do some of the things that cost money for free. We did the sting ray exhibit.

It started getting pretty warm, so Lara and I took Emma and Parker home while JJ and Ted kept the 3 big kids to have lunch and ride the train. They loved it!

That afternoon, Lara and I did a little sisterly shopping. You can't have a sister trip without including a little shopping! We left our sweet, kind, clean kids with JJ and Ted. This is what happened while we were gone:

Mud baths! They told us over the phone, and Lara and I were dreading coming home to clean it all up. We really underestimated those guys. We got home to thoroughly rinsed off, dressed nicely, and ready to go kids. Thanks guys! We then took JJ to Super Smokers for his birthday dinner. The kids loved it, but no one more than Grace. She at 3 1/2 chicken legs! Go Gracie! Then we all went out for Tropical Moose. Monkey Snot was deemed the best!

With Uncle JJ

JJ had to leave Sunday morning. It was hard to say goodbye. We loved having you!

Sunday was church and then we had dinner and swimming with Ted's parents again. Nolan can now jump off the side of the pool (over his head) and swim to me in the middle. Without floaties or anything. What a super star!

Monday we spent at the Magic House. What a great place to go and explore!

Soon enough sweet ParkerPlaying checkers with random girls

Trying to be inside a bubble

Due to the health of our Grandfather, Lara and the kids had to cut their trip short. We swam at the Kirkwood pool Tuesday morning, and they left shortly after. We loved having you guys here and can't wait to see you in Minnesota soon!