April and May Happenings

The weather in St. Louis has been crazy this spring.  This dark cloud brought hail. 

Joe and Kristin were kind enough to give Karl and I an afternoon/evening of free babysitting.  We decided to head out West for a hike of the Lewis/Clark trail. 

We had intended to take the Clark trail but we missed the turn off and ended up on the Lewis trail.  We kept a positive attitude despite waiting until 7:30 to eat our dinner.

We decided to venture out to the Butterfly House on a rainy Saturday in April. 

Faust Park carousel. It was fun, but the kiddos all decided they liked the zoo carousel better.

 Last day of Kindergarten for Annika. . .

Last day of car pool with Jonathan, Noah, and Mrs. Hyatt.

Batter Up!

Ever since watching the Cardinals last summer Annika has wanted to play tee ball.  Unforunately, the weather prevented her from playing half her games but she still had a ton of fun.

Daddy and Sami are sending Annika home. 

Aren't they cute?

Daddy's advice to Annika, "swing as hard as you can."

Annika followed Daddy's advice and hit it hard - can you find the ball?

Looking for the steal sign. . .

Look at that ready position?!

Action shot . . .Annika FIRES the ball to first base. 

Mommy, why are you making me turn towards the camera in the middle of the game? 

After-game snacks are always a highlight.

The game field was right next to a playground.  When not coaching 3rd base, Audrey and Sami enjoyed climbing and playing. 

Yes, they still need to work on that sharing thing. . .

Visit from Steve, Cathy, Sarah, and Will

Our California cousins came to visit for the first time and we had lots of fun.  Our first stop was the Garden on a humid 90 degree day in April. 

The King and Queens on the throne.

Tulip time - my favorite time at the Garden.

Kids (and adults!) never grow tired of the sheep. 

It's good to see that 10 year old cousin Sarah still enjoys dress up. 

The cousins are finally old enough to all sleep in the same room!  yeah!

Karl's toy boat had an impressive debut on our pond. . .until Steve took it up the duck ramp in the middle of the pond and flipped it.  We waited about 20 minutes (about the time it took Karl to go home and put on his swim trunks) for it to blow to shore. 

Steve's physical therapy (due to a skiing accident), courtesy of the Swiffer. 

Everybody loves Auntie Cathy!

Hanging out on the scales while waiting to go up the arch. 

At the top!

This photo was taken seconds before group panic set in and all the kids wanted to go down, "now!"

The cages are locked and loaded to go up the arch. 

Like mother, like son.  Can you see the family resemblance?

It was much colder on our day at the arch.  The saying goes if you don't like the weather in the spring in St. Louis, just wait a day. 

Enjoying malts at Crown Candy Kitchen. 

Anyone else want me to finish theirs off? 

A trip to St. Louis isn't complete w/o a visit to the zoo.

Will was very excited to see a rhino. 

In Sarah's words, "the City Museum is AWESOME!"

Sunset just before our walk around the fountains at Forest Park. 

Love the hands in the pockets. . .makes them look so grown up!

Hangin' with cousins is the best.

The "kids table." 

Thanks for the visit!  We love you!