The Gateway City

I will start off this post by saying I just love my life. Yes there are days that I just grip and complain and find myself shedding a few tears but I just overall enjoy who I am. I love being a mommy, wife and crafty woman... I love to cook, clean (if I can ever find the time) and much much more! I am so blessed with a great husband who supports me at every turn and a daughter that just brings so much joy to my life! Thank you Lord for all that you do in making me, ME!

We headed to St. Louis (The Gateway City) for a small vacation. Ryan had a conference and we joined in on the trip! I can't tell you how much I love St. Louis! My sweet aunt used to live there and I remembered getting on a plane all by myself for a long weekend of A LOT OF FUN! I just love memories and that is one of my goals as a mom, to provide Lola (and any other children I might have) with memories to take with them throughout life. So silly you might think but I wouldn't appreciate where I am today if memories didn't come along side the ride! My aunt has given me so many memories I will never forget!

After a long day in the car we stopped for dinner at Pappy's. All I can say is YUMMY! It was awesome. They sold their last rack of ribs to the person right before us my mother in law was so sad... This place was so busy it just blew me away. We had the opportunity to talk to one of the owners, he was so nice. I don't recall the last place I went to that someone took their time out to talk and just enjoy our company. If you are ever in the St. Louis you must check this place out!

We then headed to our hotel. I don't think we brought enough stuff for 3 days. haha

We got up on Tuesday and spent most of the day at The Magic House. Lola enjoyed herself while playing with the sand, making music, and just being able to run around!
If you have kiddos, this is a must do too!

They even have a little cafe there in the museum that serves your lunch in a picnic basket!

That evening we headed to "The Hill" for some tasty authentic St Louis food, Italian. I don't even know where to begin my story about this "top of the line" restaurant. I mean you would have thought when I called to make reservations and the reservation included 1 high chair they would have volunteered the information that this restaurant was in no means child friendly. Since they didn't say anything we thought we would just give it a go. The restaurant guide gave it their high recommendation and we were on a vacation so to speak! We get their to find and should have taken the obvious hints (such as the lights dim, very soft music playing, Oprah's signed picture on the wall along with Al Gore, President Bush and a few others I can't remember, and the waiter dressed in a Tux) to turn around, but we proceed to a table. Again they still had the opportunity to tell us this was a 4 diamond elegant restaurant and we were #1under dressed and #2 had a child, but no they seated us at our table, placed the ironed folded napkin in our lap, filled our water glass and never let run a drink low, and removed the unnecessary dishes from the table. I just felt so silly the whole time. I was a nervous wreck with the thought of Lola squealing out for a fork to bang on the table or to bother the man at the other table who was dressed for the occasion and appropriate for this nice place. All in all the dinner went well and I was so glad for it to be over!!! I will admit the food was beyond good!!!

Wednesday we headed out to check out St. Louis City Museum. This place rocked my pants off! If I hadn't been with my mother in law and child I do believe I would have played my little heart out! This museum was amazing and I have no other words to describe the creativity this building held. Lola was a bit hesitant at first but she warmed up quickly and was off exploring everything! This is another place to check out if you have kids and are heading out to St. Louis! This place let kids use their imagination and explore instead of sitting in front of a computer or Nintendo game. Lola had a great time and took a LONG nap on the way home!

I can't wait to go back to The Gateway City! I just hope it is a little warmer and we can go and do all the FREE things St. Louis has to offer!