St Louis Zoo

Last weekend the Lewis' headed out for a trip the St. Louis Zoo - despite the forecast of thunderstorms. In fact nearly the entire drive there it was storming & pouring rain with no sign of relenting....until just outside of St. Louis, and even then only a faint break in clouds. But as it usually does, the weather realized the Lewis' were in town and wanting some decent weather....and it was. Still a bit muggy, but tolerable with the breeze and party cloudy-ness. With the numerous pictures, here's a slide show:

St Louis Zoo - free slideshow maker

Everyone behaved quite well. J slept most of the time and E was happy until she finally crashed for the last hour. Which is when B decided he didn't want to walk anymore and whined....until the next cool animal was reached and he would be fine again. Sharks & stingrays were on exhibit. Packed a lunch to enjoy in the zoo. The carousel was a bit hit for everyone, except daddy who got a bit sick after the 4th time (kids rode it a lot!). And the train ride was a hit too! Not to mention all the animals they got to see! A great Saturday for the Lewis'!

Eagle Day!

Dickson Mounds Museum near Havana, IL hosted an Eagle Day that the Lewis' attended with the Snider family from the branch. Besides having fun with their friends, there was much excitement with the Eagles (& other birds) too!
lots of fun little crafts & activities for the kids to do
E sporting her new eagle hat - A made a falcon one
the guest owl in the "show" - there was also a falcon, vulture, hawk &......
the guest eagle - showing off her wings
Then to the riverfront in Havana to see the bald eagles - can you see them? Yep, those are all bald eagles on the other river bank!

using binoculars to find them

Family Fun Day

The Lewis' decided to return again this year to the Family Fun Event. Lots of fun to be had by the little ones!
flying down!

make way!
E loves her gloves - so much to ask to wear them indoors!

Georgia Warmth & Grandparents

Grandma & Grandpa Lewis came to visit the Lewis' then we all headed down to the other Lewis' for Thanksgiving. First came Grandpa's birthday, which the Lewis children were more than happy to join in the celebration and opening presents. Grandpa needed the help anyway, right? He had spend the day laboring for Bauxko.



Then a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with all the Lewis' - couldn't have had it any better! A, B & E all loved their cousins!



E getting her fill of ice cream and staying up late!

Grandpa continued to labor with T while Grandma got some nice quality snuggle time!

Meet us in St Louis!

(view from the hotel room)
And don't bring the kids! T & J actually did it! They left town without kids and didn't come back the same day! Thanks to G-ma Powell, A Jennie & Sharly. Don't think it was an easy feat. With some last minute coordination with G-ma they booked the hotel....then came the broken bones & ER visit. Then just before the arrival of relief B had an ear infection + and the day of the arrival E had a fever of 102 that had been going for a day+. Add to that A Jennie taking a spill before coming and needing 8 stitches = G-ma had her hands full! But loved it all the same - how could she not? And most importantly T & J loved the time away!


A visit to Cahokia mounds....amazing
view from the top of the mound to St. Louis
Enjoying the grounds at Forest Park in front of the Art Museum - beautiful weather! High of 84!
World Fair Grounds
Night tour under the arch, gazing at stars & viewing the moon & Jupiter through telescopes
And the temple!

Best part about it = free! Okay, so you have to eat, but they agree that St Louis was a great destination given the shrinking budget! Thanks again G-ma Powell! Maybe in another 5 years they'll attempt it again?....