Down on the Farm

This past Saturday we took a trip to Grant's Farm. It was an interesting experience - by far the highlight was feeding the baby goats! Here are some of the highlights.

Taylor's first picture - a "flattering" portrait of me!

Enjoying a snack while watching a show.

At last... the baby goats! They were SO cute!

Eric said I must post these of our "sanitizing" after the goats - for those of you who know me well...

Daddy & Taylor

Checking out the horses

A Day Without the Camera!

Why is it, when you're doing something really cool, you tend to forget the camera??  We went running this morning in one of STL's many cool parks and let Taylor out of her stroller at the end of the route to play and burn off some energy.  We stumbled upon a safety fair where, on display, were all sorts of rescue vehicles and equipment - we got to pet rescue dogs, tour a fire truck, see a bomb squad robot, explore an ambulance (which we've already seen first hand) and discover two helicopters!  We even got to see one land up-close!  All of these cool Kodak moments and we didn't bring our camera (or our phones, even... a parents trusty back-up!)  This is the end to our out-doors adventurous day... a bath in our new fire hat!  (photo courtesy of Eric's phone... even at home we can't get the camera out - sad!)

Is it Warm to Stay??

We started out the week in jackets and pants and by the end of it we're enjoying 80º weather and our new summer outfits!  I hope we have more days like today!

These two pictures are from the gardens trip we took last week (we go at least once a week).

I just love the tulips!

Today we went to the Park with our good friends Conner & Baby Evie.  The park was packed but we had a great time on a beautiful day.

Taylor & Conner on the Carousel

Taylor's Antics!

Sweet baby Evie in the swing for the first time!

More Gardens

Since we have a membership to the gardens - you'll probably be seeing a lot more floral backgrounds to our pictures.  Its the perfect place for Taylor to run free (for the most part) and for the both of us to enjoy God's beautiful creation!  Today we packed a "snack" lunch and spent the afternoon exploring some of the parts we've not yet been to.  We had an interesting time - Taylor managed to stick her foot (shoe and all) into the Japanese garden's flowing river and to disturb the groomed gravel garden with a tiny footprint!  Aside from a little mischief, we had an uneventful afternoon.  Assuming Taylor doesn't get permanently banned, we'll be back again soon.  We love visiting!!

A Rainy Day...

After a beautiful week of sunny weather - the rain came just in time for the weekend!  Taylor took the opportunity to don her rain coat and boots for our outings this afternoon.  Also, this humid weather made her curls spring to life again after being cut off at her last hair cut.  I was afraid they were gone forever - I was glad to see them again!  

Missouri Gardens

I purchased a membership to the Meijer Gardens last time we were in GR (since we practically live there 1/3 of the time!)  Happy accident - our MG membership gets us into the Missouri Botanical Gardens FREE!  Yay!  So, Taylor and I bundled up a bit and went to check it out this afternoon.  Happy accident #2 - the children's garden is free on Tuesdays!  Am I lucky, or what!  :-)  Would have been a completely free excursion except, on the way to the gardens, Taylor informed me - in song - that she had to potty.  I was so excited, I whipped off the interstate and found the nearest place that looked acceptable to take her.  It just happened to be Dairy Queen... we got ice cream!  Here are some pictures of our "almost" free trip to MBG!

No, there is nothing infesting the water - they dyed the fountain orange!

Hoppy Easter

We made bunny ears this morning - a fun indoor craft activity - since it was soooo cold and snowing today!  More fun planned for later in the week!

A Saturday in St Louis

Saturday we packed a picnic lunch and headed to the park for a picnic and a trip to the zoo.  I love the St Louis zoo - its free and is the best zoo in the country!  We had a nice, quiet lunch - but the zoo was packed (of course it was - it was the first really nice weekend we've had!)

Our Lunch - and a PBJ Kiss!  Yuck!

The soccer ball makes a nice seat... Look mommy, flowers!

"Goal!"

We decided this bird looks like Gramps...  

Long-legged, knobby-kneed, and a bit frumpy!  (Ha!!)  Love you Gramps!!

Discovering Feathers

Taylor was concerned the camel was going to spit on us... she scolded him and told him he better not!

A ride to the exit!

One last splash in the water at the entrance before leaving!

Sharing Something Personal

Many of you know my story, and some don't... suffice it to say, I've dealt with some issues in my past that lead me down the same road so many find themselves traveling today.  I'm blessed to say that God's grace lifted me out of the pit, and I'm healed today because of it.  I just wanted to share a couple of resources for anyone dealing with/struggling to watch a loved one deal with an eating disorder.  I know so many who've struggled and some who are trapped by this even today... I hope I can help others to see there is hope!