We try to visit a beach every summer...it is always the highlight of my year. Due to the oil in the Gulf this year, we had to change plans and decided to do a few small vacations instead. A couple of weeks ago, we went to St. Louis with the girls. We started at the zoo. Am I wrong, or is this the obligatory family picture spot??? I think most of the families that live within two hours of this zoo have at lease one of these shots in their album...many of which, like us, have the same shot from many different years. It is right inside the entrance, so it is nice to get a shot before everyone gets sweaty.
Our good friends have a baby coming soon, but the doctor gave permission for one last little trip before she arrives. We were happy they could come along!
One of our first stops was the Children's Zoo. The girls love to brush the goats.
Ashlen likes to get to know her goats before she brushes them...
In one area, a lady walked around asking everyone "Would you like to pet my lizard?" and "Have you had a chance to pet my lizard yet?". Needless to say, our husbands took this with the mentality of junior high boys and thought it was hilarious.
To top it off, Jason let me carry the big camera bag all day until he caught a glimpse of this action. He couldn't get his hands on the camera fast enough. I know ladies, this husband of mine is quite the catch.
We spent the next day relaxing at the hotel so the kids could enjoy the pool. We all know that no matter how many awesome things you do on a vacation, the favorite with the kids is always the hotel pool. On the last day, we went to Six Flags. My girls are pretty timid, so I was curious to see what they would ride.
Isabel's favorite ride, by far, was the Tony Hawk roller coaster. It was definitely an adult ride, but she loved it!
She was brave enough to try the Screaming Eagle! This is a picture of her right after the ride...you can see that she is slightly less enthusiastic about this ride.
I was worried when Ashlen said "My favorite ride is Daddy!!!". But, she did find a few things she liked to ride.
Her favorite ended up being the kid's version of the Superman Ride. They go up into the air and fall back down...she said it made her tummy tickle! I would estimate that she rode this about 35 times. Lucky for her it was a cool and overcast day, so there were no lines at any of the rides!
My favorite part is always the Turkey Legs! I know they are soooo gross to eat, but they are also soooo delicious! I would gladly get in my car and drive 2 hours for one right now.
The last two pictures do an excellent job of summing up how we all felt at the end of the day...
I love the determination and concentration in her face in this one:
For her last day of preschool (sniff, sniff), they had a Garden Party. She was very worried that proper ettiquette required one to wear gloves to a Garden Party, but I would not allow her to wear her winter mittens to the party, so she settled for a hat and a pretty dress alone.
The following Monday, they had their picnic and songs for the parents. It was HOT that day...you can just see it in the faces of the kiddos.
Finally, our summer break officially began. Isabel had a little trouble letting go of the routine of school. For the first few days, she only wanted to do her math workbook (she was very concerned that they didn't finish the entire workbook this year and she was determined to get it done before 2nd grade started).
Ashlen and I, on the other hand, had very little trouble settling into the new summer routine:
I have a big garage sale every year and this year I decided to let the girls do a lemonade stand. They did very well and I have a feeling they are going to be requesting this activity often this summer. Isabel had been working on money in school, so it was great practice for her.
Then, Daddy found a baby bunny and managed to catch it for the girls to see...they named it Hopper O'Hare. They played with it for a bit, then we set it free to find its momma. Now, with every bunny that comes into our yard, we hear 'Look! Hopper came to say Hello!'. Best of luck to you, Hopper!
We had planned a trip to Gulf Shores this summer, but with the oil situation, we decided to do a few small trips instead. Last weekend we went to St. Louis with the girls. We did the zoo, lots of hotel swimming, and Six Flags. I will put the pictures on soon! 
Posts
