St Louis

I decided to make one more trip to St. Louis with the kids before summer was over.  Eric couldn't miss work, so I drove and met Marita and Newel half way.  Marita got in the car with us, and Blake drove the rest of the way with Newel.  It made the drive so much easier.

We went to parks, worked outside, swam every day, went to Chuckee Cheese, and to the zoo.  Blake was excited to see penguins since he studied them in first grade.  Newel took Blake on his first fishing trip and they even caught something.  

11th Anniversary

Eric and I enjoyed a date of Jimmy Johns, Cabanas ice cream, and watching the sunset in St. Joseph.

Jelly Belly Factory

After the tour, the kids spun the wheel and then were given an unknown jelly belly.  It could be good or gross.  Blake tried his but was unlucky with "barf" each time.  Janie ate hers and earned some prizes.  Ty ate whatever was given to him no problem until his last turn.  He was given either licorice or skunk spray.

Six Flags

Our friends have a membership to Six Flags in Chicago and a few times during the summer they are able to bring a friend for free.  They were nice enough to choose us!  They even shared their meal plan park food with us.  Our kids had never been to an amusement park and it was a joy to watch them experience it.  This was one of my favorite days of this summer.  

One of the first rides we tried was the Log Ride.  Everyone went on it, even Chet.  Once we all were in a log, I knew it was a bad idea and afterwards everyone was crying but Blake.  Ty will still talk about how he did not like that boat ride.  Chet was in the stroller for most of the day.  He was happy the whole time and never even took a nap.  Thanks Parkers!