girls weekend in st. louis!

It was so good to have a weekend away in St. Louis! Zara and I went with my sister and nieces. & my nieces are so very kind, helpful and hilarious. They constantly joked about a few youtube videos and shared them with me so I could understand. I love them so. This was a weekend full of laughing, playing & walking! Here are some highlights from our time together::

We all love botanical gardens and spent half a day at the Missouri Botanical Garden. I think we got to see everything except the koi pond because Z became very cranky::

The Linnean House was my favorite part::

This plant only grow two leaves and can keep them for its lifespan which can be 1,500 years! ::

We loved the gardens! They even gave the kids a plant of their own to take home.

We also visited the St. Louis Science Center::

Z was terrified of the dinosaur, she left a lot of space between as she ran past it.
Side note- she calls elephants 'dinosaurs'.::

& dinner at Pappy's BBQ with Fitz root beer::

The City Museum is something else. Zara was a bit scared of climbing but I forced her down some slides and she liked them but would rather sit down and play with her hands at this stage. When I took her to the car after playing she was asleep in less than 60 seconds.

In a world where kid spaces are filled with waivers, rules and chaperones, it is really refreshing to visit a place that celebrates risk and exploration. It's rough, dangerous and it is a labor of creative passion at every corner. You can tell why the original name was 'Museum of things that can kill you'::

Gateway Arch National Park! ::

Views from the top::

& Pi Pzza::

We will be back to St. Louis! We missed a good crepe place and want to come back again for the City Museum. Can't wait!

life lately in the summer.

 We have stayed around Louisville so far this summer doing great things like:
working on our home (especially outside). many zoo visits. playing with our neighbor. taking care of our new- ish fish, "goo goo purple". a visit with my mom, sister, nephew and niece at shaker village. lots of family dance parties at home. playing outside. fresh summer season cooking. first time ever at ruth's chris with my dad (& we took zara. slime saved the day!) catching fireflies. ice cream! discovering a little swimmer in Z. wearing lots of summer dresses. we had a Better Block event near our home. aquarium visits. rainy day hygge. audio book listening. hanging out with friends and animals. library visits. NOT long distance running. & lots of World Cup watching (but we are super sad Germany is out so early!)

the hottest july 4th. ever.

I was so excited for my family to come to my house for July 4th. We had a lot of fun, but I hate that it was so hot and humid. After playing at my house all day, we spent our evening at the Louisville waterfront. There was no escaping the heat or all of the teenagers. But we were in it together. & the fireworks were stunning. I am so thankful for a July 4th with my family!


In honor of the 4th, I made this cake. The fruit moved during the baking process, but I still love it::

Dying! ::

Food truck food::

Zara riding a "neigh" ::

Everyone became desperate to escape the heat! ::

My nieces are so great with Zara. They always help me with her and play with her. Such generous little ladies::

Zara was the best. She ran around saying "fireworks! fireworks! I love fireworks!"