Family Vacation 2012 Part 1

For our vacation this year we went to Trout Lodge, about 90 minutes outside of St. Louis.  We chose this location for several reasons. One reason was that the boys really wanted to go fishing and camping this summer.  Although we didn't really camp out, we stayed in a lodge, which fulfilled the camping requirement on our summer list.  (The list has been modified a couple time now.  Marshmallows, camping, fishing, and mini-golf have been added.)  The other reason is that it is close to St. Louis.  Since we were going to be very active on this vacation, and outside a lot, I was worried about Gwyn.  I didn't want her in the sun and heat all day, but I didn't want to miss out on things with the boys.  Downtown Grandma (my mom) saved the day.  She kept Gwyn from Friday until Sunday, when the two of them joined us for the last night.  (Don't even start to feel sorry for Gwyn.  She loved every minute of her time downtown!)

 

View of Sunnen Lake from our room.

As Kevin and I were bringing things into the room, both boys completely unpacked and put their things away in the dresser. It was pretty cute. Afterwards we walked around to explore.  Kevin discovered putt putt, and vowed to play it every day were we there.  He also informed us that putt putt (or as he calls it - mini golf) needs to be at every vacation from now on.  Before dinner we took a pontoon tour of the lake.  That evening there was also a bonfire (with s'mores).  There were a few silly songs, which Kevin got up to dance with.  He was really having fun!  Colin had fun too, but he had it sitting down.

 

The next morning the boys went for rides on a horse.  They even got hats (which the wore pretty much the rest of the vacation).  Colin loved the horse ride, but Kevin did not want to ride at all.  He was brave enough to get on the horse.  After that, they both met a miniature horse named cupcake.  It was shorter than the boys.

 

 

 

Sea Lion Opening

We are members at the Saint Louis Zoo and got a sneak peek at the new sea lion exhibit that opens this Saturday.  It was a family event, so we brought all the kids.  The boys were very excited!  We started off with dinner at the zoo.  Even though the zoo was closed the crowd was huge.  People were very excited to see the new sea lion home.  Luckily, it wasn't terribly hot, and the were huge fans in the new arena.

Hopefully it won't be too hot so the Kerr's want to see our zoo!

You can see the new underwater tunnel from the outside wall.

Going into the underwater tunnel.

Kevin was fascinated with all the rainbows.

The new stage for the sea lion show.

It even as a slide!

This is the face I get when I happen to take his picture...

...and then I asked for a smile.

Yearly Picture

Each year, as close to our anniversary as possible since, I try to get two pictures.  One of the family and one of just Kevin and me.  My intention is to make an album for these pictures, and each page represents a year. Here are this year's pictures.

2011

2010

2008

Watering the Lawn

Here is what happens when Kevin waters the lawn.  I am in clothes since I was bringing Gwyn out, but she didn't like the sprinkles.  Then I just started playing with the boys.

Best Seat In The House

Zoo Trip With Aunt Betsy

We went to the zoo this week with Aunt Betsy.  (She is Kevin's aunt, and the kids' great aunt.)  We all had so much fun, and Aunt Betsy knew about every animal the boys asked about!  The zoo isn't on the summer list of things to do, probably because we go all the time.  As of now, there are only 4 tings left on the list!  Woo hoo!  I am determined not to have a long list of things to do in July, since I want everything done.

Here are some pictures from the zoo!

This Flight Cage was built for the 1904 World's Fair.  It is older than the zoo itself.

What ever her brother did, Gwyn had to do.  Here she is standing on the fence, just like Colin.

On the train ride, through the tunnel, Colin could tell Gwyn was scared.  I saw him grab her leg to make her feel better.

Yea!!  The boys wanted their pictures taken!  I have about 30 pictures from the penguin and puffin exhibit.

Kevin really wanted this picture.

Colin tried to get a picture with Gwyn, but she wouldn't cooperate.

The boys were pushing the stroller, so Gwyn had to climb out and push the now-empty stroller.

Here is part of the bear pits, built in 1921, and one of the first in the world to mimic natural habitats and bot have bars.  The pits are being remodeled soon to give the bears more room and update facilities.

Gwyn's favorite part of the kitchen in the Insectarium was opening and closing the fridge.

I love this part of the Insectarium.  The wood is weaved into shaped, and the you can see the ants carrying leaves all along it