Stay tuned for Diane + Josh’s day-after session, coming up TOMORROW!

John + Heleena were also brave enough to watch the little man by themselves for nearly an entire day while Dan + I were shooting a wedding. They’re probably still recovering because Aidan has a crazy amount of energy. Everybody claims he is the most energetic child they’ve ever met. Luckily I don’t know any better. I just know him. And he does keep everyone on their toes. Anyway, I think it was a good bonding experience for all of them.

Thanks for a fabulous visit you guys. I have more photos to post, but here’s just one for now. Miss you!

Not sure what this look was for – we were riding the train!

Aidan wondering if he should touch the little creatures.

Ok, I’ll just feed them myself, Dad.

Ba Ba?!

One of Aidan’s favorites – horses! “Hor Hor”

I know he’s thinking – “Mom, what the heck is that thing and why is it looking at me!?”

Mmmm. Who doesn’t love Dippin Dots?

Various Dippin Dots colors running down the little guy’s chin.

Elephants kissing?!

“Bir Bir!”

Please bite someone else.

And, as much as Aidan adores horses, we couldn’t let Aidan leave without his very own Clydesdale. He’s already sleeping with the thing, and he gives it kisses all the time.

Here’s a little sneak preview for his mom and dad. I had a great time catching up, you guys!

His mom would ask him how old he was, and he would hold up his one little finger – too cute!

ancient Native American city near Collinsville, IL. It is home to many giant man-made mounds. If you’re up for a good workout, try running up the steps leading to Monk Mound. That should burn a few bazillion calories. Admission is free of charge, though they do accept donations.

# 7 Soulard Farmer’s Market
Soulard is by far one of the best neighborhoods in the city, and it is home to one of the best farmer’s market around. Definitely check it out. Wish we lived closer so we could go more often. It is open Wednesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

# 8 Cecil Whittaker’s Pizza
If you haven’t tasted this pizza, you are completely and totally missing out. I’m not even normally a fan of thin-crust pizza, but Cecil Whittaker’s is in a league of it’s own. And I think it’s because of the cheeze. It’s oohy, gooey goodness that just melts in your mouth. They have plenty of locations in the St. Louis metro area, but my favorite location is in the Central West End, but I guess that’s just because it’s my favorite neighborhood in the city. Go get some pizza now!

# 9 Kangaroo Kids
If you are a mom, you will love this store. It’s my favorite place for all things child-related. It’s not just a resale and maternity support center. They have lactation consultant, nursing mother’s group, a great selection of new strollers (and the newest jogging strollers around), a play area and a coffee shop. It’s just brilliant to have everything in one location – super convenient.

# 10 Blueberry Hill If you’re looking for a quirky place for dinner, this is it. Blueberry Hill is located in University City on the Loop. It’s filled with hundreds of pieces of pop culture memorabilia, and live music is a huge factor in it’s popularity. You may even see legendary St. Louisan Chuck Berry while you’re there. While you’re waiting for a table, or after your meal, you can play darts, video games and pinball. I’d say Blueberry Hill is a must if you’re visiting the Lou.
Excerpt

I was born and (for the most part) raised in Missouri, and I love St. Louis – the city. I thought I would use a recent family trip to the city as an inspiration for my top 10 list of favorite things to see in St. Louis. If you’re a Missourian, you should check them out. If you’re not – well, then you need to come for a visit! Today I will list five for you to check out. Check back tomorrow for the rest!

Here they are, in no particular order…

#1 The Jewel Box

I adore the Jewel Box not only because it is home to hundreds of amazing flowers, but because my husband and I were married there. Admission is just a buck, and you really can’t beat that. They have various shows throughout the year, and you can plan special events there, too. Of course, it’s perfect for weddings and receptions as well.

#2 Missouri Botanical Gardens

The MO Botanical Gardens are another great place to take the family. They have plenty of events happening this summer, such as the Niki in the Garden exhibit. My sister Tanya and I took Aidan there a few months ago, and we had so much fun. They even have a little maze for children. And yes, it’s another fabulous wedding location.

#3 Coffee Cartel

Located in the Central West End (my absolutely favorite neighborhood in the city), this 24-hour coffee shop may not make a great wedding location, but it’s perfect for just about anything else! They have life music every Thursday, free Wi-Fi for customers, and they make a mean iced chai latte. Mmmmmm.

#4 The Katy Trail

My husband, Dan, and I are really into running. I guess the Army made us that way. But the fact is that we really enjoy it, so we often spend our mornings by putting Aidan in his jogging stroller and going for a little run. (We actually been crazy enough to contemplate running a 1/2 marathon sometime in the spring, but more on that later.) The trail is 225 miles long and stretches across the state. We usually just run a few miles near Old Town St. Charles, but we’re planning to rent some bikes out in Matson and spend the day out there.

#5 Grant’s Farm

With the whole Anheuseur-Busch drama, who knows how long Grant’s Farm will be around, but it’s the perfect place to take children. I have many fond memories of going with my mom when I was a child. I still haven’t taken Aidan there, but it’s on my to-do list for the summer. Admission is free, and there are so many fun things to do. My favorite was always feeding the baby goats from a bottle. The little ones always get a kick out of that.