I had such a fun time with these 2, and I can’t wait for their wedding next year. Hope you guys like them!
Tag Archives: Missouri
Sorry, I’ve been a horrible blogger lately, but that’s because we’ve moved! Finally! We couldn’t be more excited to be progressing in our new lives in the Show Me State! We’ve been super busy, but here is a shot of Aidan and one of Dan. We were on the deck enjoying the evening thunderstorm.
I’m not sure how I forgot this one when I posted pics from our trip to the lake the other day, especially since it was one of my favorites!
Oh, and I suppose I should warn everyone I will not be posting many pictures because my favorite camera and lens are being repaired – thanks to the little Aidan who shoved it off my desk.
Ok, that’s not from me, that’s from Aidan. That was part of the deal when I became pregnant. Dan got the football team, while I got the baseball team. So here’s Aidan getting drenched in his little Redskin’s jersey, which was a wonderful Christmas present from his awesome Aunt Rachel. (I can’t believe it still fits him!) Dan, Aidan and I recently headed out to Creve Coeur Lake/Park. It was the first time for both of them, and they loved it – especially because they practiced skipping rocks in the lake. That’s one of their favorite things in the world to do – and it’s the only time Aidan is calm and peaceful.
Little did we know when we took him to the park there would be a water fountain. Who were we to deny our little water lover a walk through the water? He loved it! Imagine that (I say laced with sarcasm). The only downside, he had to ride back to Aunt Michelle’s house in just a diaper. That’s one of those things we said we’d NEVER do. Be one of those parents. I guess you should never say never. But Aidan had a blast, and that’s all that matters…
Yikes. I can’t believe my “baby” is 19 months old. Time is truly flying by, and he’s constantly learning and growing – both mentally and physically. We have a checkup on Thursday with the pediatrician, but I’d have to estimate his weight at about 32 pounds or so. He’s a very sturdy little boy! He has started climbing out of the crib. He’s done it twice. A big boy bed is now in the works. He is sooo tall. He is reaching things I had no idea he could – and that’s DEFINITELY not a good thing. It’s nearly impossible to “Aidan proof” things now. Just have to watch him like a hawk every.single.second.
Here are a few images from a little mini-session with my guy.
And here he is doing his very favorite thing in the world: throwing rocks into water. It’s the only time he’s calm.
If I had one word to describe my son, that’s probably the word I would pick. He’s fearless, always exploring, and loves to get everywhere quickly. So here’s a simple shot of him on an adventure in the woods. He loved walking on this log…
She recently celebrated her 75th, so we all headed down to my grandparent’s farm to celebrate. Happy BDay to a fabulous woman! Love you, Grandma.
Warning: There are a bazillion photos from our day. Thanks for looking!
And after a long, hard day of activity, this was the end. He gave up. Sat down. Then just laid down. Poor tired Aidan. How many times have I seen him stop like that? Maybe 3. Usually he is GO – GO – GO. No time for a rest. I was shocked!
She’s a new homeowner. She recently bought a GORGEOUS new condo, and we all just love it – especially the deck. It’s enormous, and Aidan loves to run back + forth out there. We’re very excited for Nana. (And no, we don’t normally let Aidan run around in a t-shirt and a diaper. He was just dying to play in the water!)
In Aidan news, he finally jumped with both feet! He’s been trying sooo hard at The Little Gym to get it right, but it’s always just been a little hop. The other day, we were at my mom’s new place, and he was dancing to the music. I asked if he could show Nana how he jumps, and he did it! Everybody was clapping for him, and he was so proud of himself. I love that kid.
Ok, so I’m a little late posting the final 5 of my list, but here they are. And stay tuned, I have many, many Aidan photos to post later. # 6 Cahokia Mounds
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.
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Aidan, Dan and I went to Forest Park the other day, and we had a great time on Art Hill.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
On Friday night, I was lucky enough to participate in my first Trash the Dress session, which was organized by the very talented and nice Michelle Ross of Under Grace Photography. The beautiful Beth Berry (who is also a photographer) was our model, and she did a fabulous job. It was a blast meeting other St. Louis wedding photographers and trying out a new aspect of photography.
