The Littles do Gymnastics

Today was their first day of gymnastics at "the little gym"

The pre-k class involved both their ages, so they got to take it together.

Poor Ben was the only boy, although he did not seem to mind.

They did so beautifully

pushing through the excitement

listening well and following directions

They looked so cute doing it too!!!

Can you see my baby girl in this picture?

Bless her heart she is there

Big brother is a bit overzealous

Mimi and Papa visit

The kids got another surprise this weekend.

A visit from Mimi and Papa!

We had big plans to go to Grant's Farm on Saturday

and when we arrived, it was closed to the public.

The kids handled it like troopers

and we were off to option #2.

Although we had been to Botanical Gardens on Tuesday, the kids were up for showing off such a great place to Mimi and Papa and Dad-O. 

I realized very quickly that we had made a very small dent in the place on our first visit and we had plenty of new adventures to share with those who were visiting for the first time.

including a pond full of fish the size of submarines, a garden maze with a lookout tower , and a special picture in front of Mimi's Village with THE Mimi herself!

Mimi and Papa even stayed in a hotel while they were here and let Mommy and Dad-O have some alone time, and the kids got to swim indoors and have some precious time with their grandparents all to themselves! Thanks for coming to see us Mimi and Papa, 

we can't wait to see you again!

Favorites from our first few weeks

Botanical Gardens

At the mention of a move to STL 

most people have a few questions...

why have you moved here?

what does your husband do?

to what area did you move?

But these few questions

are always followed by

their personal MUST DO list

and on everyone's list thus far......

Botanical Gardens

and after a day like today, I understand why

I had no idea what to expect

but the beauty of the place left me breathless

they do it right here in STL

a wonderful balance of that to behold for an adult

and fun to be had for the kids

such fun in the water fountains

soaking to the bone

leaving Mommy wondering how naked is too naked to walk out to the car

playing music in the outside orchestra pit, full of all sorts of amazing music makers

made from natural materials

and we can't call it a day unless there has been a sufficient amount of climbing

I can't wait for them to ask to go again!!!1

revisited

There is something amazing about sharing a special place with special people.

There has been no doubt the kids adore The Magic House.

But for them to have a chance to show this great place that is right here in the city they now live in to 

Nonni and Poppy

made it feel that much more....well, amazing.

a climb on the beanstalk that is the staircase for the children

a peek in the mouse hole that E has to visit each time we are there

bragging their expertise on the changing of a tire

 letting Poppy have a go at getting the bubble to give a hug.

and singing our favorite songs on stage at the "White House"

It was a wonderful weekend that is the inevitable first of many

getting to share our new normal

with our creature comforts.

Our First Visitors...........

New Normal

(The science center outdoor park)

They are adjusting beautifully

and I.....

am taking time

but I will get there

 and until then

the new normal

will be

taking full advantage

of the amazing things

STL

has to offer

New Beginnings...............

Today was a VERY big day in this house 

(apartment, actually)

The Dad-O started a new and exciting adventure

{and looked so handsome doing it}

I am so proud of my husband and what he has risked to make this move for our family

we are very blessed to have such an amazing man in this foursome

We missed him today,

 it has been a great summer full of family of four

but it is time to move forward

and smile 

knowing

it's all going to be 

ok

The munchkins had a red letter day as well

starting school 

{and too cute doing it}

Dropping them off surrounded by no one I knew was very hard

I did not realize how nice it was to have other women I know smiling back at me as I walked the kids down the hall at St Paul's last year

But, it is not about me, it is about these amazing, happy, resilient, flexible

perfect in every way little loves 

that have taught me a thing or two about living

these last few days of transition

I could not be more proud of the three that make me.....

well.....ME.

Cheers to a lovely new beginning.........

please join us on the adventure and pray for our family in this new endeavor

A last {adult} hurrah..........another look back

If you get a chance to visit Eureka Springs

we have the perfect place for you to stay

The Treehouses were too cool

decorated in a quaint Craftsman style

cozy and efficient enough to never have to walk out the door the entire time you are there

evening amber light shining through the window "just so" to light the 

place the magic happens:)

and not too far from the little New Orleans style down town

if you want to pop into your favorite haunts and have a cold one

it was our calm before the storm

a little look back..........

The last Sunday before the chaos of the move really started, we took an evening to hang out with our friends, the Scott Family. A visit to the Drive In was on our summer list, but I quickly decided that it would be one the kids may have to wait till next year to try out. Momma Scott talked me into giving it a try and I am so glad we did! The kids had a great time with their "twins" Ben and Emma and we got to watch Toy Story 3 and Despicable Me. What a wonderful evening to see off great friends. The Route 66 Drive In includes the old commercials during intermission {which I adore} and we had to have a bit of popcorn and yummies while we watched. The kids made it all the way to midnight, AND stayed awake for the entire drive home. Such a perfect last checkmark of the summer! Thanks Scott Family!!!