STL

We always try to make the most of Benjamin's appointments in STL, so this time was no different.  After a full day here on Thursday (swimming lessons, archery, gymnastics), we picked Chris up early from work and headed out to celebrate the end of the school year. 

We had booked a suite in a hotel where we have enjoyed staying in the past.  They even had dinner as part of the package!  After dinner the kids braved the pool (heated, but still not quite warm enough for the low 70 temps).  Even after a warm shower, Ami was still cold and had to snuggle in bed for a bit!

We splurged on junk food and enjoyed a movie night.

After Benjamin's appointments on Friday morning, we did a short walking tour of The Hill, STL's distinctly Italian neighborhood.  We bought deli sandwiches at an Italian grocery store for lunch.  Oh, so yummy.

This Catholic church is about 100 years old.  Neat statue of Italian immigrants out front.

This place has become a habit on STL visits.  Oh, so much mouth-watering goodness!

Not all of that was for us, we took home some goodies to our neighbor.

After The Hill we went to the zoo.  We hadn't seen the new sea lion exhibit and show yet, so we took that in.  Now we are well informed on the difference between seals and sea lions.  Fun stuff!

Chris's favorite, and slight obsession, was the capybara exhibit.  They are simply huge rodents.  Just sayin'.

We always love this hippo exhibit.  So fun to see them swim right by.  We can never seem to ignore the Madagascar songs that run through our heads while at the zoo.  Love all those characters!

We ended the day with a quick dinner at our favorite chicken stop before driving home.  Benjamin felt his day was complete..... cancer-free news, officially taller than Mom, treats on The Hill, Chick-Fil-A.  It doesn't get much better than that for a teenage boy!

I do have to say that I sure missed Michaela.  Family road trips and celebrations just aren't the same without everyone there.  Hurry home, Michaela!  We love and miss you!