Vacation in Crazyville

Loyal readers already figured out Crazyville is anything but calm. Organized family events take an act of Congress and small amounts of devine intervention. Between Irish Dance Classes, Bryan's travel, extended family commitments and two school schedules, a vacation date was very difficult to plan.  Ultimately the 4th of July extended weekend worked for everyone and we staked our claim on a family vacation. Bryan had wonderful memories of family car trips across the country. My memories of car trips involved mom and dad bickering over the map. Bryan assured me this was not going to happen because we have Siri and it would be fun.  Hmm.......  A long drive with three kids sounded like torture. Driving to Walgreens for a milk run has been difficult.

Our first stop was the Brookfield Zoo. Thanks to our library, our two adult admissions were complimentary and kids entered for a very small fee.

The day was filled with lots of new and familiar animals. Revin Roger loved the necks on the giraffes.  Wild Regan thought the monkeys stunk and needed a bath. Amazing Ann was mesmerized by the peacocks walking the grounds. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and three kids slept on the way home.

Wild Regan waving to the peacock.  

Bryan hamming it up at the zoo's playground.

The next day we drove over six hours to St. Louis. The trip normally is completed in three but little bladders, little tummies and a potty training accident slowed us down. We arrived late Thursday afternoon in Chesterfield, MO. At this point everyone needed to let off some energy, so we jumped into the hotel pool and ordered a pizza for dinner. 

The next day we tacked the town.  Started with a tour of the famous Arch.

  View from the Arch looking down to the Missouri side of the Mississippi River.  

After stolling the grounds and lunch we drove to The Magic House. The Magic House is one of two children's museum around St. Louis. We only had time for one museum and glad we stopped here. There was a Sid the Science Kid exhibit, kids construction site, outdoor classroom (roof top garden) and magnetic room.  

Checking out the giant magnet.  Tried to get my hair extra curly!  

Our last day we toured Grant's Farm which is basically a mini petting zoo and nature preserve mashed together.  When we arrived there was a short wait to ride the tram around the nature preserve. By the time we left there was an extended wait time and traffic jam just to enter the park. Good thing we arrived at 9:00 a.m. 

That night we found a local park near the hotel. The kids climbed on the play equipment and wore themselves out. Then we headed back to the hotel to watch the PBS Fourth of July special. Everyone was sleeping before 9:00 p.m., except for me.  I caught up on all the HGTV one gal could muster for one night.  We do not have cable, so when I can catch HGTV I get my fill.    

The next day five very tired and rested residents of Crazyville came home.

Did you go on vacation this year?  If so, tell me all about it.

Sharon, The Mayor