st. louis -- the highlights!

there it is, in real life -- the gateway arch.  welcoming all to the city of st. louis.  we felt very welcomed, of course.  and started our first day right here.

if you visit -- order tickets ahead of time online.  this saved time in line and got us to the top at a time we chose.  (and was such a better experience for the kids.)


while the kids enjoyed our ride up in these little barrel-type cars, little girl was not a fan of looking at the view from the top. 

here we are at 630 ft

the view to the west

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next stop -- a cardinals game.  especially, when mr. pike's sister, ms. pike, is there.  we didn't actually see much of the game, thanks to the kids.  but the company was perfect.  (cards lost, but i wasn't sad.  they lost to the phillies -- my hometown team.)

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there are several fountains throughout downtown st. louis.  and i was surprised how every fountain we saw that weekend had kids and adults alike wading in them.  (in most places it seems that is frowned upon.)

well, our last morning there, i felt brave enough to let the kids have their moment.  little boy was only too happy to be in the water.  just his feet weren't enough.  here's his progression.

little boy starting fully clothed

now without shorts

shirtless too

and getting muddy.  perfect.