What a Difference a Trip to St. Louis Makes!

At the end of April, Nathan, Kathy and I drove with Stella to St. Louis to visit Uncle Ben & Aunt Kathryn and Stella's 5 cousins-Matthew, Gabe, Anna, Sophia, and Baby Jack, born in March. It was so nice to spend quality family time and see what St. Louis is like. The kids were so nice to Stella, showering her with love and affection from the moment we arrived. Stella, not being used to having so many little hands on her, was a little overwhelmed at first. She got used to it and I think it was a good experience for her and us!
Here are the highlights of our trip:

Stella gets her first tooth in St. Louis!!! You can't see it here...I just LOVE this photo.


Stella loved the swing!


We put the girls in dresses and tried to have a photo shoot and this is what you get!








The Gateway Arch, located in downtown St. Louis and situated on a beautiful park setting was our favorite siteseeing spot. We liked it so much we went twice. The second time Nathan & I went to the top of the Arch with Gabe and Matthew. Stella stayed down below with Uncle Ben. In hindsight, we probably could've taken her up with us.




View from the Top of the Arch--Yes! You can take an elevator up to the top--632 ft.





Fishing Trip to the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area--this is the point where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet. Matthew is really good at catching frogs. Then he found out his Dad wanted them to use as bait for catching fish. He continued to catch the frogs, but refused to hand them over to be executed.




Too cute!



Uncle Ben & Aunt Kathryn w/ Baby Jack. It takes 2 very special people to raise 5 fun loving, well behaved (most of the time)kids. Nate and I can learn a lot from you two!



Last chance to cuddle with Grandma before we leave.



Matthew and Uncle Nate bonded instantly over 'Mario Cart'.



Here's Stella in her Easter dress. Couldn't get her to smile but she looks so sweet anyway!






Having fun outside on her Little Tykes bike!