The Gateway to the West

Since we got in late last night, we let the kids sleep in today. OK, ok, the girls and I slept in today while the boys got up early (probably because they were sleeping in a White Castle induced gas chamber and couldn't stand the noxious fumes any longer) and waited for us. When everyone was up and ready, we headed to the famous arch.

On the way there, we saw this...


I'm pretty sure that was supposed to say Sox suck, so I'll forgive you Cards fans. This time.

Outside the arch...



Almost looks like the Washington Monument here...


Be prepared - I have several pictures of the arch here. In fact, I took over 260 pictures today. I know. It's a sickness.


The gang...


We make our own fun.


This museum is under the arch, it's free, and it's full of interesting stuff.


Brooklyn was scared to death of this buffalo.


After checking out the museum, we saw a movie about Lewis and Clark. I was really pleasantly surprised because this 45 minute film held everyone's attention (except maybe Brooklyn, but she's 3). It was really interesting and the photography was absolutely breathtaking. It's in one of those giant theaters and at times, made you feel like you were flying over prairies and mountains. I highly recommend you see this if you're in St. Louis.

in our Mork from Ork pods on the way to the top of the arch...




Up on the very top


I don't wanna wear this stupid hat. You can't make me wear a bonnet. Ok, but you can't make me smile!



View out the windows at the top of the arch



The old courthouse from out the windows on top of the arch




We walked across the street from the arch where we had lunch on the Mississippi.


Then we rented quad bikes and rode around a little. Ugh, after this, I didn't feel so guilty for stealing a couple of Savannah's fries at lunch.






We took an informative riverboat cruise after the bike ride. The weather was beautiful and the tour was interesting. Brooklyn kicked her leg and her flip flop went flying under the rail and almost into the river, but no kids dove overboard so all was well.




The never-ending stairs. I trudged up while the kids ran up and down repeatedly. Show-offs. Maybe if the theme from Rocky had been playing while I dragged my butt up the stairs, I could've made it in less than an hour and a half.


We really wanted to check out the old courthouse because I hear it's beautiful inside, but we decided to call it a day. The kids had been awesome all day and we didn't want to jinx it, so we took them back to the hotel for a quick swim before dinner. We headed to Fitz's American Grill and Bottling Works. This place might be nice for lunch, but it's not as family friendly late on a Friday night. It's located on a strip that's very "college townish". Neat atmosphere and cool looking shops, and tons of kids just hanging out. Since we have a full schedule tomorrow and Clay had to pee AGAIN (I swear he has the bladder the size of a lentil), we came back to the hotel to sleep. Well, most of us are sleeping. Some of us are blogging. Still others are goofing off. And one in particular (I won't name names, but it starts with an "A") is apparently still feeling the effects of the White Castle.

Oh yeah! My sister didn't listen to me! She went and had her baby 2 weeks early today! Now I have to wait to see little-baby-no-name. So, I'm an aunt again! :)