Vacation in St. Louis

We went here this past week. It was definitely the easiest vacation we've had since little Kelsey joined us just about 3 years ago.

This is from the top of the arch. It was a first experience for both Rob and Kelsey and they loved it!

We went to a place that was on Man Vs. Food. It's called Crown Candy Store, built in 1913 and very cool local joint.

I loved the baseball game. It was a pleasant tempurature and we had pleasant people sitting around us and everything was just nice.

This was at the zoo (which is free y'all). It puts our zoo to shame. See this friendly chimp? We made eye contact. :)

One of my memories from St. Louis as a kid is this gorilla and taking pictures next to it.

Forest park is the best. The zoo is there and they have TONS of other stuff to look at and do, including this little splash park Kelsey enjoyed after the zoo.

We went to Grants Farm too. Loved it. Definitely a different expereince than the zoo.

The sign said "goats may be mildly aggressive". I'd guess so!

Went to the brewery. I was so impressed. 

These are real stables. Horse people know, this is a bit extravagent. These were the cleanest, air temp. controlled stables I've ever been in.

The brewery was pristine and had so many cool details from when it was built. They don't cut corners at Anheiser.

I just like this chandelier a whole lot.

The hospitality room where we could "sample" beer. These were the biggest samples I've ever had.

And, probably Kelsey's favorite part was the pool at our hotel. It was really nice, so we didn't mind heading down a few times.

I'm glad we went. Kelsey was the most flexible she's ever been and we were able to do everything we wanted. Kelsey was asking to go back as we were pulling into the garage at home.

Just making a comparison

There's this dress that my mom made when I was about 2-3 years old. I loved it. It was the princess dress. Now Kelsey can wear it. And, it may just be me, but I think there's a slight resemblance between mother and daughter.

Me.

Miss Kelsey.

What do you think?

I'm trying

It's been awhile.

Like 5 months, awhile. But, that's okay. Many who would read this know why I think.

Anyway, I've decided to try and start blogging again. Who knows how regularly, but I'm getting into baking and creating again and I like to tempt you all with the visual. I made these awhile back. They're cake pops, but in the form of ice cream cones.

Below is a picture of Kelsey. We spent A LOT more time swimming this summer. Both in her little kiddie pool and at the big pool at the park near our house. She. Loves. The Water.

Below is a picture from Halloween. That really seems like a long time ago. Can you guess what Kelsey was? No?  How about Dora. I think we nailed it with the costume. Who would guess Wal-Mart would be selling orange spandex shorts for girls in October?

Below is just cuteness in kiddo form. She chose the outfit, by the way. She suddenly cares what she wears and I'm happy to oblige. If I could get away with it, I would wear silly things too.

This was on New Year's Eve (sorry, no christmas pics right now. Maybe later). We went to a friend's house and weren't really out that late. She just was so wiped. Perhaps it was because she decided to not use the paci anymore because it was "boken" (thanks to mommy) and she wasn't napping for like 3 weeks because of the loss. I was even able to get that coat off, put on a pull-up and put some pajama pants on her and get her under the covers without waking her up.

Bam.

Like I said, she cares what she wears and sometimes, it's mommy's things.

Uh, so did you know the super bowl was in Indy this year? We went downtown to experience the madness. The picture below was taken in "the Huddle" which had a whole lot of not much, but Rob did get his picture next to ole Eli. Kelsey was none too happy about the whole thing. Can you tell? Probably, she was upset he wasn't real.

Downtown.

Kelsey's first official bus ride. It was a shuttle from the garage to the super bowl village. She loved it. Like, it was better than anything superbowl related downtown.

And on the way home, she was wiped out again. Still not napping regularly at this point, but she has since improved dramatically. Although, she has chosen today as a great day to not nap. I can hear her right now, in her room, "reading" her books.

And finally, my latest creation. I saw a wreath like this on pinterest and went for it. It took awhile, but I'm happy with the results!

I'd be remiss to not at least mention my baby Matthew that we lost in December. I was 21 weeks pregnant and Rob and I were going for an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby. Instead, we found out that there was no heartbeat and that our baby had gone to be with the Lord. I did have to deliver the baby, but everything went as well as could be hoped for. He was born on December 21st. I can't tell you how hard it is to go through that and not bring our little boy home. However, I know that I will see him again and I know that he is being kept safe and well with our Heavenly Father. I miss him so much, but I praise God for the time I had with Matthew and for the ways I can already see Him using this in our lives. I can't say thank you enough to the people in our lives who have reached out to us and, especially to me. It has meant so so much to me.

I hope you have a sweet tooth

So, I've taken a cake decorating class during the month of August.

It's been wonderful.

Me time with sweets.

Here's a few of the things I made. I didn't take pictures of the cookies I decorated the very first week, but I got everything else. Anyway, I'm taking orders on a limited basis.

Don't all jump at once.

Sorry, the pictures of this cake are upside down. You can probably figure it out though.

I had to add a picture of Kelsey since I'm thinking many of you read this just to hear about her. This was at the zoo on the "choo choo!"

Summer Time!

It's summer time and we have taken advantage of practically every opportunity go do and play and enjoy the season. I haven't even been able to get pictures of it all. AND we still have more summer to go! I'm loving this time of the year and this particular summer because Kelsey is so much fun. She has a willing and playful spirit and a no fear attitude that makes for exciting and funny moments. I don't think I want this summer to end!



Kelsey got to meet her very first television star this summer. I think it may have been the best day in her two year life!



I've been baking. A. Lot. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes. And, I'm going to take a cake decorating class in August. Can't wait!

This was from July 4th. We went to a friend's house and just hung out for awhile. No fireworks for us. We didn't want to try and do the whole "keep your 2 year old up 2 hours past her bedtimes to see if she likes watching and listening to loud explosions" thing.



This was on July 4th, but it could be a picture from any week this summer. Kelsey loves any pool we take her to and shows no fear of the water.

Can you say 'mug shot'?

This is the extent of our fireworks this year.



Okay, so this place is one of the sweetest I've been to. It's called the Iris Tea Room and it's located in Irvington. And, I love it. Look at this little tea cup filled with water that they brough out just for Kelsey!



I love these birds. It's a good thing I don't believe in stealing...

A delish lunch of chicken salad on a croissant, sald with rasberry vinigarette dressing and a bowl of fruit with a slice of tea bread. a.k.a. So good.

Sweet girl.

This is Kelsey. This...is just who she is.

Kelsey is now relocated into her new big girl bedroom. The theme is butterflies which came about because of these butterflies that I won from a giveaway.

Table is from IKEA. Quilt on top is made by Grandma Lu.



This was one of our trips to the zoo with Grandma Lu.

♥ this.

All in all, it's been great and we still have a trip to Holland, Michigan, the state fair and a few other outings planned!