If not spending time in Nauvoo, IL with 100% family wasn’t enough, upon our return we got to bring Ken, Amber, Chad, Natalie, Audrey and Heidi with us!!!! IT WAS AWESOME having them here at our house. Makes me super sad that they live in Washington and we live in Illinois (groan), but super happy for the memories made.
The first night here, all we did was laundry and baths for EVERYONE. It was much needed after camping that’s for sure!
The second night, Greg took Ken and Chad golfing (which turned into moon-light golfing, lol), and Amber and I took all 6 girls out for ice cream! It was fantastic.
After ice cream, we went home to pack and get ready for our weekend getaway to St. Louis!!
Greg, of course, had to work on Friday, so Ken, Amber and I took all the kids to the St. Louis Zoo. It was flawless, fun and not too busy at all! It was great.
After the zoo we all went to Noodles for dinner. It was quick, healthy and semi-loud however our kids made up any deficit in silence that’s for sure!
Friday night was great. We stayed at the Hyatt at the Arch, which was super nice and the bathrooms were incredible. Loved also that it was literally next to the Arch. 
After a much needed nights sleep for 7 little kids who did not get a nap all afternoon, we woke up bright and early, like usual, had breakfast and went over to our 9:30am appointment to go to the top of the Arch!
Poor, poor, poor little Brooke. She DESPERATELY needed a morning nap and looking back now, that is why she cried/whined from the moment we walked into the Arch at 9am until I walked out with her in the stroller at 11am. At that point, she passed out in the stroller, just.like.that, and woke up a new kid! However, by then, I was grumpy. Anyway, I got over it. But here are the pics at the arch. These first two I took with nothing but my iPhone as my camera is still broken. Pretty impressive I say!
The cousins.
Brooke, Shelby, Morgan, Natalie, Chad (hiding), Heidi and Audrey
Riding up the little pod to the top.
This was our insane baby. OMG she was crazy.
And the happy families at the top!
Like I said, after the Arch I was spent so I took Brooke outside and walked her in the stroller and within 5 minutes she was passed out. She took a quick catnap, we ate lunch at this cool little riverfront café, and then boarded our Riverboat Cruise up and down the Mississippi. I loved it!
Would it kill ya to smile Greg?….
Thank you!
This was the only trio picture they agreed too! Go figure.
After the Riverboat Cruise our last feat was walking up all the stairs, with two large strollers and 7 kids, to get to popsicles and our cars. We did it! And even with a smile
Amber (aka WonderMom) giving her 2yr old twins a lift up the stairs. What a mom!
Greg being a muscle man. Too funny.
Greg and Shelby saying WE DID IT!
What a fun trip with our sweet family. Love and miss the Washington Pattens.
3 comments:
Thanks for inviting us along on your trip to St. Louis via your delightful blog. What a great time. Loved the photos and all the people in them. Party on. Big Hugs, Grandma Hood
I keep looking at the photos again and again and loving them. Good night, Love Grandma Hood
yea! We love you too, thanks for the great trip!
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