Old Chain Of Rock Bridge

I wanted to run across the footbridge for the Mississippi River before we move. My friend Kristie who happens to be my running buddy was also planning a move.  We wanted to plan a long run and run on some of the Missouri trials but decided to at least get a short one in before she had to work one day.  It is a mile long bridge that connects the Illinois and Missouri sides of the river.  It was fun and we decided to go back with our families.  Good thing we got the short run over in when we did cause she ended up moving sooner than planned and is already gone. Don't let the gray skies fool you, it was very humid and warm that day.

I went back with the family during session of conference.  We thought it would  be nice to get some wiggles out.  It was crazy windy though!

Playing on the oldschool  firetruck on the bridge

The bridge was not always foot traffic only and used to be part of historic route 66.

You can see 270 from the bridge.

We've always wondered what these buildings were sticking up out of the river.  Turns out they used to be water towers for the city of St. Louis

General Conference

Its sad to admit, but growing up as a kid and teenager I hated General Conference.  This was pre internet and satellite TV and since my family did not have cable, we would dress up and drive to church.  I also hate to admit that we very rarely attended all 4 sessions, yet I still dreaded these twice a year weekends.  Then I went to school in Utah and Idaho and had the privelege of attending conference at least one session every time.  I LOVED conference.

It warms my heart that my children Love conference.  Granted they get to stay at home and lounge in PJs if they desire.  Last month for stake conference they were disappointed it wasn't General Conference.  I printed out age appropriate packets from http://www.sugardoodle.com/ and we were set to go.  Katy had a soccer game until 11 Saturday morning so while Jared took her the other 3 and I started making crepes.  They got home during the opening song so they didn't miss much.
I spread a tabecloth on the ground (don't you love the Christmas one this time?) and they eat most their meals while watching conference.

Some one decided to catch up on his shut- eye but I really didn't mind!

I painted my toe nails

Making apostle chains

The finished products.  I love how Bella colored them all in pink suits.  Wouldn't that be a funny sight to see them all in pink suits!!!

During the break on Saturday, we took a walk and ran to pick up Xandy and Katy's new glasses.  They certainly are more daring in style than their boring Mom

Sunday between session we walked over the Chain of Rocks bridge but thats for another post

The girls did a great job of listening to all 4 sessions. Jacob napped during part of one each day but did a great job during the ones he was awake for

Bella's party

Bella had a swim party at the YMCA this year.  Its the first time I have ever paid to have a party somewhere other than my home.  We are usually too cheap for that and I enjoy coming up with games to match the theme the B-day child chooses.  I have to say it sure was nice!  No pre party cleaning, no children tearing through my house, and no after party clean-up.  Due to the stress we have been under lately, it was a wonderful choice for us.
I didn't take any pictures of them swimming but Bella had a blast. She was also given a huge beach ball from the Y to play with and then take home.  All of her friends signed a smaller beach ball I had brought from home.  It will be a fun keepsake from her friends in Illinois!

If you can't tell the teddy grahams are floating on gummy rafts

 The mini candle cake

 Bella and Makenzie coloring while I set up

There was a bug going around Bella's class and half the kids she invited missed several days of school that week. Every day she would update me on who was back in school and who was out sick now. We were allowed 24 people in the pool so I called some friends from church and they came and joined us for the swimming part since several of her friends missed out.

St Patrick's Day?

Was it St. Patty's Day or embarrass you're child at school day?

I was asked to help throw a St. Patrick's Day party for Xandy's class.  She was not thrilled with my outfit.  The other girls thought it was great but Xandy- not so much. 

 She wasn't the only child mortified by their mother.  The other parent helping with the party was our neighbor, Liz.  Xandy knew at least Cameron would be in the same boat as her.  Here is Liz and I together, rocking our outfits.

 You may be thinking that this scenario seems vaguely familiar and you'd be correct.  Here is a picture you might remember of Liz and I at Halloween

2nd grade program and drama club

Xandy's second grade program was about the earth. She has a speaking part in the middle of the first clip. She also was in the drama club at her school. I had to teach the night of the show so I went to the dress rehearsal instead and Jared went to the actual performance. We forgot the camera both times. I tried to get pictures with my phone but I was too far away. Our neighbors recorded it so maybe I'll post it after I get a copy.

Cassens Family Night

I find it very refreshing that Katy's school offered a free fun night for families. The other girls school asks for donations for all the events and then charges you to get in, all in addition to the fundraisers you support. Its gets old fast. But the awesome PTO (and no I'm not biased just because the PTO pres is my next door neighbor) at Cassens sponsored a free family event that included multiple bounce houses, a DJ, refreshments, and other activities. Even Jacob had a blast! Thanks for the fun family night!

making bracelets

(I don't remember the girl's name on the far left) Annie, Katy, and Lauren.  Two of Katy's closest friends. 

Jacob pretty much bounced the whole night

Edwardsville Children's Museum

My neighbor started her own internet based business. Its a community site that makes money from the advertisers. Every day there is a trivia question sponsored by a business. If you answer correctly your name is placed in a drawing. She told me a while back that the trivia question was being sponsored by the local children's musuem. I went to the site and had no idea the answer. I took a random guess but didn't think anything more of it. Turns out none got it right so all the entries were entered into the drawing, and I won!! The kids have of for some random Illinois holiday called Casmir Pulaski. He was some polish revolutionary war hero. Don't really no or care more than that. Anyway, this year we decided to spend the morning at the museum with our free tickets.  Its small but we had a few hours of fun.

Sir Jacob

Lady Bella

Lady Bella as a Meterologist

Sir Jacob the cameraman

Officer Katy

Xandy locked up!

Chef Jacob

Wonder what crime the fireman committed.  Maybe we have an arrest happy officer