St. Louis Trip

We have just returned after a very long drive but okay trip to St. Louis. While we unfortunately had to make the trip for another funeral, it was a nice mini-vacation. Ethan got to spend time with family, especially Grandma and Grandpa Pavlik and Great-grandpa Pavlik. Grandma even went swimming with him in the pool. He does love swimming, just not getting his face wet in any way. And even though he could stand in the shallow end he deemed it too deep because the water came too close to his face. Ethan also got to spend a little time with Grandma and Grandpa and Great-grandparents Harman in Indiana since they were nice enough to watch Diego last minute for us. Without them we would not have left Michigan until after 2pm most likely and not arrived in St. Louis until really really late at night. Plus, it was a nice rest break on the way there and home. Good to get out of the car. Although Ethan did not want to leave either time. At least not without his grandparents.

In addition to the swimming Ethan also got to get up close to a monster truck at the BigFoot museum (more of a lift-your-truck store). Even though we think it is not the same body, Robert got to sit in the same size tires when he was younger too. So he and Ethan both got a kick out of it. Inside the store they had lots of things to buy and also some used tires for kids to crawl around inside. While he did not play on them long we did get a photo of Ethan inside a tire. They sure are big. I am not too sure Ethan connected that this was a tire that goes on the monster truck.

And of course we also did the St. Louis Arch. Robert and his family have tried in the past to go up into the arch but the wait was always to long. We found out that is not an issue on a Monday morning. We went to the park, went through security, went up to the ticket booth, got our passes and went immediately up to the "elevators". I use quotation marks since the tram is an elevator, tram, and racheting lift all in one. First you wait outside these small doors (like 4' x 2') that look like you are waiting to get into a space ship. When the doors open it was not what anyone expected. This little rounded pod with five seats. Tight fit, luckliy we were not with anyone too large and we have Ethan who fit very well. Robert described it as the Space Balls escape pods. They were definately unique. The ride was not too bad, a bit rocky at first when going up the angle and then straight up fast. Once at the top there were several windows to look out of in both directions. It was a nice clear day and you could easily see everything around and down. The top swayed some but the worse (for Rob not me) was waiting for the return tram. When it arrives the area really sways. Once out of the pods and back to the main floor, Ethan immediately wanted to go again. I think he just meant the tram not the viewing. That boy sure does love anything that is transportation.

You will have to excuse the poor quality of these photos. They were all taken with my palm pilot. The thought of bringing a camera did not even dawn on me since we were attending a funeral. But, these are better then nothing.