The girls were up EARLY for a vacation day and so all of us were ready to go on our first full day in St. Louis. Caroline was really excited about the arch but had no idea what to expect. Anna kept telling us facts about St. Louis and the "gateway" to the west and we were laughing at the difference in their personalities. We walked over the arch and waited in line to go through security. My favorite "friends" in line were an older couple who felt compelled to convince everyone in line to let them to the front because they had tickets at will-call. What did that have to do with breaking in line to go through security? I guess no one questionned them. We bought tickets for the Lewis & Clark movie and the tram ride to the top of the arch. The movie was very interesting and the girls actually sat quietly for 45 minutes and absorbed a lot of it. The tram was next and it seemed like you had to hurry up and wait and hurry up and wait. Eventually we made it to the loading area for the "pod" that you ride to the top in. It really reminded me of what Mork from Ork landed in on Mork & Mindy (I have just dated myself) OR to be more modern, what Lady Gaga arrived to the Grammy's in....an egg!!! We all 4 rode together and while Anna was a little nervous, Caroline held her arms in the air like we were on a ride at DisneyWorld. It was amazing to think how high up we were. The observation area has many windows to take in a view of the city. Some people got out and were sick feeling and others said they had been up there all morning. The girls really liked it. We snapped a few pictures and looked on both sides and then headed back down.
We had lunch at Panera Bread downtown and then headed to the City Museum for the rest of the day. We had heard such great things about this place and how you really cannot imagine what it is like until you actually experience it. That is correct. It is crazy with things to climb, huge slides (one is 10 stories high!) a ferris wheel on the roof, a school bus that hangs over the side of the roof, a huge ball pit, etc. It was a lot of fun. Gary and I could do most things that the girls could do. Kids would climb on just about anything. While Anna and I were waiting for the ferris wheel on the roof, we hear "Hey, Daddy....look at me!!" and there is Caroline in this structure on top of the roof and she has climbed to the top. Hilarious. It is very easy to "lose" your child at this place. We did set up with the girls where to go if we got separated. Even quizzed Caroline on what she would tell them at the help desk. We spent about 5 hours at the museum. It was exhausting. It was slightly drizzling when we got ready to head out but we managed to make it back to the hotel rather quickly and without getting too wet. We relaxed for just a bit before heading out for dinner.
We heard that "The Hill" was a great place to carbo-load as it was a lot of Italian run businesses and many restaurants to choose from. We selected one named Zia's that was recommended by our friends the Terry's. It was getting late and the kids were rather patient. The portions at this place made Memphis sized portions look like kids meals. My "side" of pasta fed both girls!! Made for a cheap dinner since we ordered it that way. The food was authentic and quite tasty and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
The girls were tired and so were we so we retreated back to the hotel and all got to sleep very easily!! Great first full day in St. Louis....tomorrow, the Magic House!
the arch!!
at the base of the arch 
the girls waiting to enter the arch
view from the top
great view of the baseball stadium and Deloitte!
ready for our adventure at the city museum!
Caroline enjoying one of MANY slides
even the adults can climb and explore
climbing everywhere you look
looking for caroline....she climbed to the top of this structure on the roof while anna and i were waiting for the ferris wheel! she LOVED it!!
notice who is missing from the ferris wheel ride on the roof.....?
loving to slide
classic look on caroline's face down one of the taller slides
gary in the ball pit
on the "hill" for dinner...even the fire hydrants are painted like the italian flag
fun , classic part of town
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