Pancake breakfast and St. Patrick's day parade

 This weekend we enjoyed a pancake breakfast in town and then the local St. Patrick's day parade. This has become a tradition with friend's and we are excited to have our friend's the Fesmier's move  back and join us this year. After fueling up on pancake's, sausage, and juice we headed over to the school I work at. It was a chilly day so we decided to let the kid's play in the gym until the parade started.

Then it was parade time. The kids were of course on a crusade to collect candy and all went home with a bag full. It was nice to be outside again, get fresh air and enjoy all the parade entertainment.

St. Louis Road Trip

 

Last weekend, we hit the road for a family excursion to St. Louis.  My youngest cousin, Ashley, was getting married.  We decided to get away from the snow and cold and enjoy some family time.  We left Thursday right after school and drove through the night (through 2 states with tornado warnings...a bit terrifying).  After a good nights sleep, we woke up and hit the City Museum.  If you are ever in St. Louis, this is a MUST.  It is a 600,000 square foot museum, with 4 floors in total, plus an outdoor and rooftop area.  There are countless caves, over 50 indoor slides, a full circus....I could go on and on.  It is a-ma-zing! 

 

Enjoying the warm weather and outdoor exhibits!

 

Checking out the indoor caves. These were amazing!

 

 

Hiking up 5 stories and heading down a massive slide with my fearless boy

(he refused to ride with me and went solo...dare devil).

 

 

Exploring the many levels

...as if this place could not get any cooler...there was also an indoor circus....for real...

Ready for the Circus!

happy spectators

Mackenzie even went on stage to volunteer!

 

 

 

 

After the Museum, we headed over to my Cousin Lauren's house for pizza.  This was one of my favorite parts of the weekend, b/c it has been a long time since I have seen my cousins.  We all have kids of our own now, so it was fun to see our kids run around and play like we used to.  They got along perfectly, and loved playing together.

Ella (Angelique's daughter), Caleb, and Jack (Lauren's daughter)

Hanging with my cousin Angelique (and Baby Parker due in 4 days!) and Lauren!

The next day more family members met for a quick brunch before the wedding and some more play time.  From there, we all got fancied up for Ashley's wedding.  It was a military wedding, the first I've ever been to, and so special.  It's still hard to wrap my head around the fact that my baby cousin is old enough to get married!

 

 

Gettin' spiffy...

 

All dressed up and off to the wedding. Lookin' good!

Waiting for the ceremony to begin!

The beautiful bride(Ashley) and groom (Ben)!

Loved the salute!

And after the ceremony, we rocked out on the dance floor.  I have to say the little boys had the best moves of the night! It was priceless to watch.  There was lots of eating, dancing, and photo booth picture taking. So fun!

 

My gang...

 

attempting to get a good pic of all the cousin's kids...

Success!

BFF's, Jack and Caleb

Beautiful girl's, Aunt Em and Kenzie

total sweetness

 

Cousins...but not all of us!  3 are missing! 

Goofin around with Kristy!

Bride and Groom Dance!

Dancing!!

LOVE this one!  Best buddies holding hands and the groomsmen dance!

Dancing with Daddy

 

Caleb with Jack (Lauren's son) and Aaron (Dorothy's son).  These boys were dripping in sweat from dancing their hearts out!

 

 Dance Par-tay!  I know a few cuties who are not shy on the dance floor!

 

 

Momma's Girl

 

 

Caleb and Malcomb (Katie's youngest son)

Photo booth FUN!

 

 

Father of the Bride (Bruce), Dad, and Uncle George

Hanging with the beautiful bride!

Cousin's and 2nd cousin's picture (missing family: Melissa and her 5 kids, and Bryan and 1 daughter). 15 kids and one on it's way. Love this big family!

 

The next morning, we woke up, packed and met about 20+ family members for breakfast at the hotel.  We fueled up on a big buffet and then hit the road.  This time, there were no tornado warning, but smooth sailing all the way home.

Kenzie and Samantha and Everett (2 of Katie's kids)

It was the best weekend, and I will treasure our time there and memories we made.  I wish we were closer b/c we always have so much fun together. Can't wait 'til the next time!