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Day 2 in STL – 2022

It rained again overnight and was still muggy when we got our day started. We planned to meet our friends at the City Museum at 12:30, which gave us just enough time to do a quick run through the STL Zoo. And when I say run, I’m only exaggerating a bit. My kids questioned my speed-walking on a couple of occasions as we navigated the strollers and animal seekers on the zoo paths.

On our way back to the truck we stopped outside the art museum. Shecklet #1’s current thoughts on his future career include being an electrician, so of course I had to have him stand next to the giant electrical plug!

The last time we visited the City Museum was September of 2016. Our kids have grown a bit since then and were able to venture off by themselves for a good portion of our time today. They came back with lots of stories about where they went and how much fun it was to explore on their own. The rooftop was closed (because it’s winter) but the outside was open for climbing. The kids spent a good portion of their time out there as well as inside in the caves.

After saying goodbye to our friends, we made a quick stop at the Cathedral to see our friend Fr. J. We are heading home tomorrow and he will be returning to school in Rome in a few days. I am so glad it worked out for us to get to see him!

It won’t be long and Shecklet #3 will be taller than her Godfather!

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Day 1 in STL – 2022

This morning, Shecklet #4 and I went on a walk in search of decent coffee. Hotel coffee leaves much to be desired. I never thought of my self as a coffee snob, but the longer I drink it, the more particular I become. Perhaps that’s because I don’t like strong coffee and I miss my daily cup from the Keurig.

Our journey took us down the “Historic Main Street” of St. Charles, MO. The temps were pleasant (much nicer than back home) and it was a bit muggy from having rained overnight. After several blocks, we found a cute coffee shop where I ordered a vanilla latte and then we headed back to our hotel.

Our friend, (Shecklet #3’s Godfather) who is in STL for the Christmas season, met us at Immaculata Catholic Church and said Mass for our family and our friends, who were also in STL for the week. The church was beautiful. (Photo credit below goes to Shecklet #2 who asked to take photos of it after Mass.)

After Mass, we gathered in the rectory for lunch. Msgr. Gardin was kind enough to open his kitchen and dining room to our group. Fr. J. and Jake grilled steaks and burgers and Fr. J. prepared sea bass and sides. It was wonderful to get to share a meal with this great group! Sometimes God does show you why things don’t work out like you originally planned.

After lunch, Jake took the teenagers and tweens to the mall to see a movie – Avatar 2 in 3D. I went with our friends to the other side of the river (Troy, IL,) for a few hours. Before returning to MO, we drove down the highly-decorated street of our friend’s brother. The houses in the cul-de-sac go all-out and even have lights choreographed to music on a radio station. It is quite the sight!

After the movie ended, our group went to The Hill in search of a restaurant. We ended up at an authentic pizza place. Shecklet #2 said the pizza was some of the best he’s ever had. For dessert, we crossed the street and had gelato. Yum!

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December 2022 road trip revived!

We loaded up the suburban this morning and pointed it south, with a final destination of STL programmed into the GPS.

The roads in southern MN and northern IA were particularly crummy and we considered turning around when we stopped for lunch in Clear Lake. However, we decided to give it until Cedar Rapids before we turned around. Jake said there were a few slick spots on overpasses, but overall the roads were mostly clear and we were able to drive at posted speeds.

We made a stop in Cedar Rapids for gas and to get shoes for the girls. We discovered about an hour or so into the trip that they only brought their crocs. This wouldn’t have been a huge issue if we weren’t planning some activities that require more secure footwear. Thankfully Target had what we needed.

We have a hotel booked in St. Charles for the duration of our stay.

The girls went for a quick swim before the pool closed for the night. I know I haven’t done much, just sat shotgun the whole day, but I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep. 😴

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Christmas 2022

Our plans for Christmas break changed from road trip to homebound thanks to snow, sub-zero wind chills, and poor road conditions.

We had originally planned on traveling to STL on 12/23 to visit Shecklet #3’s godfather, then on to GA to visit family, and finally to FL to visit friends. On 12/21, the house was minimally decorated for Christmas, I was caught up on laundry, and we had minimal items left in the fridge.

If you’re wondering why there is an “M” on the tree on the right, Shecklet #4 asked if we could get an ornament for the baby we lost between Shecklet #2 and Shecklet #3. (I had a very early miscarriage in August of 2009.) We never named the baby until #4 started referring to him as the “microscopic baby.” That turned into the formal name, Mike. So the “M” on the tree is in honor of our other little saint in heaven, Mike.

School ended up being cancelled for Shecklet #2 on 12/22, so we we considered getting on the road a day early. However, IA looked like this:

We made the adult decision to stay safe and not risk the stress or potential car trouble while in a “towing not recommended” zone. Our cancelled plans meant we were able to play games as a family, decorate sugar cookies, and shovel lots of snow.

We were also able to attend Christmas Eve Mass at our parish.

Jake shopped for heavy appetizers earlier in the day for our after-mass Christmas Eve meal.

Christmas morning we opened gifts and relaxed for a few hours. Shecklet #1 assembled his LEGO set, we hung Shecklet #4’s new cork board, and Shecklet #3 got to work figuring out classic rock melodies on her guitar. Shecklet #2 had to wait to try his new goggles.

We headed to Jake’s parents house around 3pm for dinner and opening gifts. The Shecklets enjoyed getting to see their cousins.

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End of the basketball season 🏀

Shecklet# #3 and Shecklet #4 both had end of the season bball tournaments this weekend. Saturday they played at different locations, so Jake and I had to divide and conquer. He went to #4’s games and I went to #3’s. Both girls won both of their games, so we headed back to the gym (this time at the same location) on Sunday.

Shecklet #4 played first and her team played so hard! They put up numerous more shots than their competition, but the ball just didn’t want to go in! They ended up with a third place finish!

Shecklet #3’s team came into the tournament undefeated and ended undefeated! Their final game was very physical, but they played their game (good sportsmanship and great defense) and pulled away from the other team in the second half. Shecklet #3 earned four fouls! (Mrs. King from #2’s bball days would have been proud!)

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Gingerbread houses 🏠

Things got a little silly tonight while we were building gingerbread houses. This picture captures so much about the personalities of the Shecklets.

And here are the finished houses.

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Braces & expander

The pulled tooth that Shecklet #4 had ended up being a good thing in the long run. We found out that she has two impacted canines and the orthodontist needs to make room for them to come in properly (and hopefully avoid more oral surgery.) A friend of mine told me to be prepared for the first few days to be uncomfortable, but after that things should improve. It’s one thing to have braces, but another to adjust to having an expander on the roof of your mouth. She was a brave kid sitting through her appointment, especially after what she’s been through in the past.

If all goes well, this phase of braces should only last 10-12 months. Then round two will come in a few years.

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My 2022 birthday

I turned 29 again this year and it was a great day! Shecklet #4 made me breakfast, Caribou treated me to a free beverage, and three of my kids joined me for a little thrift store shopping. (We found some good deals, which is always fun.) Dinner was takeout from a local Mexican restaurant and we had a Bundt cake for dessert. It was a good day. My heart is full.

Oh, and I was gifted new mats for my truck, which I am very excited about. (Tell me you’re middle-aged without telling me your age.) My previous ones had definitely seen better days – and had worn through!

And yes, Shecklet #2 finally passed me up. I’m officially the fourth tallest in the family. This was how things looked about a year ago.

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Thanksgiving 2022

Our KS friends arrived on Sunday night and stayed until Tuesday afternoon. The kids seemed to pick up where they left off. The adults always do as well. I love that about our 18+ year friendship. Miles might separate us, but having walked with each other through some incredibly difficult times, we know friendship is for life.

We had to take the annual kid photo a day before they left because my boys both had school on Tuesday.

Shecklet #4 with her godparents.

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Hanging Lights 2022 🎄

Shecklet #1 is in his element tonight. Grandma Lois called and asked if he would hang her Christmas lights again this year. He said yes, of course! Jake drove him down to her house tonight in an effort to beat the cold temps that are coming our way tomorrow. I’m excited to see how they turn out!