Halloween 2022

Johanna was Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas.  Walter was a vampire bat (a bat costume he used earlier in the schoolyear for character day).  We went trick or treating OFF Grandview down Mt Loretta and River Ridge with Johanna's friend and her family.

The kids used pillow cases for trick or treat bags because they "hold more".  Our neighbors were very generous, many giving out gift bags instead of individual candy.  Walter had to carry the bag over his shoulder due to the weight and almost knocked himself off his feet swinging it over his shoulder.  Johanna lasted the whole time, while Walter and mom came home a little early to enjoy a treat and a show.  Walter declared many times "Best Halloween EVER!"

Johanna's pumpkin was a puppy and she painted the back as well.  Walter helped a bit with the traditional jack-o-lantern.  Tony carved the caldron.  

Cousins got together at Gma and Gpa after Halloween for a picture.

St Louis Vacation

 In late October, we took a vacation to St. Louis, MO.

THURSDAY:  Road trip, kids first official rest stop.  And Johanna discovered a love for Pizza Ranch.

After checking into the hotel, we spent some time at Forest Park.  Then enjoyed pool time back at the hotel.

FRIDAY:  Tram ride to the top of St. Louis Arch.  Both kids were a little nervous on the ride.  Walter doesn't like heights so he did some deep breathing on the ride and closed his eyes while dad was taking a picture of him "looking " out the window.  Both also figured out how to ride escalators and fell in love with them.

City Museum was great for the kids to explore, climb, and slide.  We only lost each kid once - Johanna had a worker call us; Walter stumbled upon mom while dad was frantically looking for him. 

SATURDAY: Forrest Park Zoo.  Walter enjoyed his turn navigating and getting up close pictures with both a hippo and a bear.   Johanna enjoyed some of the Halloween decorations.

We were all pretty exhausted after going to the zoo and the pool was closed :-) so we relaxed at the hotel after a trip to IKEA.

SUNDAY: Union Station Aquarium was a big hit.  We all loved the little fishes that eat dead skin off your hands.  Walter was obsessed with the talking animated otter who knew his name.  Johanna had fun touching all sorts of things - even a jelly fish.

Union Station also had a light show.  Johanna and Tony went on the ropes course while Michelle and Walter went in the mirror maze and the St. Louis Ferris Wheel.