Vacation 2011

We decided last year that we wanted to vacation in St. Louis. We don't get to travel there together very often. It is the city where it all began. 

Stefani's parents spent the first day of vacation with us. Our first order of business was to meet Carolyn's new baby, Nora. (Carolyn is Stefani's best friend and was her matron of honor.) Nora is absolutely beautiful! We also got to a hang out with Nora's big brother, Noah. Who also has "Aunt" Stefani wrapped around his finger. After visiting with the Stringfellows we had lunch and did a little shopping.

She loves her "Aunt" Stef already.

Stefani's dad playing with Noah.

On our second day we went to Waffle House for breakfast. We then headed to Goeke's to buy spices. We headed downtown to Concordia Publishing House. After shopping at CPH we headed to Schlafly for their brewery tour and to eat lunch. Once we were finished drinking free beer and eating yummy food, we walked around the Seminary campus. We did quite a bit of reminiscing. When the reminiscing was over we headed to the St. Louis Art Museum. Everything at the museum is free on Fridays. We couldn't resist checking out Monet's Water Lilies exhibit. Art museums in Kansas City and Cleveland got together with the St. Louis museum and decided to show the three Water Lilies panels together for the first time in thirty years. If you have a chance to see it, go. Seeing them together as they were meant to be was just awe inspiring. 

 Yum, beer!

The beer Joshua had a lunch.

There were no pictures inside the exhibit, but there was nothing about taking pictures of the outside of the exhibit. 


On Saturday we attended the wedding of Katie and Rob. Katie is Carolyn's older sister. We were happy to a part of their special day.

All dressed up for a wedding!

The sanctuary. 

Stefani and Carolyn, Best Friends Forever!

Stefani did not take this picture. She "borrowed" it from Carolyn and Katie's cousin. We think it captures Noah's handsomeness very well. Has Stefani mentioned how much she loves this kid?

First dance as husband and wife. 

Nora all dressed up for Aunt Katie's wedding. She is just beautiful! 

Stefani, Carolyn, Nora, and Katie, the bride. 

The bride and Stefani.


Sunday, Stefani's parents hosted a family brunch. We were able to visit with Stefani's grandparents (Marrah), grandma (Gavisk), Great-Uncle Gilbert, and Aunt Annette. It was nice to see everyone. Joshua doesn't get a chance to see much of Stefani's family unless they come "up north" to visit. 


Monday, we headed to the zoo. Luckily, we got our visit in before the rain hit. That evening we headed to dinner with the Stringfellows (Carolyn, Jason, Noah, and Nora) and Converses (Christine, Bobby, and Alyssa). We had a great time visiting with Stefani's friends. 

Yes, that is a baby elephant.

Hello penguin!

There's a baby giraffe. Adorable!


Tuesday, we did some last minute "big city" shopping. Then we spent the rest of the day lounging and packing up to head home.


Wednesday we head back to NoMi (Stefani's clever name for Northern Michigan). It wasn't an easy drive. It rained the entire drive. Along with high wind gusts (up to 50 mph). We were very thankful when we arrived home in one piece.