hanging out in St. Louis

We couldn't leave St. Louis without at least going to the Arch, so after we checked out from our hotel, we took the MetroTram back downtown. We couldn't go up in the Arch, as tickets were sold out. (who knew you could buy them ahead of time?) But we looked around at the museum inside for a while and took some pictures outside.
Then we went to tour the old courthouse. It was really pretty neat. A lot of history. I'm sure we wouldn't have enjoyed it as much had we been chasing Becky around, so it was a nice thing for the two of us to do.

one of the old courtrooms.

the dome

Way to go Panthers!

Al and I got to go to S.t Louis to watch the UNI Panthers play in the Sweet 16. Becky got to go to Spencer. It was a win/win situation for everyone. (except the Panthers, I guess!) Even though they lost, it was the chance of a lifetime to get to go see them play in a game like this. We had a blast!

in our hotel room
warming up

shooting freethrows

Hanging out with Dana (went to school with Al) and her husband after the game.

Ramada Inn

We went to the Ramada Inn with friends a couple weeks ago to stay and let the kids play in the water park. It was a lot of fun!

The water was so cold, but it didn't seem to bother Becky!

Becky found a friend from Sunday school to run around and play with.

Here is Becky going down the slide. It took her a couple times of me holding her hand and getting soaked, but pretty soon she was a pro and was running around all be herself.

another slide

And then she crashed, HARD!

We got up the next morning and swam some more.

She even talked Daddy into taking her down the slide at least 10 times!

Reiman Garden

Since I've been having furloughs, I have used the opportunity to get things done around the house and just things in general that I need to get done. One furlough day, Becky was so sad to go to school that I promised her I would keep her home with me the next furlough day. I did. It was a couple weeks ago, and I can't believe I haven't blogged about it yet. Anyway, we went to Hickory Park in Ames to have lunch with a friend and then to Reiman Garden in Ames. The garden wasn't actually open, but the butterfly wing was. Becky was not as thrilled as I thought she would be. She hated the butterflies flying around and wanted to leave. She wouldn't let go of my leg. After a few minutes, though, she ventured out, and we had fun looking around at the various butterflies. As long as they didn't get too close to her, she was just fine.

Here she is posing for me in a small inside garden that they had.

Then she wanted me to take a picture of her pretending like she was asleep. She's so funny!

All in all, it was a great day. I was glad to have the opportunity to spend with my precious four year old!

dance class

Last Wednesday was Visitor Week at Becky's dance class. I remembered this time and had my camera to snap some pictures of her in action!

storytime with Grandpa

It is so great when Dad is up in Des Moines for session. He comes over often to visit with us and spend time with Becky. One of their favorite things to do is read stories before bedtime. I had to snap a couple pictures for the scrapbook I will one day be able to get done (I hope!)

Becky had to say, "Smile, Grandpa." She's such a great poser!
Becky is in Florida right now with Grandma Donna and Grandpa Larry visiting Stew, Brenda, and Bode. It sure is quiet around the house with her gone! She will be back on Monday. If you go to the Stewarts' blog, you can see some pretty great video of Becky swimming.

Mommy, Daddy, and the cats miss you, Becky. Love you. See you soon!