Easter Weekend

Our holiday weekend began Friday afternoon.

The weather was glorious and the hub was able to take off the afternoon, so we headed out to the zoo. No parking space was to be found (we only do the free on-street parking) anywhere close so dh dropped us off at the entrance and went to look for a parking spot further away and he would meet us by the bears when he got back.

We were hanging out with the bears and my cell phone rang. The only parking spot dh could find was so far away it wasn't worth him walking to meet us (it was less 1.5 hrs until closing) - so he headed off to the History Museum and we just zoo-ed around by ourselves. I called the hub when we were ready to leave, he picked us up and we went off in search of a supper picnic spot.

No photos were taken as I didn't have my camera with me - actually I did - but I didn't realize it.

Saturday we ran some errands, had our traditional (as of late) $1.99 kids' meal at Lion's Choice, played some tennis, and colored Easter eggs.

In conjunction with the eggs - the girl took her first solo trip to the grocery store which is 15-20 min away (walking) - which she was very happy to do.

Sunday our church had a sunrise service, breakfast and regular worship service - which we attended.


After lunch we took a nap and then headed out to the August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center to hike and explore. It was our first visit - and we arrived late in the day so we didn't get in much hiking. It's the type of place you'd want to arrive at early in the morning (if you are a morning person like me), bring along a picnic lunch - and plan to stay all day.

The boy and his dad in front of one of the bunkers...we did find one bunker that had a "window" open so we were able to look inside a bit (not much to see other than a couple of empty beer cans) - the amazing thing is how totally cold the air was inside...just like being in a cave.

The conservation area was used in the 1940’s by the Department of Army as a TNT munitions plant to support the WWII effort. One hundred of the old TNT storage bunkers still exist on the property, which of course the boy enjoyed seeing.

The girl quickly climbed onto the top of the bunker and the boy followed suit. No broken necks ensued.

"The 6,987-acre Busch Conservation Area contains 3,000 acres of forest in addition to grassland, cropland, old fields, prairie, and wetlands…also has 72 fishable lakes and ponds …The visitor center has 120 rental boats, bait, tackle, and licenses."

We did a 3 mile hike and the weather was perfect for being out there and we definitely want to go back when better prepared.

Trying to climb the Leaning Tree of the BCNC.

We finished off the day with a large Wendy's Frosty for supper :)