Visiting Cousins in St. Louis Part II

After a low-key birthday party, time at the playground, a morning at the Zoo, and a quick visit with my aunts, we made our way to the Drury Inn hotel in downtown St. Louis (right by the arch) and settled in for the evening. The girls love, love, love staying in hotels. The next morning, while I was at work, my mom and her sister took the girls to visit another set of cousins on the Thomas side of the family. Norm and Ann Thomas are my mom's cousins, and we used to play with their two children when we were younger. Now they have children too, and Moira and Maddie have a blast together (they are very close to the same age). They just played all day at Norm and Ann's house--it was beautiful weather!

Moira, Hannah, and Maddie

Ann, Maddie, Moira and Hannah


A closeup!

Big squinty smile

Maddie, Grandma, and Moira



Little cousins


Big cousins (Ann, Marilyn, and mom) and Hannah
My girls returned at the end of the day on Monday, just in time for the Drury Inn's drinks and appetizer hour. Afterwards, we were walking through the lobby, and Moira and Hannah were absolutely fascinated by the horse and carriage outside. So, we decided to take a short walk to get photos in front of the Arch and then to say hello to the horsies.

Excitement about the horse (named turtle)!
By the time we were doing my impromptu photo session in front of the Arch, it was nearing sunset. I am always trying to get good photos of both girls. They are not inclined to "say cheese" on cue, and in the end, it's so much fun to look at all of their bloopers, if you will. Below is the best (although a bit dark) and the funniest photo of the bunch.


On the way back, we stopped to say "hi" to the horse, named "Turtle." His driver was very kind to the girls (as you can see below), and the next thing I knew, Grandma had decided to take us all on a horse-and-carraige ride. It was the first time for Moira and Hannah, and they were fascinated by the entire experience.

Moira (a bit nervous), Hannah, and the friendly driver

Getting started on the carriage ride

"the runner" in Kiener Plaza

The old courthouse and Arch

Three generations!
The next morning, the girls went to Grant's Farm with Maddie again before picking me up around naptime so we could head back to Indianapolis. It was nice to have an extended visit in a city I grew up visiting all the time. Can't wait to go back!

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