St. Louis Getaway!!

As Scott and I were nearing our  2nd year anniversary, we were all across the map on where we should vacation and what we should do.  Before we became parents, it was no big deal to hop a plane and vacation in what ever location struck out fancy.  Since becoming parents, we are very conscience about taking trips that even the smallest fish finds enjoyable.  After checking flights and googling a million different ideas, we decided to turn our anniversary celebration into a family friendly, long weekend, drivable mini-vacation.

Packed and ready to go!!

One of the perks of living in Southern Indiana is that Nashville, Louisville, Indianapolis and St. Louis are all within a quick 2-3 hour drive.  Scott and I had spent our very 1st anniversary as a couple in St. Louis, so that location holds a special place in our hearts.  We thought it was fitting to take our little dumplin with us to experience the city.

The Arch

As we drove to St. Louis on a Friday, we got stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.  I'm talking the kind of traffic that you might as well get out of your car and stretch because you are going to be there awhile.  It became clear to Scott and I that Paisley was not enjoying the stand still traffic and he quickly grew tired and fussy of just sitting there.  I hopped into the back seat with him thinking I could perhaps entertain him.  That proved to only agitate him further.  Then I noticed the telltale signs that baby boy had to use his potty.  So I did the unthinkable...I took him out of his car seat, dropped his diaper, and sat him on the potty which was riding in the floorboard behind the passenger seat.  Thank goodness we hadn't forgot the potty because little men had to go!!  After his potty break and a quick snack, we were all in better spirits and traffic started moving!  We may or may not have left a small token of our presence in the middle of the road (don't judge, it's biodegradable). 

Scott and I had made reservations at Union Station and I was so excited to pull up to the old train station.  It was a beautiful building on the inside and out.  Our room was big and clean and Paisley loved playing on the King sized bed. 

Happy baby in a BIG bed!

After unloading our suitcases and relaxing for a bit, off we headed towards the arch.  It was a pretty hot evening, but as long as we kept moving it was not unbearable.  We had Paisley in his stroller and he was pretty happy watching the busy sights and sounds of St. Louis.  It was well past dinner time and we were all starving.  We randomly walk into a restaurant off 7th street and little did we know it was a super nice fine dining steak house.  So nice that they didn't have high chairs.  We didn't let this small detail stop us from pushing our stroller in and snuggling up into a swanky leather booth.  I'm sure the couple seated next to us were shooting daggers our way, but were in a for a pleasant surprise when our little guy noshed on bacon wrapped shrimp cocktail and was the picture of baby perfection. Sure he may have dropped our silverware on the floor once or five times, but at least he wasn't fussy!!

Fine dining with a tot

After our delicious dinner, we walked back to our hotel and Paisley fell asleep in his stroller.  We stopped at the lobby bar and had a night cap.  Scott had a beer and I enjoyed a root beer float.  Paisley had no idea what he was missing!   We made it back up to the room and tucked Paisley into his Pack-n-Play.  We all slept good!!

Tram Time

Saturday morning it was off to Grant's Farm.  I had been there when I was little and was excited to show Scott and Paisley.  Paisley enjoyed the tram ride through the grounds and was excited to see all the animals.  Well, he was excited until a bison started running right next to us at the same speed as the tram.  The bison definitely got the side eye from Paisley. 


Pool time with Dadda

We enjoyed seeing the famous Budweiser Clydesdale's and strolling through the grounds.  After we left, we came back to our hotel so Scott and Paisley could swim.  I relaxed in a lounge chair and watched them swim and enjoyed an ice cold beverage. 

For dinner we walked to the nearby Landry's seafood house.  It was just "ok."  I think I am bit spoiled as unless you are on the ocean, seafood just doesn't taste as good.  But, it was still enjoyable and we learned on this trip that Paisley is not allergic to shrimp or fish.  After dinner we took a paddle boat ride.  Paisley liked watching the giant goldfish swim around our boat.  Scott wanted to see how fast we could paddle the boat.  I just wanted to leisurely float along.  Scott won. 

Dinner!

Nightfall was upon us so back to the room we went.  Paisley went down early and Scott and I snuggled up to watch a movie.  Yes we could have had a more romantic anniversary, but we had each other, a sweet sleeping baby, and a decent movie on tv. And the king sized bed that we were snuggled up was much more comfortable than the hospital bed we shared a year ago! 

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Cheers to a happy anniversary and the unknown location and itinerary of anniversary #3!!!

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