Fast Growing

There is nothing like lifelong friends.  Jenny and I have been friends for almost 30 years.  Each year they come back to STL for Thanksgiving and we get together with the kids.  And amazingly, every year, the kids just pick up where they left off like they see each other all the time.  I love watching everyone grow year to year.  And I love spending time with Jenny catching up.  I wish they lived closer.

Science Experiment: Mini-volcanos

Lots of great things about Pinterest- for me one of the best things is that I can keep all of my PAT ideas organized.  Ben, Max, and Maura are always on board for trying out the experiments, crafts, etc... This one is super easy- baking soda, food coloring and vinegar- all three are now on my grocery list because we went through a lot of all three.

2011 World Series: GO CARDS!!!

Molly decked out as the rally squirrel.  The Cardinals came back this season and ended up being the Wild Card and winning the 2011 World Series.  We spent two weeks staying up late and watching the Playoff and World Series games.  It went to game 7- I watched it over at my parent's house with mom, dad and James.  Ben had an overnight camping weekend so he listened to the game around the campfire with friends- cool memory for him.  I have to thank my mom for raising me to make these sorts of family memories.  We will all remember being part of the 2011 World Series!

Waiting for the metro link to head down to the rally.

The metro link was crazy packed.  Charlie and I went in one car with the boys and were smashed like sardines.  MaeMae and Maura went in the car ahead of us.  It was a beautiful day so all of STL decided to go down to the parade and rally.

We were able to get  six seats but they were paired off in different locations in the stadium.  Ben and I were in Homer's Landing which was fun because we had never sat in that spot before.  It was also near where the players drove into the stadium so Ben got to see the players up close as they rode in.  And I'm pretty sure Albert Pujols made eye contact and waved right at him.

Fuzzy but there is the eye contact and wave to Ben :)

We love Yadi!  On Max and my to do list:  get his Yadi ball signed by Yadi!  We were shown where the Cardinals now park- maybe we will go early before a game next year and try to get that signature :)

Charlie ended up taking Max and Maura back to the car before the fireworks started because they were pretty much done with the whole experience.  Apparently, the Metrolink was crazy crowded even then.  They managed to get on and back to our car parked at Wash U.  We planned to ride the Metrolink back but the line was crazy.  It went from down the Metrolink  platform, up the stairs and down the sidewalk.  We decided to walk toward Union Station and they picked us up there without and hassles of traffic.

Trying to get a normal picture of MaeMae and Ben without one of they acting goofy- Ben here with crazy eyes!

It is so fun that Ben is at an age where he can go to things like this and handle the long walks, etc... that go with it.  And his love of baseball is pretty fun too!

GO CARDS!

Halloween 2011

                                        The princess, greaser and inventor  with Kimmy.

This is possibly our last Halloween having all the Sprich and Lottes kids together.  The older kids are getting to the age where they want to go out with other friends.  It will be sad to see that tradition come to an end but we have lots of great pictures through the years.

One of the girls in the neighborhood had this Barbie box as part of her costume- amazing!  The dad was letting the girls take turns posing in the box to have their picture taken.

Checking out Uncle James' new apps on his phone, always a favorite pass time.

The great candy trade.  We had a great turkey and sage chili made by James and mom's traditional delicious chili too.

Halloween wouldn't  be complete without a visit with MaMa.  Everyone gets a package of her infamous toffee cookies.  And tears can quickly be shed if people start stealing cookies from the kids!

Reading Mom

I was the reading mom for Maura's class this week.  She picked a bunch of books for us to read.  The books we had time for were Blue Goes to Sleep, Little Mommy, Polar Bear Polar Bear and The Little Green Witch.  I love 4 year olds!  They are hilarious and always have tidbits to share.

Mrs. DelRio and Maura's afternoon class with Andrew, her best buddy.

Zoo and the Baby Elephant

We went to the Zoo to see the baby elephant with Christopher and Sean.  The elephant was so cute imitating everything the mom elephant was doing.

Climbing the insect sculpture was a highlight- those Jacobs boys can climb!

The penguins were all about posing for photos.

And a train ride with MaMa was the perfect way to end our day.

Monet Exhibit

On Sunday we picked up Pae Pae and went to the St. Louis Art Museum to see the Monet Exhibit.  It was family day so they had activities for the kids.  We first did a little drawing with pastels and then checked out the exhibit.  It was a great exhibit but I always forget what a different experience things like this are when it is a kid event.  I may have to go back when I can appreciate it without interruption.

The Holy Crepes truck was at the Art Museum and they were giving out free crepes for the Monet event.  The line was crazy long but the kids really wanted a crepes.  Pae Pae was able to sway the kids to go for Steak and Shake instead of waiting for the crepes- great idea Pae Pae!  We had shakes, sundaes and cheese fries, yum!  Pae Pae got a full lunch and we were all happy :)  

Maura's 4th Birthday (party #2)

Maura had her birthday party at Olympiad where she takes her gymnastics class.  The girls had a great time dancing, jumping, and bouncing around.

Ballpit fight

Fun with the parachute

Audrey and Maura

Mike and Ike's from Uncle James

Lots of cute presents including this
shirt