Momentous Monday.

This weekend Daniel had to go to St. Louis for an Inactive Reserve Muster for the Marine Corps. Because he had to go anyway, we decided to pack up our crew and head out for a mini vacation. I am terribly tight with our finances and hate to make big splurges, but this weekend I vowed not to think about money at all, and just to enjoy these precious moments with my family. I succeeded. It wasn't until we got home that I began thinking, "We probably spent too much money, but that is ok. It was completely and totally worth it all!"

Friday night we swam in the hotel. The kids loved it and have gotten so good! They are so big.

Saturday after Daniel's muster we headed to the zoo. We didn't find out until later that this is the year's busy weekend at the zoo. Would have been nice to know before the 1 1/2 hour wait in traffic:(

But once inside, it was wonderful. We walked the zoo in it's entirety. I was exhausted and cried when we returned to the van at the end of the day...but in the midst, it was pretty amazing!

One of my most favorite moments was seeing the Chimps. They were being fed a cold snack and headed right to the window where we were sitting. This one was teasing Braden with his, and it was just the cutest thing! The kids loved it!!!

We swam more Saturday night and searched desperately for a McDonald's so we didn't have to pay a ridiculous amount of money for food that wasn't even good--again. We found one and the kids ate SO good (which as a mom made me really happy, even if it was McDonald's!)

We decided to stay another night, even though I was beyond spent. I'm so glad we did because yesterday was totally worth it! We went to the "City Museum," downtown and it is just incredible! There are so many things to see and do! We made it to the rooftop (over 11 stories tall) and rode the ferris wheel that is located there, sat inside of a bus that overhangs the building and the kids rode on a rope swing that hangs from a massive dome! It was just the most awesome day!

This weekend we made memories that money can't buy! We made memories that are so dear and special to my heart. Braden using the potty for the first time, Nora telling me this is the "most fun she's ever had," (while sitting at the museum), seeing their red little faces as they ran and played, swimming in the pool and hearing their giggles. Even sleeping in the hotel and waking up to see everyone anxious and excited for what was coming up later in the day. It was all just a great time.

...and even though I'm still so incredibly tired...

I really wish we were still there.

I can't wait to do it again!