Party of 5!

Arch.

This weekend we took a little family "staycation" to the St. Louis Arch. As in national park, not to be confused with the golden arches we normally frequent. =)
The kids hadn't ever been to the top, but it is obviously one of those landmarks every time we cross the river which they are so curiously interested.

The princess views the east side from the top and checks out the Muddy Mississippi.
On a side note, she wore this getup nearly all weekend.
On the plus side, I wasn't too worried about losing her...follow the trail of pink feathers.

And the west, downtown view.
Newish Busch Stadium to the left.

No, we haven't dropped off the face of the planet...

...we've been at Disneyworld!

...and on "Mickey's Boat!"

..with some cool friends.
(Julia, Madeline, top Mouse, Mason and Ryan).

...where we had an amazing time celebrating Jeff and Julia's birthdays, and kept the kiddos up way way too late because we just didn't want to miss any of the fun activities!

More pics to come soon...I'm still playing catch-up from being gone!

Magic House

Tonight we met some friends for a great dinner at Duffy's and fun at the Magic House! The kids loved running around together. Above, Hannah holds on to Blake, Julia and Ryan.

Matt and Tarra met up with us as well...

Julia's bossy skills come out as she directs Mason and Ryan in the construction zone.

Ryan loved climbing up this "plant". Julia did not enjoy this opportunity like her brother did. Daddy had to come in and for a heroic rescue!

I have LOTS of other photos from this night, but blogger is refusing to upload for some reason...grrr!

Christmas Evening

Merry Christmas!

JBusch Wrapping Paper Collection Inc.

You better watch out, you better not pout, I'm telling you so...

Now HE has the Christmas spirit!

Who needs glasses when you have a pretzel?

We've added 5 in 5 years!

Ry wanted his pic with Aunt Amy. Check!

Mat, Granny Re and Amy.

And the award for giving the kids the LOUDEST toy...goes to Uncle Mat with an upright piano!

WHAT was this?!?

Our JugiBug takes flight!

And beautifully lands.

Ohhh..faux pas! Caught on film sharing secrets! Lucas, keep your mouth shut! =)

Windsor and Villa Farotto

We have a bit of a Christmas tradition now of attending Jeff and Amy's amazing church the week of Christmas and then going to dinner afterward. Tonight we dined at Villa Farotto in Chesterfield. Not exactly kid-friendly, but the kids did amazingly well!

Amy, Emily, Me and Jeff.

Fortunately, I had an array of different colored pens in my purse (so there IS a plus of not cleaning that thing out!) which kept Ryan very occupied. (My dad and Mr. Busch in the background).

Although it looks strange, this mixture of balsamic, spices and cheese was AMAZING. (Krista, Brian and Mrs. Busch in the background).

Julia learns a new word tonight--tart. Thank you, Aunt Amy!

Pre-Thanksgiving Feast

Tonight we had our pre-Thanksgiving dinner. We started doing this as a way to celebrate with Krista and Brian - they usually drive to Chicago on Thanksgiving day. Unfortunately, Brian was home sick tonight, but the rest of us attempted to pose for a photo.

I have started wondering if I should enroll him in acting lessons or something to channel all this singing/dancing energy!?!

No bribe was great enough to make Julia smile.

I snag the opportunity to hold my newest little nephew, Cole!

It wouldn't be a family event without some wrestling, right? =)

Zoo

We decided to once again take advantage of this unseasonably beautiful weather and headed to Forest Park to relax and visit the zoo. Our little dancers had a blast showing us their new moves.

The tired dancers give Daddy some lovin'.

Ry took this pic of us...you can see him in our glasses reflection.

Anteaters.

Pumpkin Carving

Just FYI this is not your regular blogger; this is the handsome husband so often mentioned. I thought I would post what I...ur I mean the kids were able to carve with Grumpy's tools.



And the results of all this mess....









Back to your regularly scheduled blog.