Meet me in "St. Louie"

For fall break we headed to the midwest to visit our Abalos family.  We got up really early and were able to catch the sunrise.

Hello St. Louis and the muddy Mississippi

Ethan, you've grown so much, you're so tall!!

When you are one of the shortest among your friends, but then visit your Filipino relatives.

So excited to meet our new baby cousin (and nephew) Asher.

While visiting we headed into St. Louis to check out historic Union Station.

They had just opened a new ferris wheel that had views all around the city.  Since we were early in the day we had not problem getting on.  Ellie and I were a little nervous of how high it was but the views made it worth it.

It was a nice area, still under construction, but we still got to enjoy some of the features like the big fish pond.

and the old fashioned soda shop where Ellie ordered a super decked out cotton candy shake.  

lot's of sugar all around

Historic station is now a hotel.

Afterward we headed to the St. Louis Zoo.  It was nice to visit on this warm fall day unlike the last time we were here in mid July in the hot and humid 100 degree temps.  

So many animals out to get to see.

  

Another outing we had while visiting was to the new Top Golf in the area.

Only a few had ever golfed before, but apparently this isn't like real golf so who knew the difference.  Plus it made for a lot more fun to watch everyone.

The highlight of the weekend was being able to attend Asher's baby dedication  Almost all of our relatives in the area came and so we were able to catch up with everyone.

The Abalos cousins

Sibling picture

It was a special day and experience.  Maria and Nathaniel asked Nick and I to read a few things.

It was a happy and also a little sad time for Maria, she lost her mom the same year as me and I know these things are difficult for her without her mom here.

This was a sweet reminder that although not physically here with us our loved ones are still with us always.

The baby dedication was at a really cute place in a cute little town.  Ellie and the other little cousins enjoyed the animals nearby that could be petted and fed.