Swimming!

After the zoo (and lunch), we all went back to the hotel and went swimming. We were so excited to see how Carson would react to the water! He seemed to really love it! We'll have to get him into swimming lessons soon.

"I'm ready!!"

Hmmm...not so sure
Swimming for the first time!
Let's try our floatie

"I love swimming!!"

St. Louis Zoo

We went to the St. Louis zoo on Sunday. We went early to try to beat the heat, but we weren't very successful! There was just no beating it - it was the hottest day of the year so far. But, like I said, Carson was a trooper. He only cried once - during the penguins. (That was our favorite due to the air conditioning!) But once he had his bottle, he was good-to-go again! Despite the heat, I think we all had a really good time! It was especially nice getting to hang out with our friends for more than an hour. They have so many people to see when they come home. We always try to do dinner but it was nice to spend a little more time!

Waiting in line for the penguins

Watching the penguins (ahhh - air conditioning!!)
Watching the chimpanzees
First family vacation

Becca, Shannon, Riley and Mason
Awww - even lions "spoon"

Cousin Riley and the zebras
The boys and the babies - cute!

Okay, now where's the pool?! :-)

St. Louis

We went to St. Louis this weekend for our first family vacation! (Emma stayed home with Grandma). We went down to see our friends Shannon and Becca. And I knew before this trip that I was blessed to be Carson's mommy. But, oh my, we really are SO lucky to be his parents. He was so good. I still can't get over it. On the way down, he slept almost 2 1/2 hours. He woke up and Lucas and I just looked at each other, prepared for the screaming. But nope. He just looked around casually. Grabbed a couple toys here and there, but mostly just stared at the window. Perfectly content. Same thing on the way back. He only slept for just under 2 hours that time. But still, woke w/ a yawn and just stared around. He started crying when we hit East Peoria. Not bad at all! Even our friends kept commenting on how good he was. Even with limited napping (and very HOT weather), he still just kept going....and with a smile most of the time. What a great mini-vacation! And what a wonderful little boy we have!!

Getting ready to leave - "I'm so excited Daddy!"

Yay - we're here!

Out to dinner

What a long day!


And this was Carson on the way home (Monday) - before we even left the hotel parking lot. :-) Vacations are exhausting!