1 post tagged “butterfly house”

Never made it to The Missouri Botanical Garden, nor any of the other intended stops for that matter (the Cards were out of town).

We more than made up for it. Gerald invited us to join his family at the City Museum after church on Sunday. This place is amazing (too bad I forgot my camera).  "Where The Imagination Runs Wild" is an understatement. We spent 4 hours there and didn't even put a dent in the place. Could it have been because we spent the better part of the first hour on the Monster Slide?  I went down it 6 times myself (no I didn't tear my pants there... that was in the tunnel under the floor).  I think rugrat finally met her match with Monstro City. The best part was seeing the kids get along so well....well that and the St. Louis Style pizza. We ate Ma out of house and home afterward.

Monday we took a drive over to Illinois to Eckert's orhcard and then to visit and old and dear friend. On the way I noticed that the gentrification that started with the Central West End in the 70's has hit downtown full on.

 

The old garment district (near City Museum) is overflowing with loft apartments and trendy shops and eateries.

Unfortunately, East St. Louis hasn't  gained any traction. 

Perpetually in it's own way, just as I remember it, right down to the "outdoor markets." 

 

Carl Officer is even mayor again. I remember back when he was one of JET Magazine's Most Eligible Bachelors.

We picked up a load of peaches at Eckert's, making it to Belleville in time to beat the 2nd afternoon downpour.  Visiting Brenda is always a treat

We ended the day at Gerald's Mom's house where I was "force fed" all the things I like to eat.

Tuesday started with breakfast at a St. Louis institution.

 

Then off to the Butterfly House with rugrat's apprentice in tow.

This place may not replace The Gardens, but it's a real close second.

Siginificant Other and I Ooohed and Ahhed while rugrat gave the scientific rundown. 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that the butterfly mouth is call the probiscus? And that they taste with their feet (not eat with them as Daddy erroneously believed)?

 

Before going home we stopped by Aunt Martha's who gifted me with a geneology of my paternal grandfather.  More on that some other time.

 

Wednesday we returned to Michigan. I don't think rugrat has forgiven us yet.