4th of July, Botanical Gardens and more

enjoying a break from the car on the drive back to St Louis from Utah
June 29th

almost a year old and looking so grown up!

the kids didn't see Zeke for almost a whole month and were so happy to be with him again!
July 1st

playing Sorry and eating snacks

Grandma was apparently a very enthralled spectator of the game

Jonas fell in love with cars right around age 1 (like all the other boys) and would
make car noises while playing with them - so cute! July 3rd

Grandpa built Lucas a train table for his 8th bday

enjoying ice cream treats on a hot 4th of July (Draven came with G&G too!!)

what better way to bribe your grandson to like you than giving him ice cream!!

worked like a charm with Jonas! ;-) 

Lucas working on his soccer skills

Jonas loves Grandpa!

getting ready for more soccer time
**because of the drought/heat, most fireworks shows were cancelled, so we just spent the day at home**

exploring the Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival
July 5th

all of the lanterns were lit up at night - they were amazing to see during the day too

love the excitement of the boys in this one - and Matias' mid-air jump

The year of the Dragon!

walking through the Climatron

Playing in the Children's Area - puppets, books & crafts!

taking their show on the road!

craft time

exploring the Children's Garden Ropes Course 

nice balance Lucas!

it was hard to tear the boys away from here - there are boats you could play with

finally convinced them to come to the Splash Pad to cool off

silly Draven!

don't touch the water!

Matias kindly cooling Lucas off

the boys didn't want Jonas to feel left out and crawled around with him for a little bit

one more turn on the Ropes Course

more displays - these ones moved when lit up at night

the Four Faced Buddha

such a fun day!