Turtles and Hippos and Penguins, Oh My!

My mom and I had talked all summer about taking the kids to St. Louis.  We knew that Cohan would LOVE the zoo and there are so many fun things to do there.  BONUS: Some of my cousins live there.  I realized last week that we only had one week left to do this.  My mom's sister, Carol Ann, has been watching my cousin, Colleen's, three kids this summer.  Colleen, and her husband, Chris, just bought a BEAUTIFUL new home, so we planned on staying with them!! 

So Monday morning, I packed the car, kids and snacks up and headed to St. Louis.  My mom met us at my cousin's house and we headed for our first adventure with five kids: Grant's Farm.  Unfortunately, as we pulled up to the gates, we were welcomed by a sign that said they were closed on Mondays.  We were disappointed, but headed the "Turtle Park" to let the kids play instead.  I don't think they minded.  All the kids (with exception of Ireland, of course) climbed all over the concrete turtles and snakes and enjoyed the swings. 

GramMo and Mammy watching their grandbabies.

Ireland enjoyed the view from her car seat. 

After Turtle Park, we headed to McDonald's for lunch.  There was a play place, so the kids were able to burn even more energy.  As soon as we got back, Cohan headed for a nap and GramMo and Aunt Carol Ann got lots of one on one snuggle time with Ireland.   

After naps, it was time to head to the water park.  My aunts and cousins, Colleen and Kathleen, were able take us to the YMCA water park where they belong.  Cohan LOVED the lazy river and jumping in the pool.  I even tried the big slide with Colleen's oldest daughter.  So much fun!

We headed home, changed clothes and went right back out to a local Irish Pub for dinner.  It was so fun to sit and catch up with everyone.  After dinner, we all enjoyed Ted Drew's ice cream.

The next morning, we got up and ready and headed to the St. Louis Zoo.  Cohan had been talking about the animals ever since we decided to go to St. Louis, so he was more than excited!  It was a hot day, but that didn't seem to bother the kids!   

Ready to see some animals!

The new Sea Lion exhibit had just opened and was AMAZING!  Cohan loved watching the Sea Lions swim over and next to him.  He and Ryan stood on the wall watching them. 

 

 

Mammy and her grandbabies

The next stop was to see the penguins and puffins.  Cohan was a little nervous at first, but then couldn't stop laughing and clapping for them. 

The "big kids" wanted to ride the carousel.  Ireland and I watched.  This is pretty much what she did for her entire zoo experience: sleep.

 

Cohan liked knocking on the window to the orangutans.   

Everyone went on a train ride around the zoo while Ireland and I found a cool place for her to eat.  My mom said he loved the train and waved to everyone.  He was perfect except for when it was time to get off.  I guess he didn't think he should be done!  =) 

We also saw elephants (including a baby), hippos (which Cohan tells everyone about because they pooped and fish were eating it), and more.  It was such an awesome trip.  I loved watching Cohan get to play with his cousins.  It was also so fun to watch my mom and her sister be amazing grandmas.  These kids are all so lucky.  Can't wait to go back and do it all again soon!