Gateway to the West (Friday)

We arrived safely in St. Louis on Thursday afternoon.....St. Louis is known as the "Gateway to the West", as it was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We feel a kindred connection to them, as we're making a similar journey (especially evident if you see all the stuff in the car :-) Lewis and Clark journeyed westward from St. Louis - one of their camps was in the Missoula area.

On Friday, we visited the Lewis and Clark Museum, and also visited the St. Louis Arch - known as the Gateway to the West. We rode to the top of the structure in this tiny pod-like contraption. Quite a feat for those of you who know me.....and my intense fear of heights! The good thing about the trip to the top was that it was very fast and there was not a window to the outside heights! Once we exited the pod, we looked out these tiny viewing windows. Incredible views....and an amazing structure. I was in awe of the Arch everytime I looked up at it, or viewed the Arch from a distance. And I was in awe of myself for sumbitting to be hauled up to the tippy top of that thing! And I'm still alive!

Our St. Louis friends are so dear and sweet to us....they have welcomed us with open arms and we've had a wonderful visit. She is quite the gourmet cook, so we have been completely spoiled rotten by the fabulous meals she has served....everything home made....eggs benedict, fresh fruit, pancakes, quiche, pecan pie, pork roast with mashed potatoes, and on and on! Yum! Tonight's fare is an artichoke appetizer, a great-smelling meatloaf and veggies, to be followed by a creme brulee. Heaven.

And nothing like being greeted with fresh flowers in every room. They're so sweet to us!

And nothing like having your children play together with their daughter....running for hours in the grass and playing "restaurant" outside. I love that the girls are being creative and running off their energies.

We're having a great time.