The Hoeman Family: St. Louis Fun

Several weeks ago we traveled back to St. Louis. Carter and I flew out solo on a Tuesday morning. Kurt joined us the following evening. The flight out alone went quite well. We sat next to a very nice woman in the terminal, who then chose to sit next to us on the flight. Ironically she lives only a few minutes from my parent's home. She was quite helpful to Carter and me and I am thankful how it all worked out! Below are some pictures waiting to board the airplane.

Mom and cousin Allie picked us up from the airport. Even though we Skype frequently, my mom couldn't get over how much Carter had changed since she last saw him. After I gathered up our luggage we headed back to their house. I couldn't believe how wonderful the weather/temperature was in St. Louis! In fact our whole trip there the weather was perfect, which was a nice break from the high heat and humidity here in Houston.

While in St. Louis we were busy every day visiting with others and being visited by family and friends. We hung out at my parent's house a lot. Carter loved all the extra attention. There was never a dull moment. Even breakfast was fun. My parents would just watch him eat and Carter thought that was funny so he would laugh. Well that made my parents laugh, which then made Carter laugh, and so on. He was such a show-off!

Eating blueberries

Excuse me, do I have something on my face?

On Wednesday I picked up Great Grandma so she could enjoy Carter. It was great to see grandma and catch up with her. She had a great time watching Carter perform his tricks.

Since Kurt was only in town for a long weekend, we spent the following days with the Hoeman family. On Thursday, Kurt, his sister Maureen, and I took Shea and Carter to the magic house. The current exhibit is fairy tales. We loved it and especially loved posing the kids with the various backgrounds. We also spent some time in the infant/toddler section where Carter played in the ball pin. Then we made our way to the market to visit the library, nursery, and veterinary. After the Magic House we ate some lunch with Grandpa. Can't go back to St. Louis without a trip to Imos, right?

Maureen and Shea

Carter and Shea posing in a scene from Cinderella

Carter and Shea on a carriage ride

Playing in the ball pen

in the doghouse

"What I do?"

Eating lunch with Grandpa at Imo's

Thursday evening a bunch of my good friends from high school came over. It was wonderful to see each of them (minus J.E. :( ). My friend Jenny brought her little girl Lucy along and she entertained all of us that evening. We of course tried to force Lucy and Carter into interacting which they did very little of. At one point, though, Lucy did give our little Carter a kiss. I see a future love connection. Miss these ladies!

Carter with Angela

Lucy with Daddy

Lucy and Carter playing together

Lucy giving Carter a kiss

Jenny and Carter

The girls + kids

On Friday we spent the day with Grandma. We had a fun time visiting and relaxing. We also celebrated Dave's birthday and learned how to make a German Chocolate cake from scratch. Delish!

Carter with Grandma and Dave

Saturday we spent with Grandpa and Grammie. Again a lot of visiting and relaxing. We also were able to visit Leah and Rashad's new home. That evening Leah, Rashad, Maureen, and Shea came over to the house for dinner. We spent the evening hanging out and watching the two cousins "play".

Aunt Maureen, Shea, and Carter

Aunt Leah with the kids

Unfortunately Kurt had to head back to home on Sunday. However Carter and I stayed busy with visitors. We had many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends drop in to see us. Carter loved it and knew everyone was there to see him. One afternoon Grandpa brought Shea over. Carter and Shea were cracking me up. They of course had to have the same toy, and Shea did not want Carter touching her. They were too funny.