The Old St. Louie Scope-Out

For those not in the know, the Mark and Susan Peck family (of the infamous wandering Peck clan) recently pulled up stakes and moved to St. Louis. Not ones to let family members leave without keeping close tabs on them, the Bredenberg family (of the Bumblyburg Bredenberg clan) headed north (and east) to scope out the new digs and make sure they were adjusting well. We took along a U.N. weapons inspector, er, I mean favored aunt to make sure things were on the up-and-up. Here's what we found...

As you can tell by reading Mark's recent posts, the family is adjusting well to life in St. Louis. We had a great time as a throng (we narrowly missed horde status, but we officially qualified as either a gaggle, a swarm, or a throng, and I thought throng sounded most impressive) of five adults and five kids both at home in their 110 year old house and around town.

We took the whole gang (minus Mark, who was working) to the Magic House Children's Museum on Friday where fun was had by all. We visited the Gateway Arch on a very cold Saturday (think single-digits) and rode the trams to the top for a great view. We enjoyed good wine and good food prepared by top chefs, and had some good meals out, too! We enjoyed worshiping with everyone at Crossroads Presbyterian Church just down the street and exploring the other parts of Maplewood, including the little stores around the corner.

As much fun as these "venturing out" activities were, we also had a blast just hanging out and letting all of the cousins, aunts, and uncles play and spend time.

We were sad to head back home on Monday, but it left us wanting more and looking forward to a time when we can go back, or have them venture back down for a while. To be totally honest, I found myself waking up in the middle of the night Monday and feeling a palpable relief that there were no creaky stairs or floors in the house, and that I could get up without waking anybody else, but other than that their house is great, and their hospitality was unmatched.

I could tell tons of stories, and I'll try to do that in the coming days. Perhaps Mark and I (and possibly Susan and Amy???) will have a story-telling competition recounting the fun times. I have dibs on the pancakes, Mark...

And now for a few photos:

Tell me again how this whole "Arch" concept works!?!

It makes for a nice view of their new house, though!

Pecks and Games? Be afraid...

Much fun had by the cousins

Nap time for the little ones, quiet time for the big(ger) ones

All five cousins in one shot! It's a miracle!