Glendale Jazz Fest

Madison, Emily, Hailey, Isabel

Gumbohead was great!(notice the St. Louis County Park Department's band wagon)

Emily and a few classmates with her teacher, Mrs. Heinicke and her daughter (who stops by class now and then)


Tonight was Glendale's annual Jazz Fest, which was surprisingly fun. There was food from a local caterer, 3 bands, and a few thousand people enjoying the music at city hall on a beautiful night.

Metro Air Support

The weather and my schedule finally cooperated and I did a ride-along with the Metro Air Support Unit, which is a joint venture between the St. Louis County Police, St. Louis City Police, and St. Charles County Police. The officers took me up and showed me what a typical day is like for them, patroling various infrastructure sites and assisting with calls when possible. Seeing their equipment and what their job entails helps my office to understand their budget requests better each year. It was certainly an interesting flight.

Pre-School Picnic

Today was Adam's pre-school picnic at a park in Des Peres, oficially marking the end of the school year. He's sitting here with his buddies Drake and Matthew. We are all constantly reminded by Adam that Dinosaur Camp at the preschool (a 1-week summer program) is coming soon.

Mario Kart

The kids got Mario Cart for the Wii this past week, and it's a big hit. Emily has been her typical patient self by helping her brother "play" what he calls the ka-wee.

Playing with Julia

Adam had a fun day playing with Julia (across the street) last week. They played in the backyard, painted, rode bikes, and went to the park with their moms. Girls currently outnumber boys on the street, but at Adam's age, he doesn't care!

Last Day of Preschool

Monday was Adam's last day of preschool for the year. I'm not sure who is more disappointed - Adam or Mom. For the last day, the kids sang about 10 of the songs they've learned. Okay, the teachers sang, the kids mostly mumbled and did hand motions, and the parents all beamed with pride.

As those of you who have been around Adam lately know, he is REALLY looking forward to going back this summer for a one-week "Dinosaur Camp." For those who don't know, he usually reminds you that he's going to Dinosaur camp a good 2-3 times per day.

I took some video of the performance that I will try to post later this week.

Devil Rays vs. Cardinals

Ready to go to the game!

Stan Musial Plaza

Stan "the Man"

We took our first family trip to Busch Stadium today to see inter-league action between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Cards. The kids enjoyed the train ride to the game, and seemed to have a good time. We were somewhat nervous sitting in the bleachers because it seemed like everyone was eating peanuts. Amy had her bag full of benadryl and epi pens, so we were ready for anything. The Cardinals came from behind to tie the game in the 8th, and got a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th to win the game and take 2 of 3 in the series. Before the game, the Cardinals dedicated a plaza just outside of the gate by 3rd base for Stan Musial. Although I'm new to the Cardinals culture (as a die-hard White Sox fan), it was cool to see Musial in person - one of the true living ledgends of baseball. We're also enjoying the fact that we now root for 2 sworn enemy of the Cubs (the curse lives on!)

We lined up so that the kids could run the bases after the game, but 5 minutes before we hit the field, Adam fell asleep. I carried him on the field while Emily ran the bases, carried him to the train, held him on the train, and he woke up when we got back to our car. Man that kid is a load - my back is sore!!

The kids got to use some of the money they've gotten from birthdays, etc. and spend it at the Build-A-Bear inside the stadium. Adam got a Fred Bird (Cards mascot) and Emily got a Clydesdale. Adam was really excited to show his doll to the real Fred Bird, who gave him a hug and a high five, then proceeded to eat his head - pretty funny.

It was a fun day, but we're all beat!