Last weekend was both the birthday of my husband and the wedding of my college roommate. In other words, BIG STINKIN’ DEAL.
The entire Woodward clan packed up the car to the brim and drove to St. Louis to celebrate.
Henry was pretty impressed with the $50 of crap I frantically threw in the cart at Walgreens the night before when I realized that I had no idea how I would keep him entertained for four hours. Fear is a powerful motivator. (The Color Wonder markers and Mr. Potato Head were hits.)
But, clearly, the Behr paint deck was more entertaining than any of those silly toys.
It was raining when we woke up on Saturday, but cleared up quickly enough that we could hit the St. Louis Zoo. It’s truly one of the best zoos ever, and it’s free. We didn’t get to check out everything, but we did venture through the petting zoo.
Henry was far too busy with the goats to take a picture.
And we also went through the large rivers exhibit – which included the cheetahs, the anteaters, the rhino, the hippos and THE BABY ELEPHANT. It was truly the cutest baby animal I’ve ever seen. I mean, I’m talking in baby voices in my head right now. It was that cute.
Then, we got to celebrate with Ali and Brian. First, the intimate ceremony in a park.
Then a reception at a great restaurant in St. Louis. Ali and I were sorority sisters and also lived together my senior year. I’m so happy for the couple – there’s nothing better than watching two people get married who are truly perfect for each other.
Oh, and let’s turn our attention to my son in a bow tie.
I just don’t think it can possibly be any cuter. Baby elephants got nothing on him.
Okay …. fine. I’ll show you another random photo of Henry from the weekend. Twist. My. Arm.
I was so happy to spend the entire weekend with my family. It often feels like we’re running in 100 different directions. It was good to be together for a few days. And it should come as no surprise that I’m pretty lucky that my husband was celebrating his birthday. I think the world is lucky that he was born. Truly a wonderful husband, dad and friend. He’s nearly impossible to buy for, but I think I surprised him by securing tickets to the Bears-Packers game on our anniversary.
In other “The Would Only Happen To Us” news – we were woken up at 11:45 p.m. on Saturday night to the phone ringing in our hotel. Our bathroom had an inch of standing water in it and it was leaking into the room below us. It appeared to be coming from a broken and running toilet. So, Ryan mopped up all the water with towels and turned off the water because there wasn’t any type of maintenance person available. (WTF?) Somehow, Henry slept through it all. (Thank goodness.) And we ended up with a free room out of the deal. (Well-deserved.) But, who does that even happen to? Us. And poor Ryan having this happen on his birthday. He’s such a trooper. Didn’t even complain.
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Sara says
One of these days when you’re in STL we’re going to have to meet up for coffee or a baby play date! What a fun weekend!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Such a sweet little family! You guys are adorable!
And that’s crazy about the hotel! Ryan definitely is a trooper!
Katja @ Shift Ctrl Art says
What a great great trip. I love that Henry’s favorite was the paint deck 🙂 Also love the zoo pictures. All the cool people are posting about zoos lately….
Julia @ Cuckoo4Design says
Looks like a great time and you are right baby elephants got nothing on him bow tie and paint fan in hand. So cute!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Looks like a fabulous weekend! I am a little jealous of the baby elephants! Our zoo (Brookfield Zoo) has no elephants! What the heck?!
Your friends dress was beautiful, and Henry is a doll =)
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
Sounds like a great trip (aside from the hotel bathroom–I can’t believe they expected YOU to take care of the problem for them!)….we have to make it to St. Louis sometime; I’ve never been, but my cousin lives there now–perfect excuse for a trip, right?
Julia says
Aw, I love STL. Still feels like home sometimes. And Packers v. Bears? Awesome!!! (Go pack!) 😉
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
You went to Schlafly! I was going to comment on your instagram status to visit there!
That is our absolute fav brewery and we went there for lunch just last month when we did an afternoon in stl. (we live only a solid hour from STL)
I think I am their biggest pumpkin beer fan EVER.
anyway glad you guys had a blast on your packed weekend! Happy birthday to your hubs–and what a beautiful bride too!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Oh Ryan! Poor guy can’t escape a little DIY on his birthday! Love, love, love your dress!
Michelle says
Love Henry in the bowtie! I’m getting married in June, and I have two ring bearers (4 and 2.) We haven’t decided on their outfits yet, but Henry pics definitely add points to the bowtie vote!
Also, I have your dress. Love those Target finds! So comfortable, so versatile, and I get compliments just about every time I wear it.
I’m about 95% sure my wedding dress is the same as your friend’s!!! That just made me really excited!
Kenz @ Interiors by Kenz says
I love that he was so entertained by the paint chip sample book! Talk about a kid after your own heart!
Katie says
Such cute pictures! I think I shall invest in the color wonder markers. Excellent idea.
Score on the free room!
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says
Didn’t you just love that zoo 🙂 I love that something like that is free to the public. My mom lives in the St. Louis area and that is always the highlight outing for the boys. xo Kristin
Kristen says
So much cuteness in this post!
John@ourhomefromscratch.com says
thumbs up for little kids in bow ties. 🙂
Emily says
Ohhhhhhhhh there is nothing cuter than a baby in a bow tie. Henry is rockin’ it! I just died from the cute!
cassie says
how cute are you all! but seriously- henry! oh my gosh!
Cindy Germann says
That looks like SUCH a fun weekend! Well, I mean, minus the whole overflowing toilet part. My mind is blown that they didn’t even have an emergency maintenance dude on call. I mean, really?!
Also, bow tie Henry is a looker. You have a handsome boy on your hands!
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
Looks like such a fun time! And don’t worry, you aren’t the only one who is fear motivated by a toddler in a car. I don’t buy toys very often, but put a car (or plane) trip in the mix and watch out…i’m a crazy woman. And a free zoo?? So jealous!