Girls Getaway to St. Louis

Dena and Ava, showing off her balloon poodle.

Ava and I took a road trip to St. Louis to see our favorite gal, Dena.  We had an amazing weekend away.  Friday evening we ate dinner at Fritz's, then spent the evening walking around.  It was a beautiful evening outside.  I bought Ava a balloon animal from a guy on the street, and we watched the street dancers for awhile too.  There was some amazing art and some really interesting people watching...

Ava was so excited about her gluten free ice cream cupcake!

Street performers, amazing dancing...

A little snack before bed...

Dena and Ava snuggled up together watching TV....so sweet.  Ava LOVES her Aunt Dena.

We spent Saturday morning at Grant's farm.  What a beautiful autumn day to spend outside. 

Entrance heading to the train ride into the farm area.

Posing on the train ride...

Checking out the geese...

...and the bison...

Feeding the goats a bottle...she was a little freaked out by how excited the aggressive the goats were.  They must have been hungry, they even ate Dena's sweater...

Throwing the turkey some food.

The baby kangaroo...

Fascinated by the camels - she kept calling them to come over.

The llamas - once she saw the others feeding them, she decided she needed to do so as well.  Until she saw how HUGE their mouths are!

We checked out the bird show...

...and the carousel...

After we ate lunch Aunt Dena showed Ava around the horse stables.

 ....and pictures with pumpkins...

This was just before she rolled the pumpkins off the haystacks.

Time to take the train back to the exit.

Showing off her tummy.

That evening she played with her new play-doh from Dena.  I don't know if there has been a day that has gone by since we've gotten home that she hasn't played with her "pay-doh."

We also checked out the city garden and all the fun sculptures and fountains.

Playing chase through the grass.

We had an amazing time, and Dena is just about the best person I have ever met at hospitality.  She always makes you feel so at home when you're visiting.  We can not wait to go back!