MOutings: Purina Farms and the Arch

Once Dani and Derek arrived in Missouri, our big outings required two vans instead of one, since 8 kids and three adults can't quite squeeze into one minivan. We stuck mostly to local venues, but did manage to go further afield twice: once to Purina Farms and once to the St. Louis Arch. Driving caravan-style is not nearly as fun as riding all together, especially in city traffic. Thankfully I know my way around at least some of the greater St. Louis area, so my prior knowledge plus trusty Google kept me on the right track every time my pedal-to-the-medal big sister left my van in the dust.

I. Purina Farms

We have gone to Purina Farms every spring that we've visited Missouri, so the sights were familiar. But the good thing about a farm is that animals are always different and fun, especially when you can pet tired cows, nibbly horses, velvety bunnies, quivering piglets, and nervous chickens! And of course the corn boxes are always a highlight. 

There was a visitor's center with a few displays for kids to explore, all centered around dogs and other pet food. 

This giant plastic guy was pretty funny looking. His bowl had a bunch of huge plastic food in it. Amber liked riding the kitty, while AJ kissed the dog.

Two words: CORN BOXES!

Rope swing and straw

Test your pull-strength (I think they were as strong as about 1/8 of a cow or something)

This cow follwed Amber and me--she was staring at us in the barn, and when we went outside, she followed us and stared mournfully at us through the fence. Cows are so big and serious.

Watching the doggy obstacle course and frisbee tricks. We were freezing sitting on that concrete!

Little kids looking at big animals.

Pat the chubby bunny! 

We attempted a group picture before we left.

II. The Arch
The next day (Friday, March 24th), we decided to go check out the St. Louis Arch. It was about a 55 minute drive from the Broadbent house, and we drove two vans to accommodate our crew. It was a warm, windy day and lots of unexpected road work prolonged and confused our drive. Finally we pulled into a parking garage, unfolded three strollers, and set out to find the Arch. It was a lot farther than we thought, and there was more construction all around the base. Everyone had to pee, and the wind was blowing our hair into our eyes constantly. The kids were uncooperative and frantic, so we didn't go all the way to the arch. We took a few pictures and then left, agreeing later that you win some, and you lose some. At least we got a picture in front of a national icon! We stopped at Fudrucker's on the way home for some lunch-burgers.

Rose and Chase: cousin love.

Jay was definitely not in the mood for a photo-op, even a short one.

Em took the rest of the pictures. We were seriously there for 15 minutes TOPS. Sometimes you just have to admit defeat.

Thank you, St. Louis!