{Natty's Wedding - Saint Louis Zoo}

This weekend was filled with so much fun! Ryan, Braeden & I went to Benton, Missouri for Natalie's (Mrs. Statlers) wedding. I was one of her bridesmaids, so we made a big trip out of it. What should have taken us 3 1/2 hours to get there ended up taking us more like 5! Ryan thought it would be a good idea to take the "Scenic Route" instead of the highway. I do have to admit, it made the trip a little more interesting, but we definitely took the highway home. Anyone who has a 6 month year old knows they can only take so much of the car. So we arrived in Benton on Friday around noon, and spend the day getting acquainted with the town. After the rehearsal we went to a place called Buckner's Brewery in downtown Cape Gerardo. If you ever have a chance to visit there, go for it! It's so pretty and we were looking over the river, good food, and atmosphere. I actually would really like to go back someday. The next morning was Ryan's day with Braeden. The other bridesmaids and myself had hair appointments at 8 in morning, and after stopping at Starbucks we were ready to start the day. Natalie (Mrs. Statler) was soo beautiful, and it just looking at her made me even more excited for Ryan & I's wedding!! The ceremony was perfect, and the reception was a blast. It had been so long since I was able to hang out with the girls and dance, and just RELAX! I even got Ryan to dance with me ... I know, I can't believe it either! So needless to say, it was a perfect little vacation!

So I really thought that the weekend was over after that. I had got up early the next morning and pack & loaded the car while Ryan & Braeden were sleeping, managed to eat breakfast with Natty & Josh, and get myself ready as well. When we were on our way back to J Town we thought it would be so much fun to hit up the Saint Louis Zoo. Ryan and I LOVE animals, and really want to share that with Braeden. Soo... off to the Zoo it was. We had such a great time, and it was soo cool to see Braeden interact with the animals. I had an amazing weekend, and can't wait till our next vacation!!