RV Trip | The Grand Canyon

From The Grand Tetons we went down through Salt Lake City {wish we would have went through the Salt Flats -- on the list for next time!} to Las Vegas.  My in laws hadn't been to Las Vegas, so we wanted to let the experience it.  It was a first for our kids as well -- I thought they would like all of the lights but they were not a fan of Vegas.  I will say, do not go to Las Vegas during a pandemic.  It was very different than it normally is -- no shows, many restaurants closed, casinos super empty/closed.  It was almost eerie how quiet it was.  The highlight was staying at the MGM {our kids couldn't believe how bit it was} and swimming in their pool the morning we left.

After Las Vegas, we headed 4 hours East to the Grand Canyon.  Unfortunately the Hoover Dam was closed due to Covid {next time!}  We stayed at the only campground on the Grand Canyon property, Trailer Village RV Park and it's so much better than it sounds.  We had several Elk walking right up to our campground.  It was just magical!  Another trip highlight, for sure!  

People recommended to us to go to the Grand Canyon at sunrise, however that just wasn't a priority to us.  I haven't seen the Grand Canyon at sunrise, so I can't compare, but I will say we went around 10a and it awesome.  Only the South entrance was open, but it wasn't busy/crowded at all.  We really enjoyed our morning here.  

St. Louis | Missouri

The beginning of this summer, my family took met for a long weekend in St. Louis.  It started as a couple of us and ended up being all 11 of us -- my sister and BIL even flew in from South Carolina.  I hadn't been to STL since I was a kid, so it was fun to see it from a new perspective.  It was a great start to summer!  A baseball game for the boys, a beer tour for the adults, and a few activities for the kids.   

City Museum
Only one photo because I was so busy playing with the kids!  I had a TON of fun here!  Wear athletic clothes and expect to crawl on your hands a knees!  Also, pro tip -- ask about renting {or bringing!} knee pads -- you won't regret it!  You can climb indoor and outdoor.  They have lots of slides -- including a 10 story slide from the rooftop.   There is a special toddler area.  Both kids loved the 'skateless park'.  It's four stories plus a rooftop space.  We spent a half day there and only saw about half.

The Magic House
Great for kids under 10.  They have a couple of outdoor play spaces as well as a multi-story building full of different hands-on exhibits for children of all kinds.  They have an entire Mo Willems area, an around-the-world space, a construction zone, and so, so much more! Plus, you can get BOGO admission.  We could have spent all day there -- we stayed a half day and didn't get a chance to see everything. 

St. Louis Zoo
I won't say too much about this since everyone probably has already heard all the great things about the St. Louis Zoo, but it's worth it!  They have a huge variety of animals and it's a great time for people of all ages.  Bonus -- it's free!  *There are several add on opportunities {the Sea Lion Show, the Carousel, the Railroad, etc.} that cost money.  Also, for the adults, they have a delicious sangria in a bag option :)

Other fun things we did while in St. Louis...
Caught a Cubs vs. Cardinals game {go Cubs!} :)

Took a Budweiser Tour {& spent a lovely afternoon on their patio!}

Places we ate...Imo's Pizza
SugarFire Smokehouse
Club Taco -- so good!

Things we want to experience next visit...Zia's Restaurant

Grant Farm

Ted Drewes
The Botanical Center

Have you been to St. Louis?  What is your favorite thing to experience?