Well yesterday I WAS going to blog today about another reason to hate Chicago (a $120 ticket for parking our own properly-licensed car in front of our own house). But my brief time in St Louis was so wonderful that I’m going to talk about that instead!
Tommy and I rolled over the bridge and into the greatest state in the Union about 4 pm yesterday. I was talking to my mom at the time and literally had this huge emotional rush as I saw the Arch, Derek’s old courthouse, and all the dear, familiar STL sights. Tommy and I stopped at our old Trader Joe’s to buy rice milk without the ridiculous 10% Chicago sales tax, and I kept pointing out all of the dear Brentwood landmarks–our library, our grocery stores, his doctor’s office, etc, etc. I didn’t drive past our old house because I thought I’d get too homesick. We spent the night with Seth and Leann, and it’s so nice to go to an apartment complex and not have to worry about finding a parking spot, paying a meter, or having a special sticker. I will never again take for granted being able to park where you want to when you visit a friend.
After Tommy went down, I headed up to Emily’s house for a much-anticipated evening of fellowship with some very dear girlfriends! Kat and Kelli were also able to get away for a couple hours of chocolate fondue (Emily, I forgot to ask you for the recipes–can you send me the links?) and some serious mom talk. After a really rough couple of weeks, two hours of quality time with these old friends was SUCH a blessing! I left so thankful for the wisdom and encouragement of my fellow moms. Since Emily and I are due the exact same day, we had to get a “Pregnant Emilys” picture, too. Do we look like we’re 29 weeks along?
Leann went with Tommy and me this morning as we got Tommy’s 2-year picture taken in Brentwood and enjoyed a Nadoz lunch. (I’ve been craving a chopped salad with avocado ranch dressing for weeks…) I’m going to see if I can take a picture of the picture and get it up on the blog sometime next week. Now we’re home with my fam, Tommy has had his fourth (and final) birthday celebration, and I’m ready for a week of rest and renewal in dear old Columbia. I just love being back in Missouri!
Oh Emily, you are SO not a Chicago gal! =) I’m glad you are enjoying yourself and getting a much needed rest and refresh! Have lots of fun this week! =)
I should point out St. Louis has a ridiculous 7.75% sales tax, or something along those lines.
It’s funny how we grow up and only want to be at home. 🙂
I paid less than 5% tax on my rice milk. I’m hoping this holds Tommy over ’til I can really stock up in Detroit in March with NO sales tax on food!