City Museum

 This summer we asked Jay if there was something fun he wanted to do with his friends.  He picked a trip to St. Louis, to the City Museum.  We've had this date on our calendar for what seems like ever.  I knew if I didn't put it on the calendar then it wouldn't get done.  We rented a car, piled these 5 boys into the car and headed to St. Louis.  There are a few things one should know about 15 year old boys.  First, in a group they really are brainless.  Second, it's best never to place a dare on a 15 year old boy especially when they are in the company of their friends, and thirdly they have smelly feet!  That's really all you need to know.  But here's the truth; I love this group of boys.  They are good friends to Jay.  They all can laugh together and poke fun at one another - in a good way, you know the way that only boys can.  I enjoyed getting to know each of them a little better, especially Ayden and Garrett.  They may act like bafoons when they are together, but while in the company of adults they are respectful and polite.  While we were at the museum a fire started.  Kid you not!  We had to cut our trip short by 1 hour but it didn't bother the boys.  In fact it provided a good story about their trip.  I should mention I saw this adventure as our last "hoorah" with Jay's friends - not that they won't come to the house to hang out, but it was probably my last time to organize a social gathering like this for Jay.  Three of the boys in this picture are on the cusp of turning 16.  Jay and Garrett are the last ones of the group to turn 16.  I'm already seeing the changes this brings and as with all things in life, it will continue to change.  But for this one day, I was thankful to spend the time with Jay and his friends. 

                             Mike enjoying some of the activities the museum has to offer. 

Worst selfie ever!  Mike and I enjoyed spending the day together.  We took our boys to this museum when they were 5 and 9.  I said I would never return until the boys were old enough to just "let them go," which is exactly what we did with Jay and his friends.  We walked into the museum, gave them their wrist bands and said to have to fun, and meet us back at the entrance in 4 hours.  The City Museum is cool, but who ever designed it had a screw lose.  It's kind of creepy and almost impossible for adults to get in and out of all the climbs, holes and passage ways.