Lone Elk Park and such

I've been to Lone Elk Park twice before, and each time I've been intrigued by this "watchtower" that looms near the entrance. It seemed so mysterious and exciting. Well, I guess any other time it may have been the view of a lifetime.
Sean wasn't interested in going, so Claire and I made the journey together. It didn't take too long to realize that Ladybugs were everywhere. I tried not to let it phase me. As I trekked up the the spiral staircase, I realized it wasn't raindrops falling on my head. I can be very stubborn, so I continued. I noticed somebody had clearly been there before us as I ascended the squashed-bug stairway. I made it to the top to find even more Ladybugs and a Wasp. I was done. I turned tail only to be blocked halfway down as Sean began to ascend. Needless to say, I didn't get back to the car without having a small mental-breakdown.
Due to this encounter, I will not feel so inclined to smile when I see a ladybug. They really creep me out.
BTW: Throughout the drive in the park we continually had to open the window to flick a ladybug out.
Click on the photo below to get a better idea of the hoards of creep Ladybugs. Yuck.

We really enjoyed seeing the various colors of autumn on the trees.

Before leaving we were able to get out and stand about twenty feet away from a buck elk and a half a dozen cow elk.

Sean and I have a deal with Claire after her afternoon nap. She gets to watch one of her favorite shows for a half an hour while we cook dinner together. It works out pretty well, except when "Miffy" cuts in-and-out of reception.(we get really bad reception on our basic channels, especially PBS)
Anyway, she has mastered the couch-potato posture. She has also mastered the squish-face smile.

Magic House

Last weekend we were able to visit The Magic House here in St. Louis. You probably can't tell from these pictures, but it is so much fun for all ages.

Our next-door- neighbor made this hat for Claire recently. She is so sweet to us, and Claire loves her obese Pomeranian Rosey.

Claire really loves water, she especially loves to take baths.

Claire had fun with this display about air pressure.

I was very surprised at Claire's squeal of delight when she saw this Curious George walking around.


I felt really lame after taking these last two pictures. I'm not always very fond of Anne Geddes' style, and these pictures definitely lean toward that style. Lameness aside, I really like these obviously staged pictures.(ignore the hand holding her up) You can't deny the delight of a toddler in construction garb and a Judge's robe.