Homeward Bound

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we drove to the Gateway Arch. We were there before it opened so we could walk around the area without crowds. 

We tried to book tickets online but the morning times were sold out. We decided to try getting tickets in person and we got lucky! Charlie really wanted to go in the arch, so I was glad for him! Being a national park, masks were required and enforced. 

The tram was interesting. Our guide was nice, but could not deviate from the script! We were the only group in our time slot and it threw him off on where we should stand! His iPad crashed and that really befuddled him! He couldn’t answer questions until that was resolved. His main focus was telling us how much money the arch brings St. Louis in tourism 😜

We did learn the concept for the tram was created in just three weeks and combined ideas for an elevator, escalator, and ferris wheel all into one. The tram car seats five and the doors are glass so you can view the mechanics of it as you ride up. At the top, you get out and there are windows so you can look out on the city before boarding the tram to go down. It has a very 1960’s vibe and smell to it!

We had not given any thought to the museum, but it was really nice! It was all hands on stuff the kids could touch and interact with focusing mostly on the settling of St. Louis, but also covering the design of the arch. 

There was a lot on the pioneers coming to St. Louis to get supplies before heading west and they enjoyed a game where you helped a pioneer shop for their supplies and make it out to Oregon.

The joy for visiting the arch was furthered when we hit the gift shop! Sarah Graves collected magnets, Charlie keychains, me Christmas ornaments, and we all liked finding penny presses! 

We left St. Louis and were soon in Illinois. The roads were surprisingly rough and lots of construction areas. I guess they know their roads are bad! A couple of hours later we made it to Metropolis, IL.

 For once, one of my restaurant choices was open and we ate there! It wasn’t anything fancy, but I picked it because it had a Bavarian soft pretzel on the menu for SG!

After lunch, we walked in the downtown area to see the Super Man stuff! There was even a Super Man gift shop and we had to see if they had a penny press and what do you know, they did!

We got back in the car to keep making our way home. The kids have done great. They were a little slappy happy for a while -taking turns annoying each other (and Aaron)! We played a little Harry Potter trivia, Mad Libs, and a few sing alongs as SG took over being DJ!

We have become connoisseurs of gas stations since we have stopped at a gillion this week! QTs are not found up north and small towns rarely have large, new ones. We all know Aaron will pick Valero over other brands and even he can’t explain why! They do seem to specialize in the small town market.  We brought snacks and bottled water that Aaron kept cold in the ice chest so that we didn’t desire to buy as much. I have been looking for a Hershey’s Gold candy bar since we left Atlanta! The kids love to check if they have one! Sarah Graves concluded they quit making it, but Charlie has kept the faith that it is out there! 

This trip has been a great experience! We had an adventure, made so many memories, and I am so proud of who we are as a family. The kids agreed they enjoyed it and rated it up there with a Disney trip, but not quite as high as a Universal visit!  I don’t know when we will be able to do this again, but look forward to planning it!