In which I travel to STL for a donut

Yup, the title pretty much sums it up. Well, and I got to hang out with my oldest sister and her new husband, of course. But donuts were definitely involved, as you'll soon see.

Over the past four years I've visited St. Louis six times (this was the fourth in just a little over a year!), but usually we have lots of events and activities planned. First Kirsten graduated from Wash U in 2009 (a second post here), then Evan and I went all out for Spring Break 2011, Mother's Day 2012 was filled with lots of wedding planning fun, Kirsten turned 30 in November 2012, and then was married in April 2013! So now that I have these lovely travel perks, I thought I should take advantage and enjoy a relaxing itinerary-free weekend in good ol' St. Louis. The only thing on my to-do list? Visit the donut shop, and make a movie, naturally:

Now that Scott has shown me his magical video-processing techniques I hope to turn my own stockpile of video clips into something fun.

In case you're wondering, this is what a relaxing weekend in St. Louis looks like:

Bike ride through Forest Park with a stop at the fountain

Reading and picnicking in Forest Park

I took this photo to demonstrate to my mom that we're repurposing our childhood sheets as a picnic blanket - but aren't the fountains cool? Makes me feel like I'm in France.

Taking in a play at the outdoor theater: the Muny. We say Nunsense, with Phyllis from The Office! "Sorry I'm late" she says as she steps on stage a few scenes in. "I was in the Office" .. buahaha. The show was full of all sorts of one-liners and catered towards the St. Louis crowd.

These kitties proved to be nice little alarm clocks! : )

A farmer's market brunch, complete with a World's Fair donut. Can't beat it.

Movie making magic

Our produce doesn't look like this yet in Minnesota!

No trip to STL is complete without a trip to the Arch

We embraced the crowds down by Fair St. Louis to enjoy a FREE Counting Crows concert

and Fireworks!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July! Can you believe that school supplies are back on the shelves already? Evan starts twitching around this time of year, anticipating the end of his summer vacation ... and our flight bennies!

Wondering how we're flying standby this summer? Read about Evan's job at the airport here.

Summer 2013 Destinations:

Orlando, Fla.

Fairbanks, Alaska

(I have another post about Alaska coming soon!)

New Jersey (and some NYC)