Day Three - Meramec Caverns

Day three was devoted to touring Meramec Caverns and getting from Missouri to Tennessee.  Since it was 95 degrees outside the thought of touring a cave that was a consistent 57 degrees was very appealing. 

At one point we did get behind a wonderful group of people who's humor focused on farting and then making loud jokes about it.  We managed to distance ourselves from them after a bit and Dusty made the comment later that he was certain one of them was wearing a lovely bit of jewelry around his ankle courtesy of the judicial system.  NICE!

Not a bad little side trip...a little on the pricey side, but they had a pressed penny machine.  And as far as the Hackney's are concerned that's one of the most important things. :)

Day Two - Stop Three - St. Louis Art Museum

After a day filled with the science center, pizza, go karts and arcade games, I headed the car to the art museum.  Yes, a vacation stop for mom.  Although Aaron probably won't admit it, he liked the museum as well especially since I let him tote the small camera around and snap away.

Rachel with Monet's "Water Lillies"

Aaron contemplates Picasso

Dusty and Aaron's favorite spot...a room full of weapons and armor

It was free...the air conditioning was on...there was interesting things to look at...you can't lose.  Only drawback - no pressed penny machine! :)

Day Two - Stops One & Two

On day 2 we headed out to the St. Louis Science Center, which has the added benefit of being free!  Took in an Omnimax movie while there...think IMAX only the screen is a dome. 

Harp using light instead of strings

Next it was off to the Incredible Pizza Company for lunch.  Basically Chuck E Cheese on steroids.  Aaron thought the place was the bomb because of the slushie machine on the buffet.

After we were full from the pizza it was time for games...GoKarts for the boys...mini bowling for Rachel and me.

...and the most exciting of all...when Aaron found out we have and Incredible Pizza Co. in Indy!

Day one, Stop two - City Museum, St. Louis

Museum is not the right word for this place.  I cannot fully describe the bizarre randomness that is City Museum.  In an old converted warehouse downtown, this place is crazy!  There were tubes, tunnels, nook & crannies to get lost in.  One part of the building was made to resemble caves.  There were vintage arcade games, bug collections, old skateboard ramps to climb and run on, a small train to ride, an aquarium, a vintage clothing store.  You never knew what you would find around the corner.  You'll have to check out their website to get a better idea.  Needless to say the kids had a blast!

This tube is about 4 stories off the ground!

Looking up to the top of the 10 story slide

Day one, stop one - The Arch

Our 1st stop of vacation was the Arch in St. Louis.  I had been by it numerous times and had been below it, but never up to the top.  Lots of fun and it wasn't too claustrophobic getting to the top.  So to commemorate the 1st part of our vacation I give you..."How many ways can you photograph the arch?!?"  You can go to the top...

From underground in the tram car

From the east side

From the West side

Directly beneath it

Silhouetted by the sun

From the North side

with the kids

...and in HDR!

And I'm sure there are many, many more!
More vacation later....

The Great Diving board Pose-off 2010

The contestants:  Aaron & his Tennessee relatives, Cory and Brian.
The location:  Aunt Ginger's Pool, Woodlawn, TN

From the Vacation Vault - 2005

Cincinnati, Ohio - July 2005