Missouri State Parks: Elephant Rocks and Johnson's Shut Ins

A few weeks ago, I told hubby that we needed to go hiking. It was a long string of weekends that were either 100 degrees or pouring rain. I was getting some cabin fever and all i wanted to do was be outside; to feel the ground under my shoes.

About an hour and a half south of us is a cluster of state parks, including Elephant Rocks and Johnson's Shut Ins. 

Elephant Rocks is a former granite quarry that evolved into a state park thanks to the rain eroding the giant boulders into stand alone stones. Amazing rock formations and views.

He's so little

Before this visit, I had no idea what a shut in was, but I soon came to realize that it's a river that is congested with rocks to form swimming holes, sort of. Either way, I was excited for both hiking and swimming, two of the things I miss most about home. 

Time for swimming

Rocky shores

Feels weird swimming in shoes

Shut in

So far Missouri is pretty great. I have so many things on my excited-to-do list that the weekends just aren't enough. There's always a museum or restaurant or event or hiking trail to visit. Always something to do. Can't wait for our next hiking adventure.

-Akemi-chan

May/ June Randoms

Man, I am so behind on blogging. My free time is so different now then it was before. All of my free time is outside of the house, which I'm still getting used to. That means less cooking, more working out, more working and less blogging. But can't complain, it's great, just different.

Anyway, here are some snapshots of the past two months, including our transition from being residents of Illinois to Missouri. Which reminds me, I need to get a new driver's license. 

Seoul Taco- Kimchi bulbogi burrito, YUM!

Look at my handsome PhD! I'm so proud of my Doctor!

Becky's birthday, love painting with her

Saying goodbye to my co-workers in Champaign. I miss them so much!

I have experience stacking cargo y'know?

Got our keys to our new place! 

First night at the new house. No food, no furniture. Board games on the floor with beer and candy.

Unpacking can be... fun?

Trying some vegan food at Lulu's Local Eatery

Prepare to spend many hours and many moneys

Pho is life; Pho Grand

Eating ice cream in Saint Charles

Milkshakes and BBQ from a local favorite, Sugarfire

Kimchi bloody Mary is my new favorite from Treehouse

But first brunch (Treehouse again)

Berry and Lime & Cucumber Mint sorbetto for dessert from Gelato de Leone

Neapolitan ice cream cupcake from Jilly's Cupcake Bar

Popsicles from Whisk on a hot day at the farmer's market

Tower Grove Park

Brazilian Brunch Buffet, say that three times. Brasilia

Whatchu looking at? Laumeire Sculpture Park

Reminds me of the sculpture at UH

Latte and chocolate peanut butter smoothie from MoKaBes

Drinking cocktails with Billy at Shakespeare in the park

Love it when we get to eat with our hands. Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant

Finished a DIY project: reupholster dining chairs

Double Benedicts for brunch at Mangia

Holy moly we ate a lot of restaurants in June. But I guess that's what happens when you insatiable and move to a new city with lots of restaurants. And there's more where that came from. We've only been to less than half of the restaurants in our neighborhood, and we need to go back to some for something other than brunch. The future is looking bright, and just a little chubby. But happy belly leads to happy life, no wonder I have to spend all my free time at the gym. 

Happy eating!

-Akemi-chan

March/ April Randoms

As our time in Champaign-Urbana draws closer to the end, I've been reflecting on some things. What will I miss bout this little town? What will we not have in St Louis that was so accessible here? What are some of the things I should do before I leave? Is there anything I left undone?

We've had so many wonderful memories here, but it's been almost 7 years, and although this town has treated us well, it's time for the next stage in our lives. In just a few short months, we'll be packing up and moving to a different state and a bigger city. Many great things on our horizon and the best is yet to come. 

Here are some little memories from March and April 2016.

Steak and kale salad with blue cheese

Lucky Charms cupcakes for St Patty's

BLT salad

Finally warm enough to drink outside

Birthday brunch at Rooster in St Louis

Birthday ice cream at Jeni's

My coworkers are so cute

Rick's Bakery Alfajores: Shortbread with dulce de leche and coconut

Mini tacos

Art Party Studio painting time

Swordfish with tomato and squash salad

Purple donuts, cuz FedEx

Roasted veggies

Goofing off for employee appreciation

Fly my prettys

Always with the treats

Coconut melon mojito

We play board games on the floor. Gose and Dead of Winter

Finally eating Papa Del's Pizza

Art Party Studio, part 2

No, thank you!

Many things will be changing the next time I post a bi-monthly wrap-up. But good things do not happen without change. As Spring turns into Summer, we will turn into Missourans. Ekk.

Akemi-chan