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

Meet Me In St Louis: Moving to the Lou

Hello everyone. We are Missourans! Is that a word? It seemed like it was a word. Anyway, I finally feel like we settled into the house and everything is going smoothly. It's a brand new chapter in our lives and I can't wait to get started.

Missouri is home to many thing that I can't wait to sink my teeth into, sometimes literally. Of course being in St. Louis, we are in barbecue country, but there's wine country, hiking, caves, and lots of history to soak in. But first thing's first, we had to furnish the house.

Bryan and I came to St. Louis with not a lot of stuff. And by not a lot of stuff, I mean a lot of little things, but not a whole bunch of big things. So we went to Ikea and  spent more than a person probably should spend in a trip. Okay, it was two. Alright three! But now we have a comfy cozy home to call our own. 

Here's a little picture tour, mini Goofy for perspective.

Bryan relaxing on our couch...

...watching the new TV

Our dining room, complete with board game collection

Dining room again, but with a view of Bryan's office

Guest room for our visitors

Master bedroom

Bryan's handmade closet

Kitchen

Art Studio- kitchen adjacent

Thank you everyone for your love and support during our move. And a big thank you to our former roomie/landlord for taking care of us all those years. Missouri, we're here!

-Akemi-chan