21. Go to the Botanical Garden

Cory's parents came into town on Thursday, July 12, and we thought we would take them to the Missouri Botanical Garden which was on our summer fun list, and also happens to be hosting a Chinese Lantern Festival through the end of the summer. 

We dressed the girls in Asian inspired outfits, and braved the heat to see the beautiful lanterns (made of silk covered steel frames), and eat Chinese food (the kids didn't really go for the egg rolls and cold peanut noodle salad, but they loved the crab rangoon).

Uncle Jeff with the girls.

Grandma and Grandpa in front of a magnolia tree.

They also had a 30 minute performance by Chinese acrobats which we stopped to watch. We really enjoyed the show which included amazing displays of strength and flexibility.

Just as the show was ending, the lanterns were lit up.  Now is when the garden filled up with people and became very crowded.  The lanterns were even more beautiful at night!

We viewed more of the lanterns after it was dark, but then quickly made our exit as it became hard to walk on the paths because there were so many people. Even with all the people, we really enjoyed our trip to the Botanical Garden.