Botanical Gardens

Yesterday we finally ventured downtown to see the magnificent Missouri Botanical Gardens. It was never too high on my priority list of places I wanted to see, but we all loved it. Wednesdays and Saturdays are free, so after going there with Benjamin and a few of our friends mid-week, I convinced Paul to come back with me on Saturday. We actually hit it on the busiest day of the year during the Japanese Festival, but we got there early enough where we didn't have to battle any of the crowds. We had a good chuckle seeing all the interesting types that Japanese culture attracts gather in one place, marching in parades and selling tie-dyed kimonos and Japanimation t-shirts. But it really was cool being there for the festival. So much cool pottery to lust after!
It was a really hot muggy day, so we didn't last too long. We got to see the Chinese garden, a Victorian garden and the huge Japanese garden. There are also a lot of cool mosaic sculptures throughout that were part of the "Niki" exhibit. Some of them were open for kids to climb on. Benjamin had two things on his list that we needed to do: feed the fish and play in the water (in the children's Mark Twain garden). We really only scratched the surface, so we'll have to go back soon. Only problem is, now Benjamin will always expect to go to the old familiar spots.

Paul and Benjamin in front of the Chinese garden.

Benjamin found this stick in the Chinese garden and could not be parted with it. Isn't this a cool stone table?
There was a quarter dispenser with fish pellets. Benjamin was happy to pick up what others dropped and feed them to the fish.

We spent a long time feeding the fish. They're giant golden carps, with huge gaping mouths.

Paul and Benjamin crossing over a nice brook in the Japanese Garden.

Nikigator.

Benjamin in the Nikigator.

Benjamin had a blast playing in the water area with the other kids. That's Charley next to him. He and Benjamin were the same age. It was cute to see them interact.