We went to the special photographer's day and I got to meet all the players on the 2006 St. Louis Cardinal Major League Baseball World Champions - including my fav - one of the best players in history - Albert Pujols.

This beautiful bridge crosses the Mighty Mississippi River just miles north of St Louis and goes right into the historic Illinois town of Alton.

They taste as good as they look.....

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is held annually, and this was year 37. The only older race is the one outside Albuquerque and only by one year. The race in St Louis is the only one to take place originating inside a major metropolitan area. Because of the skill required and the potential for disaster - all other races in the US start outside the cities. The launch site is Forest Park which is 40% larger than Central Park in New York City.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is held annually, and this was year 37. The only older race is the one outside Albuquerque and only by one year. The race in St Louis is the only one to take place originating inside a major metropolitan area. Because of the skill required and the potential for disaster - all other races in the US start outside the cities. The launch site is Forest Park which is 40% larger than Central Park in New York City.

The race finally gets underway.

Before the Great Forest Park Balloon Race - photographers were allowed on the launching field.

Great Forest Park Balloon Race Before the race photographers are allowed onto the launching field for closeups.

There are many exciting animal encounters possible at Grant's Farm, the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, located just south of the city of St. Louis. The Farm is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 100 different species from six continents. Grant's Farm, operated by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., has been a St. Louis tradition for over five decades. More than 24 million guests have visited this popular family attraction during its history. The Farm takes its name from our 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. In the 1850s, Grant founded and farmed a portion of the 281 acres. Today, this land is home to Grant's Farm and is preserved as a living symbol of the Busch family's love for animals and Anheuser-Busch's commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation. Admission to Grant's Farm is free to all ages. http://www.grantsfarm.com Have a great week!!!! (constructive critique is welcome) coming soon - photos from the air show: http://www.scottairshow.com/ and from the Veiled Prophet Parade on the 4th of July http://www.vpparade.org/ and from the St Louis Zoo http://www.stlzoo.org/ another - St Louis Air Show - from high up in the hills above the air field: http://www.stlcofair.org/ and on Mon 09/03 we went to a small car show - that next after that - Friday 09/14 - St Louis Balloon Glow and - Saturday 0915 - Great St Louis Balloon Race http://www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com/