We had a blast dressing up as Monty Python characters Tim the Enchanter, the Witch, King Arthur, and Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog for the STL Kegs ‘N’ Eggs event.
The Cards vs. Cubs rivalry is one of baseball’s greatest – and watching the Redbirds take on the Cubs in their legendary North Side ballpark made for a truly unforgettable experience. The stadium oozes historic charm, with its hand-operated scoreboard, ivy-covered walls, and vintage architecture – though that also means tight aisles, steep ramps, and some obstructed views. We stayed in Wrigleyville, the lively neighborhood just outside the gates, packed with bars, restaurants, and rooftop vibes. Inside, the concessions were a mixed bag – the iconic Chicago dog and garlic fries didn’t quite live up to the hype, but the souvenir cocktails and local Goose Island brews were a nice touch. While there aren’t many modern amenities inside the park, Gallagher Way offers a much-needed open-air hangout with family-friendly space to roam. What truly made our visit special, though, was the incredible energy and hospitality from Cubs fans – they were some of the nicest we’ve encountered, and the bleacher section was an absolute party, complete with chants, jokes, and even a beer snake that Scott got to anchor. From rivalry drama to timeless design, this visit was one for the books.
The song “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys is a tropical classic. It’s the ultimate relaxation song about traveling the world with the one you love and visiting the most beautiful beaches, including your own “little place like Kokomo.” While Kokomo itself is a fictional, utopian location, the song mentions several gorgeous locations. At some point, we realized that we had already been to several of the places mentioned and we made it a goal to visit the rest.
3D Prints, Christmas, Cosplay, Decorations, Events / Parties, Projects
A Christmas Carol – Past, Presents, and Future
Bah humbug—we were roped into hosting Christmas in 2021! So naturally, we leaned into the drama with A Christmas Carol as our theme. Inspired by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, we mixed Victorian and Dickensian flair with a dash of family nostalgia, TikTok trends, and even a little Matrix-style mystique. From the décor to the food to the festivities, it was a spirited celebration—complete with appearances by Mr. Scrooge, Mrs. Cratchit, and all three holiday ghosts!
This is my favorite room in our house! I started planning for this room as soon as we started building our house! I setup zones in the room for Cricut, crafting, painting, science/steampunk, gift wrapping, sewing, cosplay, and 3D printing. This is my happy place and where I go when I need to enter the creative zone 🙂
Thor is one of our favorite superheroes, and we love the costumes from Ragnarok. Plus, Scott looks a lot like the Ragnarok version, especially when he cuts his hair with the V and Z. 🙂 This was a really fun costume to create for the STL Ren Fest Heroes and Villains themed weekend. Thor and Loki swept the costume prizes for best Hero and Villain! Thor even won a pie eating contest in attempts to become “Fat Thor” 😉
Ballpark Reviews, Ballparks, Baseball, Travel
Ballpark Review: Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)
Philadelphia had long been on Scott’s ballpark bucket list – thanks to Rocky, cheesesteaks, and, more recently, Bryce Harper, one of his favorite players. We finally made it, and the visit didn’t disappoint. We caught a Harper home run during his red-hot, MVP-caliber season, scarfed down some $1 hot dogs, and took in the beautifully centered skyline views as the sun set over the outfield. Citizens Bank Park blends nods to Philly’s deep baseball history with fan-friendly features like the open-air Ashburn Alley, fun interactive games, and social spaces like Pass and Stow and the Budweiser Rooftop. The park is nestled in the South Philly Sports Complex, a bit removed from downtown but anchored by Xfinity Live!, a lively pre- and post-game hangout. Concessions ranged from classic crab fries to modern staples like Shake Shack, with plenty of spots to grab a drink and catch the game from standing terraces. While some elements – like the dated scoreboards or confusing rideshare access – could use an upgrade, the overall experience delivered a solid mix of energy, comfort, and Philly personality.