Minnesota

On 'our way' home from Wisconsin, we decided to take a little side trip to visit Mall of America for a few days, and then spend a day with some of our favorite Business school friends the Stansels! Dan and Annalee came to Mall of America with us, which was really fun. The kids both loved being able to spend so much time with them. On Monday, (our first day at the mall) we spent most of our time at the Nickelodeon Universe theme park. The kids loved going on all of the character-themed rides (i.e. Dora, Diego, Swipper, Backyardagains, etc.). One really nice thing about the theme park was that John and I were able to ride all of the 'junior' rides for free as chaperons.

Uncle Dan and Hudson

Makenna 'driving' Dan and Annalee

Dan and Makenna being chased by John and Hudson on the Swipper ride

After grabbing a late lunch, John took the kids back to our hotel which was right across the street, and Annalee and I did a little bit of shopping. I really could not believe how BIG the mall really was. I only made it to a handful of stores, but did enjoy having some kid-free shopping time.

On Tuesday we spent the morning swimming, and then headed over to the mall around lunch. It was Toddler Tuesday at the mall, so the kids were able to eat free, which was great. We then visited the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium (which is in the mall). It was a nice aquarium, and the kids really enjoyed it, but it was definitely overpriced. After the aquarium, we did a little more shopping. Makenna picked out a Sleeping Beauty dress at the Disney Store, and Hudson got some legos. We then ended up in the Barnes & Noble store for about 2 1/2 hours while John looked at books, and Hudson played with the Thomas the Train table. He had also found a Thomas table at a store the day before. Hudson LOVES trains, and could spend hours and hours playing with them.

At the Barnes & Noble train table
Playing with another Thomas table on Monday


Tuesday night at the hotel, the kids got my camera and took some pictures, without me knowing (not sure how they did that). I deleted about 30 of their random pictures, but just had to keep the following 2 because I thought they were funny.

Hudson's 'angry face' which he thinks is SO funny to make. He usually has a little half-smile while making it. (This may also be the last picture taken of Hudson with his binkie, which we have since taken away.)
On Wednesday morning, we drove to visit the Stansels, who moved to the Minneapolis area after business school. They only live about 6 hours away from Omaha, and are the closest of our b-school friends. The kids seemed to pick up right where they left off, and were off playing upstairs about 30 seconds after we arrived. After a few hours of catching up and eating lunch, we took the kids to a big indoor playground. Sadly I didn't take any pictures, but the kids had a blast running around and playing together. On Wednesday night after eating a fabulous meal prepared by Amy, we then played charades with all of the kids. We loved being able to see and spend a day with the Stansels. Thank you so much for having us!! We stayed with them on Wednesday night, and then headed home on Thursday.

Makenna and Lucas right before we left. Somehow I left without getting a single picture of Jane and Hudson!