Mall of America

So sorry I'm a day behind (more on that later...)! Yesterday, Mom, Dad, Travis, Jenna, Mark, Ethan, and I went to Mall of America and let me tell you, we had a GREAT time! Ethan was so well-behaved and excited to see the sights and hear the sounds of the mall.

We began our day together, ate lunch in the food court, and then split up, going with our significant others (Ethan with us). Among the highlights: Ethan liking a battery operated dachshund that barked, me getting sized at Victoria's Secret (I thought you were supposed to get smaller after nursing...), finding this cool frog aquarium for school (didn't buy it, though-couldn't see spending $40 when a fish is like $5), and Mark having a Depth Charge (straight espresso) at Caribou Coffee-man, he was wired!!!

We did that for about 2 hours, met up for an afternoon snack (Mom and Dad had smoothies/Blizzards, Mark and I shared mini-cookies: him-10, me-3) before leaving Ethan with them so we could shop by ourselves for awhile. We moved a lot slower when Ethan wasn't with. I don't know if we went in more stores, just took more time, or what, but we were slow... We did, however, find many cool things at the Disney Store for Ethan for his birthday or Christmas, like some Cars figurines and two Lightning McQueen bath toys (one for home, and one for travel).

Mark and I made a number of purchases, but nothing really for ourselves. We bought birthday gifts for Travis, Jenna, Bob P., and Ethan, and a few things for Ethan just because, but not much else. I guess Mark bought a movie for himself (no games...can you believe it???), but all I bought for myself was a bottle of room spray and a block of cheese.

We then met up for dinner at Bubba Gump. If you have never been there, GO!!! It is honestly my favorite "nice" place to eat (favorite fast food-probably Noodles or Chipotle). I don't know what I like most about it-the atmosphere of the movie, the food, the service, the family-friendly style, etc. I had what I always have-stuffed shrimp. Dinner was good, but after having a fantastic day, someone whose name starts with an E decided to get a little owly. He had many things going on, but I think he was overtired. After all, it's hard to nap in a stroller, especially with all of that excitement around you.

After dinner, Travis and Jenna had to get going. The rest of us made a few final stops before walking through Nick Universe. It is still super cool, but I miss Camp Snoopy. I liked the Minnesota connection and we always used to meet at Snoopy's dogdish. In its' place now is a gold Spongebob statue...yuck! I totally get why kids would like it, but this kid misses the Peanuts!

Finally we were wiped out, so we packed up and headed for home! It was an exciting day, full of fun! Unfortunately, the fun ran out when we got home...