Minnesota

The weekend after school started, we finally took a trip that we have been wanting to take for awhile. Because we still had another week until we could move into our house, we packed our bags and headed to St. Paul/Minneapolis Minnesota. I don't exactly know what cities we were in, just in that general area. It doesn't really matter, right?
First stop...
KFC!!! My children have never eaten at KFC before (although I know we have probably eaten it sometime). We tried to go somewhere else first, but it didn't work out, so we decided to give chicken a try. I'm not sure that "finger lickin' good" is how I would describe it, but it was messy. I have so many memories of KFC and nearly all of them involve my Grandma White and Grandpa Oakeson. It must be a generational food.

Second Stop....
Hotel. The girls were crazy after the car ride, so we headed to the hotel swimming pool to get some energy out. Actually, Matt took the three oldest girls while I finished getting ready and got Cora ready for bed. He wasn't going to go swimming with them, but just stay until I got there and then go lay down with Cora. Well the pool was deeper than Lindsay thought and she let go of the edge and headed straight to the bottom. As any good dad would do, Matt went in clothes and all. It was a great end to our day.
Powdered Sugar Donuts for breakfast. Does it get any better? Lindsay was too shy to have her picture taken, so Matt had to sneak it out of her.



Third Stop....
Mall of America. We went there to let the girls play at Nickelodeon Universe. Needless to say, we all had a great time!!! Lindsay even got to meet her favorite book/movie character, DORA. She didn't wipe her smile off most of the day. We also went by IKEA. We need to go back another day - with no children.
Ruth showing off her Mad driving skills.


Mariah really did have a good time - I think.

Fourth Stop...
Another reason for heading up North was to see an old friend and roommate from college and his family. We haven't seen each other in years (maybe CA in 2001 or 2002). Anyway, many miles and a few children later, we find ourselves only 3.5 hours apart in the great Midwest. Rob (aka. Club) and Andi were so great to have us over on Saturday and then again on Sunday and feed us a ton of great food. Matt told the girls that we were going to meet the famous musician who wrote the song "Jam" that they love to sing with him. They were so excited to meet someone famous. We got a little singing and guitar playing in, but need more next time.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Rob and Andi for letting us come and visit. It was great seeing you and your family and getting "reacquainted."