Minneapolis

We took a mini family vacation to Minneapolis right before the 4th of July. We went and stayed with Nathan's cousin Jeff and family. His girls are 9 and 6 so were the perfect age to help entertain Vivian. We met them at the Mall of America the first afternoon to go on some rides...Viv hadn't been to an amusement park before so it was interesting to see how she would react....she's been to 2 days at Walt Disney world but she was barely over 1 year old...so I don't really count that. 

She wasn't thrilled with the first ride but the rest of them she thought were pretty fun. She really did great the whole weekend...she loved playing with the girls. She slept well in a room by herself and she really behaved well. 

She got Twilight Sparkle painted on her face. 

Riding the roller coaster with Dad. 

We had planned on going to the aquarium at the MOA but just really ran out of time. She really wanted to see the sting rays. 

Poor Rowboat had to stay home with GG Mangold. I had every intention of taking him...until the last minute...then I decided it would be easier to leave him home. He was a happy camper as always...waking up at Gma's house. 

Looking at her I Spy book...

The second day we took in the Como Zoo...it was free! And had lots of great animals. Viv loved it...she said her favorites were the giraffes...but she got really excited during the sea lion show. Checking out the polar bear...

Looking at the zebras. 

We walked through this really neat conservatory too. It was a really fun park. 

Saturday night Aunt Nancy came to babysit and we all went to dinner...in Wisconsin...

Sunday morning I went and had brunch with my college friends who live in the city before heading home. It was a great trip...can't wait to take the kids again!