Minnesota Vacay

My parents rented a house in Minneapolis for a week.  Our whole family was able to make it up there to spend time together, celebrate the 4th, and laugh a lot. 

Day 1- Food truck fair, splash pad.  We weren't super prepared for the splash pad so Nola was the only kid there without a swim suit.  Most of us were wet by the time we left. 

Day 2- Mall of America, swimming, movie.  Dad and Nola went to the Aquarium while the girls shopped.  Somebody had a meltdown when she found out Build-a-Bear was closed that day- they were moving locations.  So, we took her to the Disney Store.  She tried on a dress, but we didn't buy it.  It wasn't her favorite day. 

Day 3- Build-a-Bear with FA, Buca, swimming.  FA took Nola to BAB as a special treat since it was closed the day before.  Nola was so excited and apparently knew exactly what to do.  If you ask her what her favorite day was, she always says Build-a-Bear. 

Nola helping Gramcy make Moscow Mules.

Day 4- Children's Museum, Casino, Airport.  Nola loved the Children's Museum.  We were told it was really good, and it was, but I think the one in Lincoln is better.  The rest of the family was flying in late that night so Rob, Sara, and I decided to waste some time at the casino near the airport.  Sadly, they didn't have craps, my new favorite game.  So, we played some slots and I ended up winning my money back on the way out of the casino.  If you're down,  just ask the machine nicely for your $80 back.  It worked for me! 

Day 5- BOAT!  I forgot how much fun a boat is.  It was a nice relaxing day. 

Day 6- Boys went to a stadium tour, girls went shopping! We shopped some local boutiques, they were cute.  My siblings ran in a 5k that night and they all survived!  Good job guys. 

Pretending to be a mannequin.

Day 7- Indeed brew tour, horse races.  The brew tour was long and I'm not really into beer.  There were 6 of us.  I couldn't drink because I'm pregnant, Robert doesn't drink and Jessica doesn't like beer.  So, the other three had a lot of free samples.  After the tour we sat around and laughed a lot and played with the selfie stick.  The horse races were fun.  The space was awesome, there were free hotdogs because it was the 4th, and we learned how to bet!

Day 8- Headed home.

We made a lot of great memories.  We took turns cooking dinner and played different games every night.  Nola was obsessed with John, as usual, so with him and my parents around I got a little bit of a break. 

 It was a fun time!  Can't wait til the next family vacay!