Adventure to Minneapolis.

Ok, an "adventure" to Minneapolis may seem a little crazy.

But you try traveling with 3 kids, ages 3, still 3, and 1.

It's an adventure. I swear.

Samantha was very excited about staying in a hotel.

Then she asked, "what's a hotel?"

This was followed with many questions, such as:

* "Do we pee at the hotel?"

* "Where do you sleep?"

* "You mean you'll be in the same room? Don't snore, k?"

*"We get to go swimming?! I won't pee in the pool."

Then I told her we were going to the Mall of America and were going to an aquarium and we were going to ride all sorts of rides. More questions and comments:

* "How many fish will I see?"

* "Sharks?! Are you crazy?""

* "When you say rides, do you mean like a car?"

So we finally left Friday afternoon.

* "Are we there yet?"

* "Is the hotel soon?"

* "Is that the hotel?"

* "Look, a wind mill!"

*"Look, another wind mill!"

* "Mommmmmy, there's a wind mill again!"

* Maggie: "There lots! SHHHHHH!"

* "MOooooOOmMmy, Maggie told me to shhhh!"

* Is that the hotel?"

* "I don't want to go shopping at the outlets!"

* "Ohhh, I like this dress. Buy it."

*" We're hungry!"

* "I want chicken fingers."

* "Is that the hotel?"

* "Look, another wind mill!"

* "That's the hotel?!"

* "Can I poop first?"

...

Yes. Lot's of questions.

Finally, we arrived.

And were in the hotel all of 5 minutes before the kids were wanting to go swimming.

So we went swimming.

* "Mommy,  I didn't pee in the pool."

Then it was time to sleep.

Gavin likes routine.

He did not like the hotel.

Sleeping was an adventure.

Double beds. A roll away.

Grumpy Gavin.

Grumpy Mommy.

Grumpy Daddy.

6 am came quickly.

Why not 7? or even 8?

Heaven forbid.

More whining.

Finally, breakfast.

Finally, the mall.

Gavin & Samantha checking out the sting rays.

Samantha taking a gander.

I really think Jellyfish need to visit the Wizard...

(and yes, I took this picture with every intent to say that.)

Sharks. Insert screaming from children here.

Time for rides. Starting out slow with a train.

See this face? Follow it with screaming. Fussing. And eventually throwing up from all the screaming.

The girls went on their first roller coaster with me.

I swear it was fun.

I also swear that I did not mess myself.

I asked Maggie if it was fun.

- "No."

I guess smiles in these pictures are a lie.

Maggie did however LOVE the swings and wanted to ride them 10,000 times.

I allowed 2 times.

Begin crazy faces.

I do enjoy this one.

"Mommy, the Mall of America is the greatest place ever!" - Samantha

Then it was time to go home.

* "Can we go get Elphie?"

* "I miss Elphie."

* "Are we almost home?"

* "Look, a wind mill!"

* "Look, another wind mill!"

* Maggie: "ME KNOW!"

A sunset over the midwest.

Yay for adventures.  

Even if they are exhausting.

Melissa