Minnesota Day 1

June 28th, 2014

Well we stopped on the way to Minnesota in Wisconsin to spend one night there after driving the majority of the way to Minnesota. We slept in the hotel, got up and ate breakfast, and then headed out for the last 1 1/2hrs of our journey to Minnesota. We arrived at our hotel, but we were to early and couldn't check in. We went ahead and went to the Mall Of America where we needed to go in order to purchase what is known as the Big Ticket. This would give us access to 6 different things in the twin cities that we could do while here. While at the mall we checked out the rides and the different things they have. It was really cool. We finally found the store we needed, after some searching because the mall is HUGE, and bought our big tickets. We then left the Mall and headed to our first activity the Minnesota Zoo. 

The Minnesota Zoo was pretty big but not because they had a lot of animals. It was big because each animal was so pampered that they had a castle to themselves of land. The tiger in general had such an open space to roam that you didn't see it just sitting around. It was neat to see. They didn't have my favorite animal, the elephant, but they did have penguins and monkey's. While at the zoo it started to rain on us, but luckily we were almost done anyways. One thing we got to see were the Brown Bear's. They were so neat! They were up in the water swimming/walking around. I have some neat pictures of them walking on their hind legs in the water. They also had camels, moose, gazelles, etc. 

After the Zoo we went back to the hotel and checked in before heading out to eat dinner at Perkins. Today was Jim and Jayne's Anniversary so they picked the restaurant and Jarred and I paid for it. It was good. Once we were done eating we had to go to Target to buy Kenzi a bathing suit and then back to the hotel to swim. It was a fun day!

After swimming the kids went to sleep. My dad, Skyler, Jarred and I played Euchre for a while before going to bed to get up and do what we had plan for the second day. 

More to follow later tonight. 

Summer Trip Time

Well we are getting ready to take our summer vacation that I have been planning for a while now. Monday started with going to get the car serviced and ready for the vacation. We are going to be driving our car and then we are also going to be in Jim and Jayne's car. Jarred and I invited his parents and my parents to go on our vacation. My dad is going but my mom is having too many medical problems to really travel much so she isn't going with us. However, both of Jarred's parents are going and I think this will be a fun vacation.

    On Tuesday we ended up taking two of the kids to the dentist for their check up and also took Precious, our cat, in for her check up to the vet. We ended up getting blood work done on her to check out her organs because she lost some weight and also has hair balls a lot. I am hoping that everything comes back okay. At the dentist Kenzi came back as clean and healthy, but Skyler had three cavaties. While at the dentist Jarred got a visit from the Lowe's guy and he was able to come measure our patio door area. We are planning on getting a new patio door this summer because the sliding one we have we HATE. We are getting french patio doors with blinds in them.

    Then on Wednesday Devin and Landon had to go to the dentist. Skyler went back also because they had openings so that he could get his cavaties filled. Landon had good teeth with no cavaties, but Devin had one cavaty and needed to get sealants on two teeth. Luckily they were able to do all of that in one appointment. Once we got home I went through clothes with Devin. I had already done this with Landon and Kenzi the previous week and Devin was the only one left. It took us two hours to go through all of his clothes. He had so many! Landon ended up getting some from him for his drawers and all of the little kids have the bags packed now. That is one thing that came from going through clothes. After going through clothes it was time for Kenzi's tournament game. It is single elimination so if they would have lost then the team would be done, however her team won today so they play the championship game Thursday. Once we got home I cut the boy's hair and then Jarred, Skyler, and I mowed the yard. It really needed it. 

Today we have much to do before we get on the road on Friday. I will be going to bed once I am done writing this and will start my day bright and early. I have to go to the grocery store to start out with because we need some stuff for our travels. Then I will take Landon to his appointment tomorrow afternoon. Once I am done at the doctor's office then I will take sweetie to my mom and dad's house since my mom is going to watch her while we are gone. My dad is going to ride back with me and we are going to watch Kenzi's championship game. Then I have to pack and we have to pack the vehicles. Friday morning we are heading northwest to Minnesota. First stop, Mall of America!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer! Enjoy this hot weather while you can.