I worried about how Brooklyn would do on the flight. . .being a mom, I tried to control the whole situation. . .I booked our afternoon flight at nap time hoping and praying that Brooklyn would drink her bottle during take-off and fall into a deep, deep sleep until we landed in Minneapolis. In reality, I should have realized (especially doing this with the first two) this was NOT going to happen. When a new adventure presents itself, my kids are not missing out on anything. Although we had to endure three hours of squirming and restlessness, Brooklyn did well and the boys loved their plane ride.
We were on a bit of a time crunch upon landing in Minneapolis. At the last minute, Nate decided that if we were going to Minneapolis then the boys HAD to see a Twins game. We found out the Twins were playing in town the same night as we flew in. What time did we land? 6:00. . . What time did the Twins play? 7:00. We quickly hopped on our shuttle to our hotel where Uncle Jeff and Auntie Angie were patiently waiting for us. Uncle Jeff, Nate, and the boys hopped in the car and headed down to the stadium. Auntie Angie was nice enough to hang out in the hotel with Brookie and me.
The boys had a great time! Nate said that Ryan and Brandon enjoyed the baseball food probably more than the actual baseball game, but it was the experience that counted. It ended up being a late night, but the boys went to bed with smiles on their faces.
The next morning we were out of bed early to get ready for our Mall of America day. We met Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Tressa at the mall right at 10 so we could maximize Brooklyn's "awake" time. We knew Brooklyn would have to miss her morning nap in order for the boys to get plenty of "ride time". Nickelodeon Universe was empty when we got to the mall so the boys were able to ride all the rides they wanted to go on and even ride a few of their favorites multiple times. The boys were really brave and went on all the rides (I went on one roller coaster with them and pulled a neck muscle and Nate went on a ride and thought he was going to die. . .obviously we're getting old) and had an amazing time. We headed back to the hotel in the afternoon for some swimming and then ended the day by going out for pizza.
Ryan, Brandon, and Mom in the front row
Waiting in line. . .
Trying to figure out which way to go
Brooklyn patiently waiting with Grandma and Grandpa
On Friday morning we headed to Jeff and Angie's for some family time. I must say that it was so nice to be staying in someone's home. Staying in one hotel room with 5 people (one of those being a baby) is NOT fun. Sleeping is pretty much a joke :) The boys were excited to see a tent set up for them in Uncle Jeff's backyard and I was excited to see a room for Brooklyn to sleep in :)
Ryan and Brandon could hardly contain themselves waiting for their cousins to show up. Grandma Mona, Aunt Amy, Great-Grandma Velda and Great-Grandpa Daboldt brought Kylie with them on Friday afternoon and then Kristie came later with Uncle Rob and Auntie Nicole. It was so much fun to see all the kids together. They played so well together and seemed to truly enjoy being with each other.
The cousins!
The crew headed down to the lake.
We filled Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with fishing, swimming, tubing, BBQing, playing games, and building campfires. It was a great vacation!
Ryan, Brandon, and Uncle Rob playing Carrom with Great-Grandma Velda
Making "Ice Cream Cupcakes" with Auntie Angie
Ready for the water
The grandkids with Grandma Tressa and Grandpa Jeff (minus Brooklyn who was taking a nap).
Campfire Time
My crew with Grandma Mona and Great-Grandpa Daboldt
The end of our vacation
Auntie Angie and Uncle Jeff got these very cool lanterns for us to try. . .
Absolutely gorgeous!! Is that a great night sky picture, or what?!
Thank you Uncle Jeff and Auntie Angie for hosting, housing, loving and feeding all of us! You are AMAZING and we can't wait to come visit again (if you'll have us)!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment