Our trip to Minneapolis was an absolute success. It was a trip filled with laughter, a few curses (oops), shopping, tons of steps (40,000+ in two days...which is equivalent to more than 20 miles), coupons, sliding, and riding. You know that it's an awesome time when the worst thing that happened all weekend was when when the waitress dropped a nice cup full of warm butter right onto my only pair of jeans. She didn't apologize...but maybe she didn't notice. Not a big deal cause tide-to-go really proved itself as being a true stain eraser.
Our first day took us to Albertville. It was more of a browsing type evening. I like to scope places out before making any impulsive decisions. We went to target and I bought myself a few movies - they were cheap.
The hotel for the first night was cozy and quaint. The hottub was relaxing - however for some odd reason I had a difficult time sleeping. Tuesday, however, brought with it excitement and an attitude fit for shopping. We backtracked to Albertville and actually made some purchases. I got some sweet bright purple shoes for $29.99. The price might have been the best part. I also got some jeans and a top.
We then ventured to Mall of America. My driving skills enabled us to arrive without incident. We were in the mall around 1ish and it started of with a bang. Right when we walked in there was "The Magic Pan" - a little eating place that just served crepes. It was so good tasting! Then we started our journey through the mall. I have a strategy for almost everything I do and shopping is no different. I hate jumping from stores on one side of the hall to stores on the other...so we had to shop in a organized and structured fashion. We started with the first floor and walked around counterclockwise only visiting the stores on our right. Then we'd make a second lap on the same floor for the stores on the left side. These aren't small "laps" - it took a lot out of me. In fact, we only made it through the first two floors and then went to find the hotel. While walking through the first level I got bribed by one of the Italian salesmen to sit down and he demonstrated his hair straightener. It worked too good and I, of course, had to buy one. He made it sound like he was giving me a deal, with a discount and an employee discount and free holder!! - what a charmer. But I'm sure that many girls left that day thinking they too got the same deal!
Later that day we went to Ikea - that is seriously one of the most overwhelming places ever - cause it is HUGE. I love all the stuff and left wishing I could just load up the show room and magically set it up in my house that doesn't yet exist. Surprisingly I had enough energy to make it back to the mall. We enjoyed a sit down supper at Ruby Tuesdays and then, believe it or not, were sucked in by another Italian salesman. They certainly have their way- or I'm just gullible. I won't get into details but I'll just say that I now feel like I OWN a part of the "Dead Sea." haha
After a slightly better sleep I was ready to tackle the mall again on Wednesday. I knew what I wanted and was set to get it. We visited the game store and I got new games for my classroom. I'm so excited - it makes me want school. I miss those lunch hours with blockus challenges. Next year I'm more prepared and hope I still have kids who want to play!
I got some Puma shoes (the German kids from school had convinced me that they really are the coolest things ever.) I also did some clothes shopping. We were done by 1:00 - which was great cause I had made a new plan...
The new plan was The Waterpark of America. I really wouldn't have known that it even existed if it wasn't for the coupon book. It was just down the road from our hotel so we spent the afternoon there. It was a lot of fun. There were raft slides, body slides, tube slides, a wave pool, huge hot tube, basketball nets, lazy river AND a body surfing pool. I think I would have been a pro body surfer - it was the first thing I tried. But I found out very quickly that the swimsuit which I brought with was not necessarily the most appropriate for that particular venue. I was nervous enough to go body surf cause I had no idea what I was doing...and that nervousness heightened when I quickly found out that it was quite possible for my swimsuit to be quickly consumed by the high pressure "waves." Fortunately I was alert and quick enough to avoid any "exposure" misfortunes...but I can only think that had my bottoms done some surfing of their own they would've been gone for good - and oh those poor bystanders to be subjected to that! Needless to say I didn't dare try it twice - that would've been asking for trouble. Next time I'm packing my board shorts for sure - then I'll be pro! It was, however, a great afternoon!
Wednesday night we headed back to the mall. This time is was supper at Kokomo Cafe. It was delicious. After supper I went for dessert to the place that I had been waiting for all week - Coldstone Creamery! I had the "All Lovin' No Oven" Signature creation (hence the title of this blog). It all started with Cake Batter Icecream - seriously, that is AWESOME. Then they mixed in, by hand, cookie dough, fudge pieces, and other heavenly goodness. It was the GREATEST icecream I have ever had (I love cake batter and whoever thought of making cake batter icecream is genius!) It was loaded with calories...but don't forget that we already put on a good 10 miles - it was okay to indulge.
In the evening I got a wrist band and went on some rides. Okay so riding alone isn't the worst thing in the world. I accepted the fact that everyone in line with me was at least a foot shorter (you can see that in one of the pictures). But we were all having a good time so that's what counts. Mom was watching and taking pictures. Rides are fun and I didn't get sick so all is good! I was leary about the rollercoaster because I've had a few dreams lately of being on a roller coaster that derailed causing me to plummet to my death...but thankfully sometimes dreams don't come true. I felt like a little kid on the rides...so fun.
I have written way to much and I'm sure it's way too boring. But the week was a great one. I don't get to spend that kind of time with my mom often but when I do I cherish it. I forget that she does have blonde moments...lots of them! It truely was a week full of memories - and of course I'll forgive her for the early mornings. I even kicked her out one morning at 6:00 (I was still half asleep and not thinking at all) and she went and read in the vehicle. I didn't mean it!! But seriously - she put up with it. We laughed lots and both had a great time. Can't wait to do it again...
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