The trip got off to a rocky start Friday with pouring rain in Winnipeg while we tried to load the van which we got 2 hours late due to some interesting credit card problems (not ours) at the rental agency. We finally got the kids, adults and gear loaded up and we took off. We arrived in Minneapolis at about 8:30 p.m., checked into the hotel, and took off for one of my (Gord's) favourite restaurants, Chili's.
The next day we took what felt like a 9 hour drive to the Minnesota Zoo (navigated by Gord "I know EXACTLY where I am" Sheppard) and saw some tigers, some giraffes and a dolphin show. It was fun but a hot and footsore crew loaded back into the van and we headed back to the hotel for some R&R. That night we left Bill at the hotel in the throes of a cold and went to the Mall of America. The main purpose of this trip was to buy this hat at the Hanna Anderson store. I think it looks silly. (Like Gord's opinion on our children's clothing actually matters!)
The next day brought the arrival of the purpose of the whole trip. We were going to 'A Day Out with Thomas'. This is an event that tours different cities in the U.S. and brings an actual life-size Thomas the Tank Engine to pull a local train and take you on a ride. Obviously, this was Ben's favourite part of the trip. It melted our hearts to see how excited he was meeting Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt. The event was great, with tattoos, ball pits, a lego Thomas, a big inflatable slide and train maze, and visits with Sir Topham Hatt all FREE. The only part of the event that had a cost was the train ride with Thomas (although you could take photos with Thomas for free.) I was very impressed with not having to pay through the nose for every little thing. Everybody (staff and other parents) at the event were very friendly and patient. We had a great time! Below the post are some pics of the event.
That evening, while Ben was having a HUGE nap (which was sorely needed) Carrie, Joan, Ella and I headed to IKEA. Fun, but we were all a little tired after traversing both floors of the gigantic store.
Then we headed home the next morning (Monday) stopping at the Albertville Outlet Stores on the way. After one and a half hours at the Border (ick!) we were home and ready for bed! We all had a great time and I'm sure we'll do it again (but not too soon!).
Well, I'm off to shop for minivans online (why, Gord, why?) so I'll sign off now and give you some pics to enjoy:
Ben and Daddy watching Thomas pull into the station:
A lego Thomas and a smiley boy:
Here comes Thomas!
Ben checks out "real Thomas":
Happy, Happy!
Climbing the big slide:
Wheee!
A ball pit action shot:
King of the ball pit:
Climbing into the train maze:
Meeting 'The Man': Sir Topham Hatt
"I love your trains, Sir Topham Hatt!"
Getting on the train!
Don't worry! Ella was having fun too!
There is only so much sensory overload a kid can take until it is time to cuddle with Grandpa!
2 comments:
Hooray for a fun trip! Hooray for Thomas! Hooray for cute photos! I love the one of Ben looking very very small going down that huge slide.
Personally, I'm a little disappointed. I read a whole long post titled "Minneapolis Ho" and there's not a single word in there about any "Ho". Pictures of adorable children and cartoon trains aplenty, but none of the whory goodness that the title suggests...
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