MSP

That's Minneapolis, for you non-airline people. ;)

Taylor and I flew into MSP last Wednesday night, checked ourselves into our hotel, had some dinner, took a swim in the pool, and then hit the sack for what was sure to be a busy and fun-filled weekend.  And, it was! 

But, before I get to that, let's back up a bit...

Matt had left early Tuesday morning for a conference in Indianapolis, so Taylor and I were flying to Minneapolis for a few days to hang out with his parents {who drove in from WI to meet us} until he met up with us on Friday when his conference was done.  Then we were spending the rest of the weekend with friends in MSP.  So, we were on our own with our bags, the airport, our flight, etc.  Anyone who's ever traveled with a child knows that even with just one, it's no easy feat.  Well, picture this...I have my roller bag in one hand with my carry-on strapped on top of it, Taylor's bag over my shoulder with her carry-on strapped to it, her lunch bag with snacks for the airplane in my other hand, along with her 17lb carseat, and her Pillow Pet tucked under my arm. Don't forget we also our heavy jackets since the temps in MSP were around 20 below {so we needed them when we got off the airplane} and my pinkie finger sticking out from my roller bag so Taylor could hold my hand, too.  Phew!  Well, it was a lot of work, but it actually wasn't as bad as it sounds.  I was surprised at just how easy everything ended up being!  Checking the carseat and roller bag was a big relief.  Security was my next concern...but it was a breeze, as well.  And the flight...well, I've said it before, but my girl is one of the best little travelers out there...she did so good!

Like I said, we spent the first evening at the hotel by ourselves and had a really fun time, just us girls! :)
The next day Matt's parents met us at the hotel and we spent the afternoon and evening at the Mall of America.  We walked through a really cool underground aquarium where you basically walk down an arched hallway that's built into the middle of the tanks...the fish can go from one side to the other by swimming over your head!  It was pretty neat. :)

After the aquarium, and after Taylor spend a good half-hour on an indoor big-toy type thing, we walked around the mall a bit and then hit The Rain Forest Cafe for dinner.

The next day {Friday}, Matt flew in from Indy and met us at our hotel early in the morning, we all had breakfast, and then it was back to The MOA for Nickelodeon Universe!  SO. COOL!!

It's a HUGE Nickelodeon indoor theme park, complete with kiddie and adult rides, and we pretty much spent the entire day taking full advantage of the $35 we paid for our 3 year old to get in.  Luckily, a chaperon could go on the rides with her at no cost, so it actually wasn't that bad.  She rode coasters, drove bumper cars, did the mini-Extreme Scream, rode the Dora bus, fast cars, a SpongeBob bounce house {that looked like a huge pineapple!}, and so much more!  We all had so much fun watching and smiling and laughing with her...it really was a great way to spend a cold afternoon! :)

Friday night, and the remainder of the weekend, we spent with our friends, Sam and Emilie.  They have a little girl Delia who just turned one, and this is the first time Taylor and I got to meet her! We had a great time relaxing and hanging out with them all weekend, catching up with a few more friends, and just enjoying the time away from home.  {Sadly, neither Emilie or I got our cameras out once all weekend, so I have NO pictures of any of us, or the girls together.  SO sad!} 

All in all, it was a really fun little trip!  I have to say though, I think the best part was Taylor getting to spend some time with her Grandpa Dave and Grandma Nettie, who she hasn't seen since last Christmas...she was just over 2 years old then!  She wasn't shy at all, and took no time warming up to them...infact, when they knocked on the door to our hotel room, she ran and opened it and greeted them both with great, big hugs.  I don't think any of us could have asked for things to start off any better than that! ♥