Cindy, Kyann and I took a trip to the Mall of America while Shane was in Canada fishing. Last year we went by train to Chicago and this year decided to take a road trip to Minneapolis to the Mall. Originally I was going to go to Cindy's Monday afternoon and we were to leave Tuesday morning early. But Cindy saw that the mall was having a Cat in the Hat meet and greet story time for toddlers at 10:30 Tuesday morning. Kyann really likes Dr Sous stories but we didn't think we could get there in time if we left Tuesday morning so we decided on Friday we would go part way on Monday and make it to the Mall in time for the Cat. I got online and found a cheep hotel (49.99) for the night in Owatonna Mn. I guess the price should have been a red flag for me but I just thought it was a good deal. We stopped in Brandon to have a Kodak moment with the big skillet. And give everyone a chance to stretch our legs. Traffic was really heavy in Waterloo due to road construction and the holiday traffic. It took us 45 minutes to go 5 miles. We made it through finally and traffic wasn't too bad after that. We stopped for supper ( I can't even remember where) but got to the hotel around 6:00. As we exited the interstate and pulled around to the hotel. Right beside it was a ( humm how can I put this delicately) a strip joint I think. We didn't go in! It was separated from the motel by a chain link fence. We pulled up in front of the hotel and attached to it was a liqueur store. Not a good beginning. We talked about just going on and trying to find something else but decided to at least look at the room. The clerk was very nice and gave us a room key and we went back to the room. It was OK but smelled of cigarette smoke even with the window open it was very strong. After a little while Cindy went to ask if we could switch to another room and again the clerk was very nice and gave us a key to a room on the second floor. It did not smell so bad so we moved up these rickety stairs. I didn't sleep well. I kept expecting someone to break in and slit our throats. After a while I just decided to give it to God and if I died so be it. I then slept pretty good. In the morning Cindy told me she had the same thoughts but was unable to sleep. it was going to be a long day. After breakfast at Perkins right next door we hit the road and had no trouble finding the Mall. Made it in plenty of time to meet the Cat.
I didn't get a good picture of Kyann with him but she gave him a hug . Then we set off to the amusement park.
They rode the balloons
and the swings. This one made Cindy sick. She must be getting old.
and the Merry Go Round. Then on to Lego Land
They had the neatest things made from Legos and Kyann had a good time playing with them. It was lunch time by then and we decided to eat at Dick's Last Resort. Very funny place and the food was really good too. Our waiter was very entertaining. The whole idea is to have fun. He did magic tricks for Kyann (she wasn't impressed). Threw paper on the floor and even ate one of Kyann's sliders. Cindy and both had the bar-b-que and it was really good. After lunch Cindy and Kyann helped me find the Princess Diana exhibit and then we off on their own for a while.
They wouldn't let me take any pictures at the exhibit only of the cake at the very end of the exhibit. But I enjoyed it a lot. I met up with Cindy at Lego Land and we decided to head to the hotel . A very nice Comfort Inn. I forgot to tell about the Log ride. I had told Cindy if they were going to ride it I wanted to ride with them. They have changed a lot in the last 40 years . Much scarier now. (be sure to click on the picture to enlarge it and look at Kyann's face. I had to shut my eyes and go to my happy place. Cindy coped by screaming but poor Kyann. I think she thought we were all going to die. When we got off she said I no like that. Me either, baby, me either. We went to the hotel and got checked in and went swimming for a while. Then to supper at IHOP and the girls went to bed. I read for a while and joined them to be rested for another exciting day.
and the Merry Go Round. Then on to Lego Land
