Holiday Trip, Day 3

Today was a day that I just gave into touristy stuff. We went to the Mall of America. Now I have been there before, so I was not disillusioned to what this place really is. It is a mall - on a very grand scale. It has all the stores you can find just about anywhere else. The big difference is the fact that there is an amusement park in the center of the mall. Now from a child's perspective, this place is amazing!

We arrived, at the Rainforest Cafe - a huge hit with the girls, then walked around the first two levels to let the food sit a bit before we went on any rides. We let the girls ride on anything they wanted. Lamar and Shianne did the roller coasters, while I stayed with Nora Beth and did the kiddie rides. Both girls had a great time. It was great to see so many smiles and giggles from them.

We gave each girl an allotted amount of money to spend on anything they wanted. Nora Beth made a doll and found some pink clothes for her at the doll making store and Shianne found a funky watch she is really happy with. They each were really careful with their choices.

For dinner we went to Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. Another touristy location, but we had a great time. Nora did not venture far from her standard of mac and cheese, but Shianne loved her plate shrimp.

We made it back to the hotel tired and with full bellies. We all went to bed early. We have to get up in the morning and make our way to Creston, with a stop to see a friend on the way. The roads look terrible today, so it will be slow driving.