The two pictures above capture the essence of our family vacations... we need quiet, beautiful space and we need action. So we drove through Iowa and started our vacation by spending a few days in downtown Minneapolis during the All Star Game! We stayed at the Normandy Inn & Suites and would recommend it to everyone. It was super quiet- we were prepared for a very loud atmosphere, but that was not the case. The entire hotel was spotless. The parking was very easy and close by. And they had this cute little indoor pool area complete with couches for those who just wanted to lounge. Here's our hotel pool which Elise usually had to herself since everyone else was at the All-Star activities.
We walked to restaurants and stores, including the multi-level Target.
Here's the red carpet on Nicollet Mall for the All-Star parade.
Elise, Eliot and I took the light rail to the Mall of America so the kids could shop in their favorite stores, (House of Hoops and American Girl are a couple of favorites).
Of course we had to ride on some rides as well. Eliot talked Elise into going on the log
chute, but Elise was not happy when she got off.
She was much better after making her traditional MOA bear.
We also celebrated my mom's 70th birthday with a visit to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. We had great seats in a little booth, where we enjoyed a nice meal. We saw "The Little Mermaid" and during the show, the actors actually came into the audience. One of the creepy eels with green glittery lipstick shared our booth for a few minutes!
And finally, a trip to Minneapolis would not be complete without a stop at the U of MN... although everything has changed so much in the last 20 years that I barely recognized anything! No worries though, the McDonalds in Dinkytown is still there :)
Next stop,... we're headed Up North!
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