Downtown Mpls Fun

Last Saturday morning we headed downtown to let the kids run through the skyways and see what kind of fun we could find. We thought we would take the train down ... but due to some early signs of crabbiness ... we drove.

As you can see from the photos, we found lots of fun! We first stopped at Panera to grab some coffee (for the adults of course), and a muffin. The first stop was a HUGE success. We even got to use the bathrooms - I am pretty sure that was a highlight of the day for Amy and her new potty training skills.

Then it was off to find our way to the IDS tower. In one of the attached pictures, you will see the kids laying head-to-head on the water fountain in the middle of the building. The water actually falls from several stories up, so it looks like it is raining on you if you lay down and look up at it. The kids LOVED IT! They could have spent all day there.

Next up - Target Field!! That's right, the new baseball park that is located just behind the Target Center. It is awesome. They were hosting a Gopher baseball game that afternoon, so we got to see the stadium in action. It was great. The photo of the two kids in the giant glove is from the stadium. The workers couldn't believe what a popular photo attraction that thing was. It was perfect. We debated buying some $2 tickets just so we could get in and walk around ... but we didn't. We figured we would save the fun for another day when we can actually watch the Twins play.

Although the kids loved it, I am pretty sure Arik loved this stop the most. The stadium is awesome.

After that long walk (and yes, both kids walked the entire way), we made our way back to the IDS Center for some lunch. A quick stop at Potbelly, and we were headed back to our house for naps. Whew! What a fun morning! Enjoy the photos and the rest of your week.

Como Zoo in March

Who would have thought that we would spend the day outside at the Como Zoo on March 7th? What a beautiful day. Although I wish we would have gone to the MN Zoo instead, it was a fun morning. Check out the smiling faces on the giraffe statues!

We walked through the Conservatory first, and were pleasantly surprised to see the koi fished moved to the sunken garden. They are usually in the other one! Matthew was super excited to see the snakes at the other inside exhibit before we headed out to see the big animals.

It's ironic, as a child, I couldn't have cared less about the Conservatory. I thought the plants and the flowers were boring. I couldn't wait to see the animals, and collect those weird plastic figurines that were molded before your eyes in the machines that smelled like they were on fire.

Now, I feel the exact opposite.

I find the gardens to be beautiful, and the animal buildings ... well ... too small to house the animals that live there. It is unfortunate. Maybe it is because I am bigger, but the buildings seems to get smaller and smaller every time we go there. Overall, it was a good day, but I think we will hit the MN Zoo next time.

3.6.10 The First Tooth Is Lost!!

Hooray! Another milestone in the Hanson household has been reached - Matthew has lost his first tooth!! The look on his face says it all. I was brushing his teeth on Saturday morning when I noticed how loose it had gotten. One little tug and it was out!

I don't remember ever having teeth this small. It was so tiny in my hand!

We put it under his pillow, and the tooth fairy was kind enough to leave him a shiny silver dollar! He was thrilled. He told Arik he was going to buy some boards at Home Depot (so he could hammer them, of course). Then he told him he was going to get a snowblower ... and then it was some new orange cones. Ok, so he doesn't totally get the concept of money, but his heart was in the right place. That money is destined to help him buy something he really loves :)

Enjoy the picture. It makes me smile every time I see it.