MOA

Yesterday we met Auntie Shannon, Abby, Leah and Leah's friend at the Mall of America for a fun-filled day.  Leah's birthday is coming up and instead of a party, she got to invite a friend to come with her to the MOA.  We spent the day doing all the things that a 9-year old (and a 15 year old and a 3 year old and an 18 month old) would want to do. 

We started the morning out at the American Girl Store.  Punky was very reserved, quiet and timid at the "doll store."  I haven't figured out why yet, but I am thinking one of two things.  She has become a little more shy and clingy ever since starting preschool.  Maybe that was it?  Derek and I also had a little talk to her the day before about how the mall was very big and she should always stay by Mommy or Auntie.  Was she scared?

Holding Hands while waiting in line

Buddy, on the other hand, was a little maniac.  He did not want to play with the dolls.  Not even this little guy who looked just like him.

After pushing the doll away many times, he finally found a way to entertain himself.  He stood in the display area and "jumped" down over and over again.

Our next stop was Nickelodeon Universe.  I think Punky (and Buddy!) had just as much fun walking through the crowds while I was trying to find the ticket booth.  They saw (pictures of) characters from all the shows we hardly ever get to watch, since we don't even have Nick Jr. at home.  But, they had so much fun pointing out all their favorites!  Linny!  Tuck!  Ming Ming!  Dora!  Boots!  (Buddy can even say Boots now.) Swiper!  Kai Lan!  Sponge Bob!  We chose a Wonder Pets ride for Punky and a Blues Clues ride for Buddy.  It was their first time going on rides, aside from the Carousel or Giant Slide.  There were big smiles on both kids!  I think a summer day spent at Valleyfair is in our future.

 

After the rides, we ate some greasy food court pizza while Leah, her friend and Auntie ate at the American Girl cafe.  We met back up afterwards at the Lego store.  Everyone was exhausted at that point, but we made sure to stop off at a few clothes stores for Abby before heading home.  Abby was a BIG help to me the whole day.  She sat with Buddy while Punky and I waited in line for her Wonder Pets ride.  She stayed with Buddy while Punky and I waited in another line for the bathroom.  And she watched both kids while I waited in yet another line to get our lunch.  I don't think I would've been able to do it without Abby's help.  

I had hoped the kids would fall asleep in the car and I could carry them up to their rooms for the rest of the afternoon.  But that didn't happen.  Punky chatted the whole way home and never fell asleep.  Buddy fell asleep before we left the parking ramp, but woke up as we were pulling into the garage.  They were both exhausted from the busy day, so we went to bed early.  It was a fun, exciting day but I don't think I'll be ready for another trip to the Mall of America for another year or two.  

Auntie wanted me to add a picture of Punky wearing the hat she made and the scarf Abby made.