Love, Life, and Lessons with the Kinzenbaws: A little mini-vaca to Minnesota!

The four of us piled into our van and headed to the Twin Cities for a little get-a-way. This fall was extremely busy for us and daddy was gone a lot (Africa and working on the farm), so we were excited to have some family fun. And that is just what we did! We stayed at the Grandstay (has a bedroom and living area which is absolutely necessary with young children so we don't have to go to bed at 8:00 with them!). We did some swimming in the cold pool and the hot pool as Ev calls the hot tub, enjoyed cable (we don't have cable at home) and ate up the yummy (Mommy didn't have to make or clean up) breakfast. We hit up Ikea (we scored some majorly cheap closet storage, some kitchen organization items, and some fun things for the kiddos-i.e. a huge footstool so Evan can help in the kitchen and a race car rug for the basement). We met up with my cousin Emily and her fiance, and got all the wedding details-it is going to be absolutely beautiful and they are a fantastic couple. Better yet, Ev and Alea are going to be in the wedding, so fun! She gave us the idea to head to the downtown Macy's to Santaland which is staged on the 8th floor. It was so cool and free! A double bonus. The kids loved seeing all the elves and especially enjoyed the rice krispie treat at the end. Last, but not least, we went to Toddler Tuesday at Mall of America, which means Dora was there and it was only 12 dollars to ride about 8 rides. Ev absolutely loves the all the rides and man, did Alea want to go on them, but still too little. Next year!
We definitely didn't get the best sleep and we dealt with some wicked tantrums, but it was all worth it. Maybe we will make this an annual thing! :)