On our way back to the cities, we stopped at the Minneapolis sculpture gardens to walk around, and so Gracie could see the spoon bridge - she did a report on Minnesota and featured the bridge. 




We hit the Scandinavian bakery for some delicious treats on our way to have dinner with my Uncle and Aunt in North Oaks.  They fed us Pizza and drinks in the muggy out of doors and it was great to see them.

We then hit the mall on Friday, that's right, the MALL OF AMERICA!  We shopped at H&M.  Then the kids conned Phil into rides, including the really scary ones.  We went to the Lego store, and then..... la piece de resistance.

The American Girl Store.






It makes me glad I have girls.  We had lunch at the bistro, and had the doll's hair done.  Then we spent more on doll clothes and accessories than I spent on my wedding dress.  I rationalized it by enjoying the fact that it was a girl thing, and I will hold on to the girl thing over the teenager thing any day. 

We topped it all off with an afternoon of swimming with my cousin Lynn and her triplets, and then went to pay respects at Fort Snelling.

Grace played Ode to Joy, and When the Saints Go Marching In on her recorder and I had a real good cry. 



We went to Buca di Beppo, drank wine and ate food while visiting some more with Lynn - I was so glad she was able to come up and see us.

Thanks Minnesota.  We had a great time.