Vala's ... because we just can't get enough!

Our very first trip to Vala's three years ago was with Mammey, so we continued the tradition!   Wouldn't be the same if we didn't make a trip over with her.  Henry and I enjoyed our THIRD trip of the season (we are spoiled, I know) and Sam enjoyed his second trip of the season.

 Bouncy Pillows are still everyone's favorite!   Can't imagine why :)

 Corn Pool!  

 Mammey wanted kettle corn.  It was delicious!   Henry decided he was in charge of distributing it.  Next year I'm getting my own bag.

 Mammey showed us her roping skills.

 Sam wandered up to this cutout.   I followed him.  Out of the corner of my eye, I could see some dude standing by us.  Then I realized he was in my picture.  Took a minute to realize that dude was Dave.  He drove out to join us as a surprise.  The boys were VERY happy he could make it.

 We found a few new games to play over by the big slide.  Henry thought they were really fun.

 After games, Mammey, Dave, and the boys had some really good pie at the new Pie Barn.   

(((Pie photo unavailable as it was scarfed immediately)))

Henry will be a pro by the time he has to do senior pictures.  He hopped up next to the flowers and asked me to take his picture.  Nice pose, Buddy!  Very vogue.

 What did the pig say when he fell down the stairs?  

Oh, my achin' bacon.  

Henry thinks this is the funniest joke ever.

Mammey and I decided we were going to do something new this year.   I mentioned how I've always wanted to do old time photos but that nobody ever wants to do them with me.  She thought it sounded fun.     I think we've found a new tradition!    Love how this photo turned out.  

After Vala's, we rushed back for Henry's parent/teacher conference.   His teacher had good things to say about him.   

After conferences Dave and I packed up and headed downtown to start our staycation.   We had drinks and appetizers at Upstream.   

A lovely end to a fun day.

Lunch Date - October 23rd

Henry was VERY excited that Mammey was coming to visit for a few days.  Her first stop upon arrival was to join Henry at school for lunch.   He told her exactly where to wait for him in the hallway, so she was ready at 10:55 next to the cafeteria when he came out to find her.

When you have lunch with Henry, you get to sit at a special table.  Thankfully another grandma was joining her grandson for lunch that day, so we were able to have them take this great photo.

Mammey even shared her brownie.  Now that's love.

After lunch, Henry and Mammey went to recess.  

Henry loved having Mammey come for lunch, and he can't wait to do it again next time she is back to visit.

Women of Faith Weekend - October 18th

Saturday morning was sunny and beautiful out!

 We stopped for a few photos to send to Henry on our way over to the conference.  

 We had an awesome day at our conference.  After we finished, we met up with Mark and the girls for a delicious dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  

After we got home, we played a few games and had some fun before bed.  Side ponies are SO cool.

 Another fabulous WOF weekend comes to an end.  Loved my girl time!  Can't wait to do it again next year.

Women of Faith Weekend - October 17th

We woke up bright and early(ish) to start our girls' weekend adventure!  

First stop was Starbucks.  I was telling my sister-in-law how fabulous the cheese danishes are at Starbucks.  She suggested we could share one.  I promptly said, "Um, no.  I'm not sharing my danish with you."  Ha!   Apparently I was feeling extra honest that morning.  Sam always eats half of whatever I decide I want to eat, so I was looking forward to not having to share with anyone.  Luckily my mother-in-law is significantly nicer than I am and agreed to share her danish.   

After breakfast, we hopped back in the car and drove to the Mall of America.  I'm always very excited for this weekend because I get to go to Long Tall Sally!   It's so nice to be able to try clothes on and have them be too long.  I scored a couple of new pairs of pants and a dress.

After an adventurous morning of shopping, we had lunch at Hard Rock, shopped some more, and then dumped our stuff off at the car to go get massages.   My lady kept trying to convince me I needed 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes.  Next year we are budgeting our time better so we can all make that happen!  

After we finished at the mall, we went over to check in to our hotel.  We relaxed for a bit before we went over for our first session of the conference.  We had amazing seats this year!   Anita Renfroe was hilarious as always.    

The evening flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to get to our 10:15 dinner reservation at St. Paul Grill.

This year we finally ordered the thick cut bacon appetizer. 

 $10 for a slice of bacon.  It was worth every penny!   We had Cajun beef bites, which are insanely good.  We decided Dave is going to have to make us some for Christmas dinner.

I changed things up this year and ordered the chicken pot pie, which I always consider.  It was delicious.  For some reason despite being stuffed, we also ordered dessert!   Definitely no cartwheels in the hall this year.

After wobbling up to the room, I managed to stay awake long enough to brush my teeth and find my pillow.    What a fabulous day!