Sea Life

This past Saturday, we decided we needed to get out and do something a little outside of the normal routine, so we loaded up and went to the Mall of America to check out the aquarium.

Now normally, I would avoid the MOA like the plague on a Saturday.  The crowds there are horrendous on the weekends.  Fortunately though, we got there shortly after it opened, and got great parking, and the aquarium wasn't even too crowded.

I knew Miley would love looking at all the fish, but I figured Landon could care less.  Boy was I wrong.  He loved it just as much as Miley.  It was fun watching them run around from tank to tank taking it all in.

We started off looking at the stingrays...Miley kept jumping back every time one would get close to her.  They also had this neat little platform with a glass floor where you could stand and look down on them.

Miley loved getting to play in the "touch pools."  She thought it was so fun to touch the starfish...

Garden eels??  The kids didn't look too sure of these gross worm-looking creatures...

Landon could have stayed at some of the exhibits forever...

Jellyfish!  They had a whole, dark room of glowing jellyfish.  Miley wanted out of there ASAP.  But not Landon!

Miley loved this "Nemo" display where they had Nemo and Dory-type fish.

The best part!  The tunnels where there were sharks, saw fish, seas turtles, etc.  So much fun!

Starting to get worn out after a long morning of fun...

I loved getting out for the day (especially since it was a rainy, gloomy day outside!).  These little family outings are definitely some of my favorite moments!

Enjoying Spring

I cannot get over how nice this spring has been.  We have been so lucky to be able to get outside a ton, and enjoy things like going to the park.

Isn't this time of year the best?

Bollywood Calling

Thanks to our awesome family in India, these two may have a bright future in Bollywood (or at least look the part!)!

Easter Sunday

Easter morning was a little chaotic this year.  With church being at 9:00, we are usually pretty rushed in the morning to get ready and get out the door.  Add in the excitement of Easter, and it was even more rushed.  But, I love how much Miley is really getting into holidays now.  Landon still has a couple years to really get everything, but Miley was very into her basket this year and finding eggs.

We came downstairs around 7:00, and Miley immediately started finding eggs that the "bunny" had hidden.  She didn't notice her basket at first, but once she did, she ran over and started looking through her goodies (and Landon's, too!).  She kept running around saying, "Mom, I LOVE Easter!"

Cameron had made some monkey bread, so after a breakfast of that and eggs, we hurried up to get ready for church and out the door.  We were running a little late, but still managed to snap a couple of pictures of the kids in their Easter finest.

After church we came home and started making dinner.  This is the first holiday dinner Cameron and I have ever really made on our own.  We have always been lucky enough to either go to family or friend's for the holidays, so this was our first time making a huge meal like this.  We invited some friends over, and had ham, rolls, cheesy potatoes, green beans, Jello-o, and angel food cake with strawberries for dessert.  After dinner, Miley even persuaded all the guys to play Go Fish with her.  A very successful day in her eyes.  :)

It was a great way to spend our Easter, and while we were sad to not have any family around, it was fun to make our own holiday dinner and try our hand at it.  We are so lucky to have great friends up here that make up for not having family!

Easter Egg Hunt

Last week, we were able to do an Easter egg hunt with some friends for the third year in a row.

And for the third year in a row, in true Minnesota fashion, the weather was terrible.

We have been having beautiful, springy weather for a while now, so I was sure that this year would be our year for the Easter egg hunt.  No coats, some sunshine, you know....

Boy was I wrong.  Mother Nature didn't let us down.  She decided to deliver wind, cool temperatures, an overcast sky, and drizzling rain for the day.

We bundled up anyway, because we didn't want our kids to miss it.  After huddling around for a while, the dads finally hid the eggs, and we set the kids loose to find some eggs.  Miley loved it, and quickly found her allotted 12 eggs.  Landon needed a little help from dad, but managed to get a few eggs for himself.

Then, once we were done, a whole whopping 45 minutes later, we decided we had had enough and jumped in the car to hurry home, freezing, but happy with our treats.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  I mean, we do live in Minnesota after all.  And Miley still had a good time (Landon is still up for debate).  However, I am still holding out hope that some year we can have a pleasant, warm Easter egg hunt.  Maybe we should move to Florida or Arizona??