We wrapped up our weekend in the cities with some back to school shopping. I don't know why we keep trying, but going to the Mall of America, is a colossal waste of time with Nolan. It is completely too much stimulation, noise, crowds, etc., for him to take in. He gets irritable and frenzied in his actions. We recognize the signs sooner, but each time we take him I guess we think this may be the time he will actually handle it. Score after this excursion, Mall 1, Westra Family 0. In fact the light rail train ride from downtown out to the mall and back was the best part of the whole mall experience.
The other challenge we face is how to juggle a little adult fun with the kids in tow. Rick would love to just take his camera and walk downtown taking photos. I managed a few on the way to dinner. Show at the orpheum?
Cool building shots?
Stop at First Avenue?
Hard Rock Cafè?
No. Just no. Score, kids 1, parents 0.
Dinner was Pizza Lucé and a giant Ruby Rae. Zesty just scratches the surface of this pizza. Score, Westra Family 1+
Monday we hit the outlet mall at Albertville on the way home. We have much better luck not being enclosed in a mall with Nolan. He lasted long enough to get some jeans and shoes for school. Sadly, I knew he would not last long enough for me to get into the Coach store. They had a huge clearance sale going on and made everyone stand in line outside the store. When someone would come out the store, someone else could go in. The line hardly moved, but when I saw the sale prices, I could see why. Score, Westra family 1, mommy 0
Finally. Two tired out boys, begrudgingly got dressed on a rainy, overcast Tuesday, for the first day of school.
Nolan, 4th grade
Colton, 2nd grade
Score, kids (0) so they think... parents +++++++ to infinity and beyond...
Mall of America, believe or not, is not my favorite place to shop....too big. I totally understand how Nolan feels!
ReplyDeletePizza Luce was a good choice. They have excellent pizza. Sounds like a good trip. The boys do look a little tired in their "first day of school" photos!
PS. I bet you did a happy dance!!!!
Lol, our score would be about the same! I would LOVE a vacation with just my HUSBAND where parents win the whole time...ahhhh...
ReplyDeleteWhoa! That pizza looks good. You always have cute clothes. Where do you shop?
ReplyDeleteLisa, I thought of you and all of your bakery finds and was wishing I had asked you before we left where we should eat :) But Pizza Luce was really very good.
ReplyDeleteChelsea, we could swap? You can come here and watch the boys for a week, and we'll leave and then we'll come watch Cupcake for a week so you can go :) Cupcake would LOVE life at the hockey rink *wink*
Heather, ahh thanks. My new favorite place is J Crew or Banana Republic, at the outlets malls though, I always want a little bit of savings.
Vicky, I've loved your comments on my blog and enjoying reading yours too. Your youngest reminded me of my middle son, and then I saw that they are the same age. Same expression. No wonder! They don't look excited about school but if they're like my boys, they also hate being photographed. :)
ReplyDeleteNice photography! Enjoyed the shots very much. Many of mine have disappeared due to a situation that is hard to explain, so it will take me a long time to re-post them all. I love photography too.
Blessings in your weekend! Oh, and as for what you shared in your comments on PGM, yes, that's what I'm talking about. We so often need to step back and re-evaluate where we're going and why. :)
Oh Vicky....I've never been to the Mall of America. I wish I could have gone with you and the guys...it looks like a heavenly place to shop to me.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of the boys (young men!!!)
You are a sweet friend...Thank you for always being here for me.
Hugs to you from Jackie
Oh boy Hard Rock Cafe! That brings back loads of memories.
ReplyDeleteWe did many a birthday party there and the kids loved it.
We met a whole slew of American sailors going to the Gulf during Bush Sr 's time as President.
and brought them a huge home made lazagna to the barracks where they stayed.
They were mostly Highschool grads. Just kids and my heart bled.
Well I hope most of them went home unscathed and learned something as did we all.
The Mall of America is just too much for me. I have a few favorite stores and I do all my shopping at those. It is a fun place to see once or twice I guess.
ReplyDeleteThat pizza sure looks great!
Lots going on ... the pizza looks great.
ReplyDeleteLove the building shot. But the expressions on your boys faces anticipating the first day of school are priceless!
ReplyDeleteMy kids would probably love the Mall of America. Colton's expression looked like my Joseph (fellow 2nd grader) expression this morning getting on the bus! Nolan looks excited though. Good luck to your handsome boys for a great school year :)
ReplyDeleteNow I want to visit the Hard Rock Cafe!