Stay-cation!

This year we decided it would prudent to save money and do a "stay-cation" - that is, a vacation staying at home. We've lived in the Twin Cities for four years now, but there were still many great things we hadn't seen or done yet! Thus, we decided to play tourist.

For three days, we drove around and saw the sights in Minneapolis and St. Paul, coming back to Bloomington for naps and overnight. This cut our travel time down by a good 20-30 minutes, and made it feel more like a vacation. Madeline handled the hotel stay superbly! It definitely helped that she was pretty worn out anytime we got back for a nap or bedtime.

We had a blast. It was very relaxing, but exhausting at the same time (in a good way) because of all of the activities we tried to fit in. Madeline was thrilled to have Daddy around so much. She would hardly let go of him for ANYTHING! So sweet.

Day 1, we went to Minnehaha Park in the morning and the Water Park of America in the afternoon/evening. Minnehaha Park had everything - a playground, a wading pool (soooo much fun!!), bike rentals, waterfalls, a band shell, and so much more!

Stopping at the swings is a MUST!

We love to climb!

"Look, Mommy!!"

Eventually, she just wanted to walk around the wading pool! And around, and around...

We rented a "surry" so we could tour the park.

Madeline LOVED riding! Anytime we'd pause, she'd immediately ask to go again!

We walked down and saw the waterfall!

After napping at the hotel, we went to the Water Park of America (located in the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington). They had an area that was perfect for kids, including little ones like Madeline.

She went down this slide so many times we lost count!

Walking up the steps to ride the slide AGAIN!

Playing with the water!

They also had a "lazy river" that allowed you to float around the whole park. We had a floatie on Madeline for most of it (but not for this picture, obviously).

On day 2 we visited the Como Zoo in the morning (Daddy had never been), and went to the Mall of America's Aquarium after nap. Both were a huge hit!

She has been fascinated with polar bears recently!

We had more free points (like last time we went) so before leaving for lunch we rode on the train. She would have loved to stay there all afternoon!

After nap, we visited the aquarium at the Mall of America. 

She loved watching the sharks, and got really excited when she saw the turtles (in another tank).

We have tons more photos (day 3 comes next!) but I think this is a lot of pictures for one blog post (plus we have video from the water park)! Stay tuned!