Melanie's Birthday/Memorial Day Weekend

Last Wednesday Grandma Diane and Grandpa Dave came up to visit and to celebrate my 32nd birthday or Cole's 17 months depending on how you look at it. On that first day Cole, the grandparents, and I all trekked out to the Mall of America (MOA). As you can imagine we didn't stop much for photos but I did manage to snap a few of Cole with Grandma D. and Grandpa D. at Johnny Rockets while we ate a late lunch.

When we got home the big surprise was our power being out. Apparently while we were safely nestled in the MOA the outside world was enduring quite the rain/hailstorm. Plymouth was the hardest hit with 10,000 homes losing power. Just when Scott and I were starting to panic over lost groceries and having no candles or matches the power came back on. They had told us it would be out for 24 hours but it was actually only out for a few.


Thursday, the 24th, while it was still raining out Scott made me another breakfast in bed to kick off my birthday and the three of us enjoyed a lazy, cozy morning. Meanwhile Grandma D. and Grandpa D. hit the nearby outlet mall. They seemed to have much better luck there than at the massive MOA. We all met up back at our place in the afternoon and visited until it was time to head out to Wayzata for my birthday dinner. We went to a restaurant that I had hoped to take Scott to for his birthday brunch (Easter) but at the time weren't able to get into. Sunsets definitely did not disappoint. It's right there on Lake Minnetonka and there were dozens of sailboats enhancing the amazing view. The food was also incredible and we all left feeling full and satisfied.

Finally on Friday the sun came out and stayed out which gave us the chance to finally get outside! We went to the free zoo called Como Zoo this time and had a blast. The Como Zoo has more than just animals, it also has a conservatory,


and a sizable amusement park with plenty of rides for all ages and stomach ranges.


I myself love the spinny rides so Cole joined me for a twirl in the teacups and then Scott came on board for our spin in the similarly based pumpkin ride. Scott doesn't enjoy being spun and Cole was indifferent to the experience (although at home his favorite thing is to spin or be spun) so from there the boys climbed aboard the little kid train. Cole seemed to enjoy being able to see the other kids riding along as well and of course he always loves being with his papa.


Scott made a special trip down memory lane and started a tradition for Cole as well when he spotted the Mold-a-rama zoo animals being carried around by several little kids.

He managed to mold a blue polar bear and a gorilla for Cole. An excellent accompaniment to the flattened penny collection.



Here are some more pictures from our fun day at the zoo.






Cole loved seeing his Grandma D. and Grandpa D. again and he totally fell in love with their dog, Holly.