Spring Break Trip to Minnesota

Apparently I've been busy! I just realized I haven't posted anything in 5 months- oops! It's definitely not for lack of material.  Well, let's see if I can catch up.

In March, I (Briana) had 10 days off for Spring Break, so we decided to take a quick family trip to Minnesota.  Not necessarily the smartest choice (it was colder there than in Iowa), but we had fun.  We started off with a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese, which was just down the road from our hotel.  Not sure I would repeat that experience in a big city.  It was SUPER crowded.

Aiden squirting the target.

The bicycle Doug had to peddle to lift into the air.

A trip isn't complete without a little SkeeBall

Our hotel had a pool- which Aiden loved!

We had to jump in many times.

We also took a trip to the Mall of America.  We actually only went in 2 stores, and our only purchase was some Peeps.  We mainly enjoyed the rides.  I was surprised by how many rides they had for little ones and Aiden loved them all!

Waiting in line.

Riding on the Blue's Clues Ride

Daddy was trying to make the ride a little more exciting...

In front of Sponge Bob's Bouncy house.  Unfortunately the line was too long to jump.

Dora's School Bus

Someone's ready for the next ride...

Dora's car.

It whipped you around the corners.  My stomach was not happy after this ride.

Once again, Doug was VERY excited!

The next day (after a hour of traffic and construction delays), we went to the Como Park Zoo.  I was surprised by the animals they had there, despite the snow on the ground.

Looking at frogs in their habitat.

Dancing in the hall.

Pretty flowers in the garden.

Giraffes!

Polar Bears!

The seals? seal lions? put on a little show for us.

And of course the giant turtle statue.

Fun in the Snow!

So... Doug's co-worker's brother :) wanted to propose to his girlfriend.  And he wanted to make an igloo.  So he borrowed Cherry Berry's yogurt jugs freeze water to make the blocks.  He also added food coloring to make it colorful.  Doug had seen a picture of this and we decided to take a trip out to see it (it was at the state park in town).  Aiden thought it was really cool! It was also a little warmer (45 degrees...) so we decided to make a snowman.

Aiden helping rebuild the igloo.  It had melted a bit...

Aiden wanted to take some of the bricks home.

Pretty cool!

Christmas!

We had a great Christmas! We got to see lots of family and enjoy some fun games! Of course, there were presents too.  I think this has been the best Christmas with Aiden, so far, as he was excited to open presents and play with his new toys!  The only problem was he wanted to keep playing with they toys, and not open more presents.

In Grinnell and Great Grandma and Grandpa Ritter's.

Passing out stockings, while saying, "No peeking!"

In Eldora at Grandma and Grandpa Ritter's.

Grandpa playing with his new chain saw.

Matching shop vacs!

At Grandma and Grandpa Goodenbour's Christmas morning.

Uncle Jeff throwing his wrapping paper.

Grandma showing off her pineapple slicer, while Jeff's new puppy Sola takes a nap.

Playing Ball with Dad

12/19/13: Doug had the day off- so Aiden got to spend the day with Daddy! One of the fun activities they did was play some baseball.

Left-Handed

Right-Handed

Almond Bark Treats!

From 12/18/13:

We made our traditional peanut butter/crackers/almond bark cookies (and a few pretzels in the mix, too).  This year we included Aiden in the fun.