The Minnesota Chronicles: Episode 3 - June 23, 2012

June 23, 2012 was the day before my nephew's wedding. He and his family were very busy preparing for the big day on Saturday, so we decided we would go to the MALL OF AMERICA while they prepared and hosted the rehearsal dinner. I don't know if you've ever been to the Mall of America, but it is the largest mall in the United States. It has an entire theme park inside the center of the mall with all the stores and restaurants surrounding it. I have been to MOA many times, but this was the first time George and Ethan had ever been there.  The theme park was new to all of us. The last time I was there it was called Camp Snoopy. It is now called NICKELODEON UNIVERSE. The park had three times as many rides as I remembered.  So we decided to check it out... The boys faces were priceless . . . they were in total awe that an entire theme park fit in a mall.

 

We met a bunch of characters from Nickelodeon Kids.  First up, George and Ethan met Pablo and Uniqua from the Backyardagains 

The whole clan of cousins met the Wonder Pets, Diego, and Dora, Dora, Dora, the Explorerrrrrrr (if you know the tune to that song you are definitely a parent of small children).

Later, George and Bianca went back to see Dora one more time because Boots had joined her.

George and Ethan met Sponge Bob Square Pants.
This is one TV show we don't actually let them watch, but we didn't want to discriminate against sponges on our vacation.

As you can see in the photos, George and Bob did the ROBOT dance together.

And on to the RIDES!!!

We literally spent the entire day at Nickelodeon Universe riding the immense amount of rides and never actually went shopping in the Mall of America.

I am sure Mommy would have rather shopped, but sometimes the boys get to do what they want. 

                                                                                             

Everyone left the mall at different times, but Brad, Maria, Bianca, George, and myself stayed till 7:00 pm.

We went back to the hotel and got ready to go out to dinner.

That evening we all decided to go to Kami Japanese Steakhouse which was across the street from the hotel we stayed in.

It was delicious, and of course, we got quite the show from the Japanese chef.

Another great day of our Minnesota Adventure. 

& Tim