Minneapolis

After Jake's last doctors appointment this morning we took the kids to Minneapolis to the Mall of America. I had secretly made  reservations for lunch at the American Girl bistro but I think just seeing the store was enough of a surprise for the girls! Isaiah used his money to ride roller coasters (I went with him and boy was it fun!!) Emelyn found a new American Girl book to add to her collection along with a new animal and a beauty and the beast coloring book. Ruth bought three new stuffed animals. The girls loved walking around the AG store and would have stayed all day if we let them! Isaiah would have ridden rides all day too! 

I also want to include a picture from the 9th floor where Jake's appointments were. It was beautiful to look out over the downtown! And finally, a picture of what the kids looked forward to most each day... swimming! 

Memorial

Tonight we went to the Soldiers Field Veterans Park. This was on a list of the top 10 things to do in Rochester and after Jake's tests he was cold and wanting to be outside in the warmth so we decided to stop by. I wish we had had more time!! This park was built without taxpayer money and was built to remind Americans that freedom is not free. Each war, small and large, (some I hadn't heard of) were each described with maps to show where they took place. They also had beautiful murals etched into the stone along with beautiful statues to show the various parts of war. Each soldier from the revolutionary war to present was listed as well as a reminder than freedom is not free. There was also an old track and field area behind the memorial for families to play on and walk. 

Quarry

This afternoon we went to the Quarry Nature Center. This was a lot of fun for Isaiah. So many snakes, turtles, fish and birds!

Mayo

This morning we all went to the Mayo clinic to explore and walk around (it's multiple blocks!) The entry way is lined with 13 beautiful Chihuly chandeliers and outside were bronze statutes of the Mayo brothers. We ventured under ground via the subway to move from building to building. When jake was ready for his first tests the kids and I left Jake and his parents to go to a fun theatre to watch Cars 3. We came back just before he was finished and then we stayed until he checked in for his next procedure. We went to the Quarry Nature Center and then they dropped me back off at the clinic to wait with/for Jake while they went shopping. After supper we went to the Soldier's Field Memorial Park and wish we had had more time there. I will post those pictures separate!

Rochester

We arrived in Rochester, MN last night and today spent some time in the city. After walking around a mall we went to eat lunch at a local Italian place chosen by Isaiah. We then went to the the Mayowood mansion to tour the home of the late Mayo family. There were pictures of various well-known people who were guests at the house while being treated by Dr. Mayo. Apparently Dr. Mayo often times invited out of town patients over for dinner and had up to 90 ppl over each night for supper! They also strongly believed in music and arts as an important part of healing and each child played multiple instruments (they had six kids, 2 adopted and another foster child.) There was even an 837 pipe organ built into the house with vents in each room so that music could be heard throughout the house! We saw family pictures with FDR, Helen Keller, Lou Gerhig, the King and Queen of Nepal and many many others. 

After leaving Mayowood Jake went back to our hotel to rest and Cindy and I took the kids to Flapdoodles to enjoy some ice cream. We also ran errands and walked through the grocery store across the street to waste time before going to eat supper then swimming after supper. All in all a fun and packed day for the kids! 

Bentonville

Saturday evening we enjoyed some time in Bentonville with Eric & Kelsey's family. After some splash park fun we walked to Flying Fish for supper and then ventured to the 5-10 to get ice cream before heading home. 

This car was covered in $937 in coins tonrepresent the amount of money Walmart saves the average family each year.

Independence Day

Our 4th of July celebration included bike riding with the older two and then baseball and fireworks... Isaiah and Ruth got foul balls which made their night. Happy Independence Day everyone!