Around town

When I first moved to the metro area, I lived in the cutest little neighborhood in Southwest Minneapolis. And every time I go back and visit the area, I feel at home. There's just something about it that makes it so very welcoming. I secretly hope one (or all) of the kids will make this neighborhood their home when they begin their adult life. 

Today, we decided to head to that same area and do a little exploring. Sidney's pre-school had been on a field trip to a nearby book store last summer and she couldn't wait to show her siblings how cool it is. Wild Rumpus is one of those tiny little bookstores designed especially for kids that you will go back to again and again. It's not Barnes and Nobles....nope, it is soooo much better! One of the biggest reasons is that there are animals, roaming free, around the store while shoppers browse the aisles. Animals!! Plural! 

I can't think of a word strong enough to describe how much Lincoln loved being in that store. From cats to parakeets to chickens and chinchillas. Every time he turned around, there was another animal for him to explore! 

The chinchilla was hiding out in her cage but that didn't stop Lincoln from sticking his finger in for a little pet. 

And the white chicken?!, oh my goodness! At first, Regan asked "what side is the head and what side is....not the head?" because these things are just a fluff ball! Turns out, Lincoln was petting the "not the head" side and the girls sat on a nearby bench giggling like crazy that he needed to wash his hands :) 

As we walked out, this feline was taking a break in the chair on display in the window. She plopped right down on a pile of books like it was no big deal. Seriously, talk about feeling at home! 

Sidney had to demonstrate walking through the kid sized door. See how her head nearly touches?, it's a pint sized door just for the kiddos. Cool! Not to fret, the typical door does open too so we don't have to squat down low to exit. 

After we left the store, we were so close to Lake Harriet that we thought it was good time to head over for a snack and some play time. Again, it was a feeling of being right at home for me. My first apartment was just about 6 blocks from the lake and I spent nearly every summer day running or rollerblading around the lake. The girls have grown to love the lake as much as we do. We've had a lot of good laughs as a family on that sidewalk and we are so excited to experience it with Lincoln too....even if he wants nothing to do with a picture. 

because he had spotted the ducks in the water and wanted nothing other than to see them up front and close. He kept saying "quack" or "cuck" as he raced over to them. Thankfully he stood far enough back from the edge as he admired those floating 'cucks'. 

And going down to the band shell, I can't resist the urge to take some fun pictures of all the kiddos. The girls were pleased to let me click away for a few minutes. 

"mom watch this!" 

"mom take a picture when I jump!"

"ready....go!"

He's quickly learning and though he wouldn't look at me, he half smiled a fake smile and I love the way it turned out :)

Because he knew when we were done at the band shell, it was off to the super fun big-kid play set and he would have a B.L.A.S.T! 

Yea for finding some fun around town on this warm Friday morning! We packed a lot of fun into a few hours and can't wait for another adventure!