Our urban adventure

Dave has had this idea for some time now: take the kids via the light rail train to downtown Minneapolis, visit the farmers market there and let the kids see what it's like to stand at the base of the very tall buildings and look up. Fun, right? Today we made it happen: he took the day off from work and we headed to the nearest light rail station, got our tickets, and hopped aboard! Despite Aidan's asking us at each and every stop, "Is this our stop?" (there were 11 stops each way) we really enjoyed ourselves! We spent time browsing the full length of the the farmers market, sampling anything we could and then had a cheap lunch at Jimmy John's before turning around and walking back to the train station with a stop at the downtown Target (a 2 story Target!) and Marshall's on Nicollet Mall. Who knew there was a Marshall's down there? Not me! Once back on the train we got off at the Minnehaha station and spent some time at Minnehaha Falls and of course, in Minnehaha Creek. Aidan was the first to fall in, followed by Ellie and then Maddie, so the three of them had to stand on the train on the way back to the car. A quick bath and dinner once we got home and they were out like lights. What a fun day! The photos below are straight out of the camera- no editing. I'm just saying. I'd rather get this posted and get to sleep on time tonight. I'm tired too. :)

Here comes the train!

Nicollet Mall's farmer's market

The kids have no idea who or what this represents

Outside the IDS

Clowning around outside Jimmy John's

Minnehaha Falls

Down goes Aidan!

Waiting for our train to go home

Oh- one more anecdote from today. As we were crossing one of the streets on Nicollet Mall, Ellie accidentally got in the way of another pedestrian who loudly voiced his annoyance at her. We'd tried to teach the kids to be very conscientious about where they were walking and to stay out of other people's way (since we weren't walking as fast as some of the others) but it happened. I admit I got upset at the guy and responded, "Hey, she's just a kid," and then we all went on our way - no big deal. A few seconds later another guy came up to me and mentioned he'd seen the exchange and thought that guy had been really rude to us. Then he asked me, "Do you want me to go kick his a**?" "Um, no, but thanks," was my response.??