Weekend With Maia

While her parents got away for a long-overdue break, we spent a long weekend looking after Maia in the Minneapolis area. On Friday morning, we took her to the Mall of America. No, not for shopping, but to see the aquarium. Along the way from the parking lot to the aquarium, we stopped for a photo with Sponge Bob Square Pants. Maia was happy like this for the entire weekend. We really had a great time.

She expressed a bit of wariness about some of the creatures we saw in the aquarium. I think she liked the jellyfish best, and this tide pool gave her a chance to see some starfish up close.

No, we did not buy her this Nemo hat, although it was tempting.

We topped off the visit with some fish and chips, which seems fitting.

After the aquarium, we drove to Great Aunt Paula's house. Maia knows my sister and brother-in-law well, since Paula and Ron have hosted Jessica, Mike and Maia for a few visits. Paula was having a garage sale on Saturday, and we planned to help out with that. One of the items for sale was this arrow-through-the-head novelty. After I took this picture, I texted a copy to Jessica and Mike to show them how well we were caring for their daughter.

Although it was rainy off and on during the garage sale, Aunt Paula and Maia found this perfectly fine. Stomping around in puddles in the driveway and walking in the rain in your raincoats simply made for extra fun.

Nana and Maia tried out one of the items that was for sale. Later they hung out together while we all watched Lady and the Tramp.

Zipper and Ron have a special bond, and Maia liked playing with Zipper too.

On Sunday, we had breakfast with Sarah and Josh and then lounged on the porch.

Working on art projects with Paula is a mandatory part of any visit.

On Monday, we spent the night with Will, Sandy and Anders. Alas, I have no pictures to share, but as you might guess, Anders and Maia enjoyed seeing each other. Maia is becoming quite the conversationalist. After eating out for dinner and on our way back to Anders' house, Maia said, "Going Anders' house? Play toys? Play outside? Run around?" That about sums it up!