Mall Madness

It's always been a tradition in our family to take our "out of town guests" to a mall.  Since I can remember when the Elmore's (my Aunt Barbie's family) came up we'd always head out to the Ames mall...pretty shabby theses days compared to others.  When we go out to Indiana, we'd always do the same.   Now it's Jordan Creek we venture out to.  My Aunt Barbie loves to shop and so do we.  It works out perfect!  Yesterday afternoon the kids wanted to nap in the car and get as much shopping done as possible.  We were at Jordan Creek from 2-8:30.  The kids did great and loved every minute.  They always look forward to the play area...now that Isaiah has gotten older it makes me less worried to have them stop in there for some fun.  My parents took us out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory...you have to have their crabcake sandwich if you've never tried it...it's what I always get!  Let's just say that when the night was over, we left with numerous bags...Andy had one shirt, I got one skirt, one pair of shorts, and a few pairs of flip flops.  The kids came out with TONS!  Thanks Mom and Dad!  Oh and let's not forget Build a Bear Workshop...the kids are pros at knowing what to do here.  Below you will find some fun pictures of our shopping adventure. 

The following pictures are Ava at old Navy with the mannequins.  She always thinks they are fun to stand by.  She insisted that I take pictures of her.

Isaiah only cared about the puppy they have up front...he had no interest in the actual people.

Isaiah on top of the choo-choo train in the play center

Grandma and Isaiah riding a hippo

I think Grandma and Ava were riding on an elephant here.

Ahhh...someone's getting eaten by a HUGE hippo head!

Build a Bear Workshop...Ava was pressing the pedal to add stuffing to her bunny.

Loving this bunny!

Isaiah loved this part too!

Using the dryer and combs to clean on that "extra fuzz"

Meet Camo and Snuggly

Isaiah loved walking hand in hand with Aunt Barbie!

Peeking down below

Isaiah and Grandpa sitting inside of the Gap front window display

Believe it or not, this is a dog treat shaped like a hamburger.  My Dad bought it for Jackson at this little kiosk in the middle of mall that sells fancy dog treats...Miss Ava picked it out. We thought it was funny that this placed sold a "Yappy Meal"...a gift bag with a burger, fries, and a tennis ball.  How cute! 

Jackson loved this!

On to some old pictures I've forgotten to display...I would title this one...

At The Car Wash

Andy thought it was about time to "detail" the outside of the Envoy...even wax it.  The kids loved helping and practiced on their own toys.

Giving that motorcycle a good rinse.

Nice job cleaning the back of the car Boo!

Scrub, Scrub, Scrub

Ava..again in her nightgown...using a towel to scrub the hitch cover.

Daddy and his little helpers!

The last of the dance recital pictures I didn't post yet...this was before Thursday's recital.  She just looks so grown up...there won't be "real" make-up wearing for a LONG time!

Daddy and his little girl

Mommy loves you Bootles!

Oh yes...and this one of Isaiah flexing his muscles on that rock at my Dad's retirement party.  It wouldn't download last time...but it was to cute to leave out!

What a strong young man!

My Three Happy's:

1) Spending the day with my family outside...just relaxing and having fun!

2) Enjoying the new Bath and Body plug-in that Aunt Barbie bought me...she always brings us little surprises when she visits...she also got us some hand soap and candle!  Love it all!

3) My creative little Isaiah...Andy put Ava to bed and they are both sound asleep in her bed...I read stories to Isaiah.  I left the room to start blogging when I heard bells and some strange sounds.  I went back to check on him and he had his construction glasses, a toy digger, and bell.  He discovered that this digger was magnetic and the bell would attach to it.  He was dragging it across his bed and was just entertained by what he'd learned.  Isaiah...you always make Mommy smile!