Second Annual Girls Weekend

This weekend was the second annual girls trip for the girls of Robert's family.  Last year Serina, Bethany, and I went to San Antonio.  You can refresh your memory here.  This year Grandma June decided to join us on our trip to Minneapolis.  I took a half day on Friday to catch a direct flight from RDU to MPLS.  I had never had a direct flight before.  Obviously it's nice to not fear missing a connecting flight or having a delay, but I missed being able to walk around and stretch a bit.  The flight was supposed to be 3 hours but ended up being 3 1/2 due to extreme wind.  When I finally stood up after we landed my feet were numb and tingly from not moving and having the AC blasting on them for so long.  I sat next to a nice man who was chatty for a bit which was actually kinda nice.  Then I crocheted and listened to a comedian on my iPod the rest of the time.  I was kind of surprised that they didn't play a movie or tv show for a longer flight like that.

June, Serina, and Bethany drove from Missouri/Kansas and met me at the airport.  We went directly to the Mall of America to eat dinner at Cantina #1.  Dinner was good.  I even accidentally ate a fish taco. haha  We took a bit of time to orient ourselves at the mall and snagged a few bargains.  I had brought a coupon for a free travel size lotion at Bath and Body works, and I gave a 20% off coupon to Bethany for her to use as well.

I exercised self control and didn't buy these adorable Russian nesting cats

Totally would've gotten Robert this football player shaped cheese if he'd been there.

Lego Land!

We went to the Hampton Inn, and I got unpacked and settled.  The other three ladies had stopped by and checked in before picking me up.  We enjoyed the first of many shows on the Food Network.  Bethany and I don't have cable, so we relished the opportunity to catch some shows.

The view from our hotel

On Saturday morning we went to Bethany's breakfast choice of Mickey's Dining Car.  We would agree with reviews that the food was good, but the service was lacking.  It was kind of hard to find, but still a fun experience.  We ventured to Michael's next.  Bethany and I are both working on afghans and needed more yarn.  Found a 40% coupon and got some $1.49 yarn.  Winning!  Next stop - The Mall of America.

The view from the diner

Time to get to work on some granny squares

Bethany and I split up from Serina and Grandma.  We hit all kinds of stores and spent a good chunk of time at H&M.  I found a skirt and shirt for a good deal.  We both agreed it got super hot in there and we left sweating.  The four of us met up for lunch in the mall, and then shopped around together a bit.  We went back to the hotel for awhile to rest, nap, and watch tv.  Then we got ready again so we could eat dinner at Benihana in the mall.  I had never been to one before, and it was quite the show.  We did a bit more shopping after that and headed back to the hotel.

On Sunday morning we ate breakfast at the hotel, and then went to Ikea.  Grandma and I had never been before, and there was one right by the mall so we figured we should check it out.  It was very impressive!  I had picked Kramarczuk's for lunch, but apparently on Sunday's they only serve a brunch buffet which was rather disappointing.  We found a pub nearby and walked there for a bite instead.  We went to the mall after that.  Bethany and I had success at Old Navy.  I got a shirt and dress, and I even got Robert a shirt.  Didn't want him to think I'd forgotten about him. ;)  We wrapped it up a bit earlier at the mall.  We had officially shopped til we dropped.  We flipped on the tv and ordered pizza to be delivered.  Bethany and I got some crocheting in, and we made sure to do plenty of laughing.

Ikea

This morning we got up, packed, ate breakfast, and headed to the airport so I could catch my flight.  My ticket said to go to the gate for my seat assignment, and lo and behold I got seated on the 5th row - just behind first class.  It gave me lots of leg room.  I got seated next to a lady who wasn't talkative at all, but I did more crocheting and listened to my iPod again.  I landed on time, and our friend Amy and her three kids came to pick me up since Robert was at work.  It was a good trip full of shopping, catching up, tasty food, relaxing, and laughing.  Now I'm enjoying having the afternoon off form work in a quiet apartment and anxiously awaiting Robert's return in 3 hours!