Good Friends and Good Times

Last night, the kids and I headed to Mall of America and met up with Chris. We walked around for just a little bit and then met my friend, Marisa, and her daughter, Ava, too. Ava is almost 2-years old so she's in-between Caleb and Hannah in age. They all seemed to click, however, and had a great time together! Caleb would not allow Ava to have any personal space--he would get right in her face and say "Hi, Baby Ava." She didn't seem to mind too much so that's a good thing! Marisa and Ava had never been to Underwater World and you know how much Caleb LOVES that place, so we just had to go. (We got an annual family pass last time we went since we have been going there about once a month lately.)

Here's a cute picture of Marisa and Ava looking at the fish:


We've been here a hundred times, it seems, but Caleb just now noticed the pirate display. He climbed up on the rocks and was trying to grab at the display. So, Chris picked him up and said "You can't climb up there." Caleb said, "But, there's GOLD there, Dad!" like it was real gold and just sitting there for everyone to take a piece! Here he is, posing by the gold and pretending to reach for it after we explained that he couldn't touch it:


Ava loved Underwater World and Hannah loved it this time, too. Last month, she cried when we went through the part with the waterfall (she was scared of the loud water noise) but this time, she didn't even bat an eye when we walked past it. It's crazy how kids' phases come and go without warning!

After all the fish, we did a little shopping and then had dinner at Tucci Bennuch. The kids were a little antsy so it was an interesting dinner but it was enjoyable, nonetheless. We were all surprised to see that it was 8pm when we walked out of the restaurant, so much to Caleb's dismay, we didn't ride on any rides this time.

Here is one last cute picture of Ava playing Peek-a-boo with Hannah as were walking out to our cars:


It was cute because both of the girls had ponytails on the tops of their heads and they just so happen to have the same winter coat, so they were kind of like little twins! :) It was really great to spend time with Marisa and see how big Ava has gotten since the last time I saw her. Marisa and I have been best friends since we were little and while we lived most of our lives only 3 houses away from each other, we now live on complete opposite sides of the Metro. We don't see each other often but talk on the phone at least a couple times a week. Friends like her don't come often, so I'm blessed to have her in my life. (Plus, what a doll Ava is!) :)