Grandkids. We have fifteen of them, and each one has their own distinct personality. Out of that number, seven of them have birthdays in a six week span from July to September. It can get a little busy and crazy trying to celebrate with them in one way or another. We try our hardest to make something work, and it has become easier of course with us being partially retired.
Several years ago we started a tradition of taking our grandchildren on a little trip when they turn nine years old. Not sure why age nine was chosen, but it seems to be a good age for the kids to go away with us by themselves. A couple weeks ago it was Jordana’s turn. Several of her cousins had enjoyed seeing and exploring the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America, and that was at the top of her list too.
We enjoyed being together from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening. When the girls in her family have a ninth birthday, their daddy, Mark, also joins in our little vacation time.
We began our journey from their home in Lewiston, Minnesota, and our first stop was supper at an A and W not too far from our motel in Bloomington. Once we checked into our room, Jordana was ready to hit the swimming area. Grandpa Dan is not a swimmer, but she convinced him to come along. He did enjoy the hot tub, while the rest of us enjoyed the pool, and occasionally soaking in the hot tub also. She was happy, and we all enjoyed the motel chocolate chip cookies after swimming!
Monday morning was a little drizzly outside, but we decided to take the Metro Transit Blue Line for a fun ride from the Mall of America down to Target Field and back again. We got off and on a few times, once for some warm coffee and hot chocolate. For a little nine year old country girl, this was pretty exciting to see the big buildings and all kinds of people getting off and on, going who knows where?
Once we returned to the Mall of America, it was time to get tickets for Sea Life, head down the escalator, and have some fun seeing all of the underwater animals and creatures. Jordana just loved it, and was so curious and excited to learn about all that was around her. We started with a “behind the scenes tour”, where they showed us the kitchen where the food for the animals is prepared. They also took us into the room used by the vets to nurse sick or injured animals back to health. It ends with going “above” the aquarium itself, to view the holding tanks and pools for the newly acquired sea creatures or other animals that are quarantined before being put back in with the regular exhibits.
The actual trip through Sea Life is fascinating. You can go at your own speed, but it can take a couple hours to see everything. It is family oriented attraction, with 1.3 million gallons of exhibits. There are sea creatures to touch and feed, and a 300 foot ocean tunnel to journey through. Thirty display tanks will keep everyone’s attention and interest any little child’s curious side!
Sea Life is located underneath the Mall of America and showcases over 10,000 sea creatures. It is complete with sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, rays, and more. Animals that most Minnesotans have never seen before. While in the tunnel, these animals come right up to the glass that surrounds you.
There are several activities throughout the aquarium especially for children. One of them is a book that tells about several exhibits and sea creatures, and can be “stamped” after seeing and learning about the display. Another is a interactive screen that allows the kids to follow directions and touch the screen to see how turtles make their way to the ocean.
After all of our walking, looking, and learning, Jordana wanted to have a late lunch at the Rainforest Café. It used to be on the main level of the mall, but now is up a few levels. We had never been there, but it was delightful. All kinds of life-sized creatures move and make noise while you enjoy your meal. And every twenty-two minutes the thunder begins, the lights dim, and the creatures get louder. It sounds and feels like rain, but no one gets wet! The food was very good, and if you can escape the gift shop on your way in and out, it is a great place to visit!
Every little girl loves shopping, and Jordana’s main point of interest was the American Girl Store. She really wanted to get her doll’s hair styled, and she did. Pretty crazy how they actually have little salon chairs for the dolls while their hair is combed and styled. Pretty new ribbons and braids adorned “Rebecca” when it was all done. Before we finished, both our granddaughter and her doll had matching hoodies. The big grin on Jordana’s face, along with her hugs and thank yous, made it worth our time and visit. A little more shopping, eating, fun at the motel, and just hanging out together made our couple days turn into a lasting memory.
After returning home, we kept our youngest grandchild, Selah, (17 months) for a day to help out her parents. Whew! She is a go-getter and never stops moving. She finds things in my kitchen that I forgot I had! She loves being outside, so we took a couple stroller rides and then she enjoyed a few times in the swing. But…when she went down for her nap….so did I. I couldn’t believe how good that couch felt for a short rest. I definitely know why God planned for us to raise children at a much younger age!
Whatever the age, what a blessing it is to be a grandparent. The time spent with them is just so fun and interesting. I just love hearing their opinions and ideas about life, and their plans for the present or even the future. They are all so different, and it is just amazing to see them mature and become their own person. My prayers go with them daily. I will follow their struggles and successes with peace in my heart. Each one is uniquely loved, each as dear as the other. They certainly are our most treasured possessions! We will continue to watch them with interest, love and concern. But we know that God is in control in their lives, just as He is in ours. Battles may be lost, but God will win out in the end!
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