While the Cats are Away, the Kittens will Play.

While Loran and I were whooping it up in the Twin Ports, the girls where not left behind to dwell in their boredom.

We were hardly down the driveway before the girls (and Uncle Nathan) were loaded into Papa and Nana’s car headed the opposite direction to the Mall of America. Ultimate destination: American Girl where they had a reservation for a tea party! Big thanks to Nathan for photographing the event.

The girls borrowed a couple of AG friends to join them at their tea party. Lily says her doll was named Penelope. Soon we’ll have to take Lily to pick out her own girl, unfortunately, Austin is too weird to have an American Girl store so we’ll have to venture to Houston or Dallas.

Ella enjoyed a hot chocolate and Lily savored a seasonally appropriate pink lemonade.

The tea party spread was very impressive! Lily enjoyed a muffin, yogurt and star sandwich. Ella enjoyed a bagel sandwich and fruit. And of course, dessert of cupcakes and “flower” dessert.  - this is all according to them.

 

After visiting American Girl, they spent some time in the Mall of America. The girls were intrigued by Rainforest Café and checked that out. The fish near the entrance were a favorite, but despite needing to use the restroom, Lily would not venture into the dark restaurant.

The following morning, the girls went to a local festival in downtown Anoka. They enjoyed visiting stores and vendors and came home with some neat, glittery sun catchers/reflectors for their bedroom window.

Once they were back from Anoka, they had to clean up a bit and get dresses on so Grandma and Grandpa could bring them to Great Grandma and Grandpa Redmann’s 60th Anniversary party. We met up with them there, while always great to be reunited, I think all parties enjoyed their mini vacations, parents aren’t the only ones who benefit from a little break.