Friday, 31 August 2012
This evening, we met our friend Jeremy for dinner at Kokomo’s Island Bar and Grill. That’s at the Mall of America, and meeting Jeremy there is very appropriate since he and I have both worked there. In fact, for a couple of years, we worked together for the same company.
These days, Jeremy doesn’t work anywhere near the Mall of America: he now works in Utah. So, considering his commute, it was great of him to meet us so close to our home. He gave the kids a toy: a Q-BA-MAZE, which is kind of a twist on the marble works toy that has been a staple and a favorite of Owen’s for around six years now.
After dinner, we walked around the mall for a while. We hit up Teavana for free tea samples, then spent about 45 minutes at Barnes and Noble. Later, we ice creamed at Cold Stone Creamery. The kids played in a fountain, and Jeremy schmoozed with a Rosetta Stone salesman. Good times. Thanks for dinner, Jeremy!
Here I am posing, for what is probably the first time ever, with a Utahian. Isla’s left leg can be seen jutting out from behind me.
Jennifer and Jeremy pose for the camera, while Owen expresses interest in something behind my right shoulder, evidently.
Saturday, 01 September 2012
Owen received some passes to the Works Museum for his birthday back in May. We used the tickets today.
Originally, I was going to bring Owen and three friends (since he had four passes), but it’s nearly impossible to get three kids together and loaded into my car. The car seats can be a real issue. I thought of having the parents just meet me at the musuem, but then what do they do while I’m there with their kids? Unfortunately, no one we know lives real close to the museum, so no one would want to go back home.
Anyway, it ended up being Owen and one of his friends, along with me and that friend’s Dad.
The museum is now located in its own building, which is great, because last time we went there it was just a room in an old high school. I wasn’t even sure I was in the right place until after we got in the door. So, now, with their own building, it’s a lot easier to spot.
The larger building all to themselves, however, gives the museum a very empty feeling. It’s like moving from an apartment to a house – suddenly you have all this room and you’re not sure you’re ever gonna be able to decorate everywhere. Oh well. The kids still had fun.
Don’t let this picture fool you – Owen had nothing to do with the construction of this tower. The two dads built it (though our kids were happy to smash it down).
That was an absolute blast – seeing all of you!! Oh, and for the record, a person who lives in Utah is called a “Utahan” or “Utahn” (which is way better than what we call the bad drivers here: “Utards”).
Thanks, Jeremy. We had a great time, too. The kids played with the marble toy for about an hour after we got home, even though it was bedtime.
Thanks for the clarification on Utah’s demonym.