Under the sea

We had an impromptu outing on Saturday afternoon after Ellen's nap. It was a pretty day, but too cold to really be outside. I quickly searched online for a good activity for toddlers and came across some kind of aquarium thing. In my mind I thought it was some kind of ocean exhibit at Union Station, then I realized in the car that it was at Crown Center. And I realized that their aquarium wasn't opening for a year. And I realized that it would be interesting.

And interesting it was.

It was basically a marketing tool - a wooden maze painted with ocean / mermaid / pirate themes - Crawling (and I mean CRAWLING) with children. Ellen just stood in the middle for awhile wondering how to get around all the kids (that is her Molly-side), then she really got into it (that is her Erik-side).


We tore her away by the promise of a store full of colors! The Crayola store is really great. I picked up some cool color sticks, which Ellen was thrilled about, until the check-out lady told us they are basically crayons with the consistency of lipstick and they stain. Really? Um - no - we will not be buying those. Ellen was a bit upset, to say the least.

She was again calmed by the promise of noodles. We went to the new location of Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop and happened upon a great happy hour (3-7pm every day!). We had great snacks, Ellen got her noodles!, and she even happily tried the tentacles of our delicious calamari. Love that girl! Our early dinner was very child-friendly - we will be back.

We pulled into the driveway after dinner and - no joking here - Ellen just busted out with, "I love you guys. Thanks.".

Say it with me .... AWWWWW.

I promptly turned around and told her she was the best kid we've ever had!