MOA on a Monday

It wasn't something that my organized mind really tried to plan out, but going to MOA on a Monday was the best decision we could have made - EVER. It was only our intention of being there for Aly's birthday. And the girl can never say that she didn't do something FUN as she turned ten on this day, but NOT having to fight crowds -- it was definitely a WIN WIN situation.

She was absolutely adorable here. She picked out her outfit the evening before at her favorite store: Justice for girls - which is so funny - being the tomboy that she loves to be. I, somehow, convinced her to choose a cute cap - that she amazingly agreed with - but I was pretty sure she would wear for five minutes and then inadvertently ditch when Mom wasn't looking...but she didn't! Throughout the day, she wore it (with a few breaks for extreme activities like roller coasters and the such).

With a wide open mall at our feet, we began our adventures around 9:30 or so...

The one thing that everyone had on their "to get" list was SHOES:

...which we all did! Chato picked up some bright new white Nikes, Brandan chose a pair of Reebok running shoes (his race is on Saturday!), while Aly and I went with casual, comfy shoes.

With that out of our system, the kids couldn't wait...

...to finally hit the rides with their unlimited ALL DAY pass bracelets. Granted, it was non stop twirls and spins. They would ride a few, we would hit another side attraction, they would dart back for another ride or two...it's the BEST to break up all that action!

We crossed paths with a favorite friend in Legoland, before making a beeline to Aly's lunch choice...

...and this was an awesome choice. Tiger Sushi sits in the middle of the mall's aisle, unlike most of the other foodie places. It's quaint little space was perfect for an afternoon break. We had everything from California and caterpillar rolls to calamari and shrimp tempura with our mango and green tea concoctions. Aly was so proud that she is finally getting the hang of chopsticks.

We ran into Spongebob.

We snacked on Dippin' dots.

We hula hooped.

But I HAVE to tell you that the kids REALLY enjoyed the Aquarium. My favorite part was all the Jellyfish! (I think everyone else thought so too!) I took pics of some of the facts that were written along the sides of the walls in bright colors so I could remember them all. It is something that I am glad we didn't miss out on. The colors and the sealife were pretty cool.

Now, I know I said that we took breaks from the rides, but I do believe that if he could have, Brandan would have kept his butt glued into the Pepsi Orange Crush coaster. He must have taken that ride ten times or more. He loved how it circled the whole amusement area.

Aly, liked the rides, but just HAD to play mini golf...

...so she could beat her brother at it.

We wrapped up the evening with dinner and the ever popular, kid's choice...
...and learned that this was the first one ever opened! Didn't know that.

By the time we closed out all of this adventure, we spent a good 10 hours inside the walls of MOA. I don't think we have ever spent THAT much time in a mall before. We loved it. It was a great getaway and easy trip...(well, if you don't count the SNOW we had to drive through in NW Wisconsin coming home on Tuesday!)

So, everyone in this family is living a double digit life, Aly was pretty content with her day, and now it is back to the homelife, chores, and appointments that we can't do without...