Heritage Village 2

Here they practiced stilts, rolled hoops, washed clothes, and pumped water.

Heritage Village

Friday we drove to the Dakota County Fairgrounds for Harvest Day at their Heritage Village. Taking a step back in time, the girls did every activity, but I missed a few photo ops.  In this group they made pinwheels, went to jail, heard about old telephones and party lines, and made rope.

Wild Turkeys

These fellows wandered over from the Mississippi River into the front yard. Dangerous move so close to Thanksgiving!

MOA

Today was devoted to the Mall of America. First stop was the American Girl Doll Store for annual Christmas and birthday shopping. Girls understand the budget concept and practice their math skills each year. They also know that once we leave the store the boxes remain closed, go into a hiding place, and emerge as gifts at the appropriate times.

Next part of our day consists of unlimited rides for three hours with breaks for ice cream and lunch, and yes dessert first. We are the grandparents, remember?

After five hours at MOA, home and an hour of rest time suits all of us. Pawpaw and I will worry about where to hide all those big red boxes later.

Daughter's Career

Yesterday A. was in N.'s third grade class giving a 30-minute presentation about her law career. We parents rushed over to catch the last half. Students had great questions, and second photo shows N. at the far right with her hand raised. For the closing activity, A. gave them a case for small groups to deliberate and determine a verdict. They were so serious and careful as they asked more questions and arrived at decisions. Quite a busy day for our family at school!

If you're wondering about the blue stability balls, students earn them with good behavior. This teacher applied for a grant and was awarded the balls for her classroom.

Mystery Reader

Guess who was the mystery reader yesterday? Ceecee! Katie is sitting in the middle wearing a blue shirt and was as surprised as the rest of her class. She introduced us and was excited that I had chosen Clever Beatrice, one of her favorite books.

Paul Bunyan #2

More thrills!

Paul Bunyan Land #1

Paul called the granddaughters by name and said he remembered them from previous years. Who were we to challenge such a big memory from such a big brain! Then he called me their mother. Smart, too!
Older granddaughter easily climbed to the top of the rock wall and rang the buzzer to announce her success to the entire park, same as last year but faster. Younger one so close but needing a little more growth to make those last stretches.

Final Flight

On our last night of sunset celebrations, another pontoon plane became part of the view, approaching, circling, landing in a pool of fire.

Saturday Final

For our last full day at Gull Lake, we stayed on the beach as much as possible, sometimes in the water and sometimes with other activities. Took a final paddle boat ride. Used art to document our stay. Ate whatever and whenever so we didn't have to take food home. Thanked and said farewell to the folks that helped to make our holiday so memorable. Built a fire, made s'mores, and toasted a final sunset.