Republican National Convention

Today was a beautiful day in the Twin Cities. Cool. Sunny. Cloudless. Reminds me of football weather back home.

Since it was a beautiful day and since the RNC is here, we decided to venture downtown Minneapolis. Brave? Yes.

We loaded up the ol' bag with sippies, camera, and Diego potty seat (never leave home without it) and off we went. I downsized to the umbrella stroller for today's outing, as I didn't know if the double would fit on the train. Maddie got her walking in.

We took the light rail from the Mall of America (about 10 minutes away) up to the Nicolette Mall station. This is an area that is "pedestrian" (and bus and taxi...but who's counting) only with lots of outdoor entertainment and shopping. Did I mention it was the our first time on the rail here and the kid's first time on any type of public transportation like this?



It was a perfect day for our outdoor outing. We made it safe and sound downtown....and realized it was more than cool (as the weather man had predicted) it was down right nippy. Sam and I were sporting jeans and jackets. Maddie looked adorable in her jean skirt, long sleeve shirt, and sweater. However, she was freezing. So first stop downtown....Target to find her long pants. Then the adventure started again!!!
Oh look, it's Mary Tyler Moore!! In front of Macy's nonetheless!
Maddie found the "purfect" pair of sunglasses today. Since I wear my sunglasses ALL THE TIME, I couldn't deny her the "purfect" pair. Here she is sporting them with the RNC sign. We took this on the way back to the train, heading home. Sam was tired and refused to pose with her. We drew quite the delegate crowd with several of the delegates joining in the cause to get Sam in the picture. This, of course, was answered with his normal arms crossed, mad faced "No". Oh well. Maybe next time.

When asked who she wanted to win the Presidency (by the same Delegate)..

Maddie: What a president?
Mommy: The president is the leader of our country and makes really important decisions about our country and how to keep it safe.
Maddie: Like a king?
Mommy: No, mommies and daddies (yes I realize Uncle Nate and others can vote as well, but for her sake mommies and daddies means adults) vote and choose the president.
Maddie: Well, I want you to vote for Prince Charming, Mommy.
Delegate: Sometimes being young and handsome doesn't mean you are qualified to be the President.

(I of course, understood the joke...Maddie was completely confused but acted very grown up and just flashed one of her big smiles)