Minnesota!

(this is long over due)

Yes, I am still alive and yes, I did make it to Minnesota! I went for Labor day weekend and had an absolute blast catching up with my best friend Jana, meeting the rest of her family and discovering beautiful Minnesota.

As soon as I hopped off the plane, Jana rushed me over to the Mall of America where we rode on the rides at Nickelodeon Universe and shopped our hearts out.

Jana had me laughing so hard that I really thought I was going to die. It's one thing I can count on every time I see her. She is the funniest person ever.

We took a short break to have lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe. I had never been there and was fascinated by all of the animals and rain storms that accompanied our meal.

Then it was back to the rides and the shopping! This ride was by far the scariest of them all. It was a GIANT skateboard! Jana and I were screaming our hearts out and every time the ride would turn so we could see the other passengers, this little girl would laugh hysterically at us. I think we were the only ones screaming in the entire place. I just don't get it!

After all the shopping and thrill rides we went and picked up these two (below). I hadn't seen Jonathan since Christmas and Justin since he left on his mission almost 2 1/2 years ago. They were on a road trip and just happened to be in Minnesota at the same time as me.

We played games, ate pizza, made smores, went hot tubing and laughed 'till our sides hurt.

(seriously, he wouldn't look normal for any pictures!)

Jana's boyfriend James joined us for the evening as well. He was such a great guy and truly fits with Jana so perfectly.

The next day we went to a sculpture garden where the Minnesota spoon and cherry live (first picture). I didn't know about the spoon and cherry before arriving in Minnesota I'm sad to say but Jana swears it's in text books somewhere.

We came across these awesome flowers in the green house (mom this picture's for you), as well as this hilarious quote on a bench. It says, "After dark it is a relief to see a girl walking toward or behind you then you are much less likely to be assaulted." WHAT!

Honestly, I could live in Minnesota and be very, very happy. It was so beautiful. The picture below is of one of the many lakes there.

For some reason it reminded me of home. I'm sure it had something to do with Jonathan and Justin being there for part of the trip but I think the majority of it had to do with Jana and her family.

(Marla and Jana)

They are the most amazing family and I love them like they're my own. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of them to share. Marla is the only one I captured besides Jana. Next time . . .