August 27, 2010 Minneapolis Visit

We had to see the kids! It seems so long since we hugged 'em.

Grandpa gets to hold Hazel for a little while before she arches her back and tries to hurl herself to the floor



Grandpa gets to nibble a bit tender baby.



Hazel has some keen interest in what Grandpa is doing with the camera.

Cora is surprised to see Grandpa and Grandma when she come down the stairs.

The next day we all go to the aquarium at Mall of America.

The "nature" walk into the exhibit.

Koi think they are always about to be fed.

"Tastes like a salt water aquarium to me."
Hazel can do things that would kill me.



Snapping turtles and fish.




And more fish. What did you expect at an aquarium?



The Turner family in the underwater tube.

Without flash the tube is evident and the sharks.

This is a large (six foot) alligator gar.

An assortment of rays.

Many species of shark

Sea turtle

Turners! Real, honest to goodness Turners. A whole family of them.

Colorful tropical reef fish.

Cora enjoying all the many fish.

Cora wears the odd hat very well.

The tiny sea horse holding onto the coral

"I've finished cleaning my toes. Now what?

"Jelly fish, Grandpa!"

They are calming and beautiful.

A hands-on area. The thank has tide pool creatures like starfish and sea urchins.

"Are you sure I'm safe?"

Quite a sea themed play area at the end of the exhibit.

Cora about to be pulled off the deck of a sunken sailing ship by a large, purple octopus.

Hazel looks like she is ready to eat.

Lunch sounds like a good idea for all of us. So off to Bubba Gumps.

The Shrimp made an appearance. Bet you didn't know that is what shrimp look like.

A little nap after lunch.

Grandma in Mall of America.

Geoff, Cora and Julieanna look at the butterflies.

Amusement park in the atrium

Cora gets her mom to laugh.

Senator Larry might have fallen prey to the adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
They even put up signage for the infamous Minnesota "Meet & Greet Restrooms"

Who knew that butterflies love chocolate milk? Be honest now.

Even though it is the end of August, Cora is eager to wear her Halloween costume.

Cora in her "stripey" pajamas watching Dora.

These are not eggs; but mermaid's purses. Some sharks deposit these egg cases.

Jellyfish are calming as they seem to dance elegantly.

What kid doesn't love water and getting to touch stuff where they are usually told, "Don't touch that!"