State-cation and Holiday Inn

With having a young baby, a toddler, a pre-schooler and an elementary age child, our family has decided to forgo a trip out of state this year. Instead of traveling out of state, we decided to take a "state-cation." We want to see our beautiful state of Minnesota, and take day trips. This is much more economical, financially more affordable, and less stress with the kids. How often do people see the many great aspects of their own state? Already we have seen some great cities, locations, and nature sites. This weekend we are headed to a Threshing Show. I have never been to one, but my husband says the kids will love it, and it is pretty affordable. So, we are going to do another day trip. I have mentioned to him that maybe one of these day trip outings we could spend a night in a hotel. I know the kids would like to do that, take a dip in the pool, and have a night out. Holiday Inn is transforming its hotels world wide, including signature bedding with “soft” and “firm” pillows and power showers in the bathroom. I, personally enjoy staying in a hotel. Holiday Inn boasts more than 2,500 locations in the US, offering a fun and easy getaway in every state. I like that most all Holiday Inns have great restaurants near by~ hey no cooking for me, and it is nice to have a break once in awhile. Close enough to home for convenience and affordability, but far enough to experience a getaway, the Holiday Inn “state-cation” becomes a great opportunity to rediscover your home state and still enjoy a vacation.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Holiday Inn. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

MN Zoo (June 2009)

We were able to go to the MN zoo in June~ I know, late posting, huh? Anyway, I just wanted to share the photos from our day. We were very sad that Nathaniel couldn't join us, but he was with his dad at the time. We had a great time at the zoo, and we even visited a "farm."
Here is a picture of (most) of our family. Terry, me, Caleb, Madelyn and Cole.

Terry, Caleb and Madelyn are enjoying the monkey showing off!

Yes, there is a tight rope walker up there...and it is a monkey!

Pink Flamingos. You only see those at the Zoo in Minnesota,

Caleb playing "Peek-A-Boo." He had a great time playing in the rocks.

Madelyn was a bit excited about the whole Zoo day. She had a blast!

I love the monkeys! I think they are so entertaining!

Caleb and Madelyn got a close-up view with the bear. Caleb was very unsure of it when I first walked up with them to get a better view.

Then the bear looked right at Caleb. I am thinking he thought it was better that the bear was on the other side of the glass!

Terry and I~ so happy and in love! WOW~ we have been married 5 years this month!

I love the wild cat kingdom! Here is a Cheetah enjoying the laziness of the day.

I had to zoom the lens to capture this picture of the Tiger so far away. He is beautiful!

Cole! He is such a happy baby! He had a great day looking at the animals. He did so good, too!

Caleb had fun surprising Cole and making him giggle. It was so precious.

I love our new stroller! It is great having a stroller to fit all three kiddos on it. Plus, Caleb and Madelyn can get off and on so easily.

Terry and I love watching the Prairie Dogs. They are so comical, and entertaining~ not to mention adorable! :)

Giraffes are such an amazing animal! I am fascinated by them all the time. There are some Zebras in this photo, too.

Ostrich strutting by...

Here are some camels all hanging out together.

Here is the "farm" at the MN Zoo. We had a great time walking around in here. It made Terry and I feel like we should be living on a farm. Caleb and Madelyn so much loved and enjoyed the animals. Maybe we will just have to move to a large lot of land someday...get some animals, and work around the farm idea. :)

Baby goats are so cute! The kids sure enjoyed these "kids."

Madelyn was hugging any animal that got close enough for her to hold onto. It was so cute!

Caleb was trying to hug this little goat, too.

More hugging...

So much love. Madelyn is our BIG-Time animal lover. Anytime she sees an animal, she comments on how cute it is, and just hugs it (animal-willing).

It was a great day at the MN Zoo. We highly recommend going to visit a Zoo. Our kids enjoy looking at all the animals, and learning about them. We hope to get to the Zoo a few more times before the snow starts falling, too.