Fritz's for lunch

After Lego-ing ourselves out, it was time for lunch. The options at Legoland were uninspiring (hotdogs, nachos or frozen pizza) and expensive ($60+), so we walked across Crowne Plaza to the food court area. It was PACKED. Runners everywhere. We wandered around until it was clear hunger anger was going to make an unpleasant appearance.

We happened to stop in front of this restaurant with a big train engine in front and 50's decor. Knowing nothing else, we walked in. It was so much fun. You order from the table from a little phone. A person brings you the drinks (although not a high chair). Then a train brings your food packed into a box. It drops it onto a thingee and it lowers down to your table (John could probably explain the mechanics of this better.).

The trains were a delightful distraction for the kids including Gemma. Typically Gemma requires straps to hold her down long enough for 1) me to eat and 2) her to eat. I'll let you decide which option is the most important. In this case, Gemma didn't really eat at all, but she was distracted enough that I could eat. We'll call that a win.

According to the menu, the food selection hasn't changed since 195something when the restaurant first opened. Not exactly the healthy fare our family tries to eat, but it was a very fun experience.

Oops. Outlet, continued

Somehow the send button got pressed before I was done. It might have something to do with the 4 year old, 16 month old and the bonus 6 week old in my care today (long story, helping out a friend).

I could log in and edit the first post. But, that would require work and...work.

Anyway.

Amelia: mom! Mom! Why don't those people have electricity?

Mom: what...?

Amelia: that sign says "no outlet", so none of those houses have outlets for electricity.

Mom:....(cannot compute....) huh. Well..

Amelia: I wonder why they have no electricity.

Mom: ah hah! No outlet means the street doesn't connect to anything else. The street is a dead end.

Amelia: no it doesn't . If that is what it meant, they would write "dead end this way"

Mama: that's a lot of words to put on a sign.

Amelia: oh. Well, what about dead end?

Mama:..... Well.... I have no idea why they don't do that Amelia. Hey! Look at the pretty trees over there!



Sent from my iPhone

Outlets

The kids are tired these days. I've dragged all three out of bed everyday this week (no, I'm not done telling you about Kansas City or pumpkin patch adventures). We dropped William off at school today in just the nick of time. In the way home, Amelia and I had this conversation:

Amelia: no outlet
Mama: (singing to the radio/music, no listening) ((also note Amelia's carseat is at the back of the van and it can be hard to hear her.))

Sent from my iPhone

Legoland

Here is William and Amelia's favorite part- the big ride!

This is William and his new friend. Gemma was too little to ride and Amelia was with mama for her ride.

Legoland

William (and John) played for a long time in this area. They had the materials for building Lego cars and then all kinds of racetrack to test your designs.

Gemma liked it too. More than once she messed up a "super important race" by climbing up and running up and down the track, giggling with glee.

More Legos

Motorcycles are in. Just don't tell Grandma Kim. She'll have a fit if she sees her without her Lego helmet.

Saturday: Legoland

On Saturday, we went to Legoland in Kansas City. I wisely purchased our tickets online the night before to save a little cash, but also to get a guaranteed entry time. timing is everything when you are juggling schedules of little people. Legoland is in the downtown area roughly in the same area as union station. The kids were up super early that morning and we hit the road about half an hour early. That never happens.

When we arrived downtown, we discovered the Kansas City marathon was that morning and the finish line was in or adjacent to Crowne Plaza (legoland location). Parking was a disaster. It was very fortunate that we got such an early start. After 40 minutes, we finally found a spot...in the most stroller unfriendly place imaginable. There were no ramps, tons of stairs, the stroller didn't fit trough the doors, no power assist, no signage or directions to direct to where we needed to go. When we finally exited the ramp (by walking down and under a huge sign that said "do not walk on ramp, use stairs only), we found another problem. With the circling around and endless driving, we knew we were in the right vicinity, but didnt exactly know how to get where we wanted to be. We finally found it after scaling at least 3 giant staircases with not a ramp or sign in place. Totally not accessible which was the clincher to my award of "least stroller friendly place. Ever" award.

When we finally arrived at Legoland, we found the doors shut tight. After a short whole, a staff member Cane out to let us know they were opening late due to the marathon traffic. Their employees couldn't find parking either.

Anyway, the kids all liked legoland. It seemed fluke in most areas there were activities that made all the kids happy. Gemma adored this Lego motorcycle and Amelia and William enjoyed everything. They claim to enjoy "Merlin's Magic Ride" the most.

I can only post 3 pictures at a time from my phone, so look for more to come.