Mini Vacation

This is spring break week for the FP Gal. I took off the nights so that we could go on a wonderful trip to somewhere warm and beachy. Well, that didn't work out. But we could get some grandparents to come over and watch the kids for the last two nights and we took advantage!
(And before I go any further, I big, big thank you to my dad and to the FP Gal's mom. Watching two small kids overnight is a lot of work and you were both very helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!)
On Sunday we lit out for exotic Rosedale so we could have some eats and see a movie. Our timing was poor and we missed the afternoon showing. That meant a 430p trip to Macaroni Grill. I recommend the 'penne rustica', by the way. We'd debated on going to Panera but we decided that we can easily do that with kids and it was good to take advantage of our carefree status.
Went to see 'King's Speech'. An excellent movie, well acted and written. Made me glad that I wasn't born into the British royalty. I didn't think it was better than either 'Inception' or 'Social Network' but it was a worthy Best Picture winner.
Then off to the St Paul hotel (after a quick drive thru to get a half shamrock, half chocolate shake at Mc'Odonalds). As I was checking in they offered me a Sunday night special where they would upgrade our free room to a suite at a portion of the regular cost. We got the Ambassador Suite. I think that the FP Gal got some pictures. Lavish, I guess but we were tired enough that we didn't really do partake of many amenities.
Monday morning found us at Bread & Chocolate, the FP Gal's favorite breakfast spot. We made a quick Half Price Books stop and then back home to relieve Pop-Pop. He was a trooper and made it through just fine. The FP Gal's mom came over about 230p.
Down to Bloomington to a converted hotel that we've stayed at before, Le Bourget. We like this place because it has fun French designs and a pool that stays open 24 hours. That last bit is key. We love the ability to stay out late and come back to the hotel and go for a swim. Not that we were night-owlish at all. But we got out money's worth, swimming twice yesterday and again this morning.
In fact, this morning we drove back home to collect the kids and then swam around with them for an hour at the hotel. Which was wonderful. DF loves to have water all over him in the bathtub and this was like the best bathtub ever. Relia is uncertain of the water but enjoys it once she is in. We swam and swam and were sorry to dry off and leave.
All weekend we'd been saying that we could take the kids to Panera so we decided to actually test that theory. Relia nearly ruined it with a strong run of the No!s. It's easier to judge what you can and can't do with kids when they aren't with you.
Back home to naps!