Marina's Minneapolis 13th Birthday

Marina wanted to spend another birthday up in Minneapolis. For dinner she wanted some place that had chicken. Brasa sounded like the perfect place for that.

We parked next to a little library that had Teddy Ruxpin tapes.

Brooke and Brittany were quite excited.

We had a small wait for our table. Which worked out to give us time to decide what to order.

And so the kids could game, I guess.

We hadn't been here in a long time. Brasa is still so, so good.

Marina requested a cookie cake for her birthday.

The next morning Theo helped me make breakfast for everyone. We had waffles, bacon and scrambled eggs. Theo can be the best little helper when I really need it.

A few weeks ago, Brittany and I had planned some things for us to do this weekend. It was an unusually warm 70 degrees today and so everyone had the same plans as us.

We started the day at the Como Conservatory.

It doesn't matter how many times you come here, it's still always fun to see.

When I was a kid I ran out in front of this bronze statue. My mom was trying to take a picture. What a little runt.

I think most people figured it would be too hot in the conservatory and stayed outside.

We were all disappointed that the Japanese gardens were closed, but the bonsai exhibit is open year-round.

Since we were in Saint Paul I thought we should check out the Hmongtown Marketplace.

We've always wanted to go here, but it was always closed when we were in the area.

We picked up some Hmong sausage, rice, egg rolls and chicken sticks. The Hmong sausage was actually very similar to my family's favorite Hungarian sausage.

It was fun to walk through all the market stalls.

We'll have to come back in the summer when there are more vendors selling produce.

We stopped quickly at Ax Man Surplus, but Marina was done for the day.

Me too, Marina. Me too.

I made cloud eggs for breakfast the next morning.

Meadow picked up a new hair pin at the Hmong market.

Kids these days.

Meadow's friend came over to hang out. They were actually playing together, over the internet. Ha.

Meanwhile Theo played in the slowly melting ice rink. He's been breaking up the ice all week.

Happy Birthday, Marina!

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