It sounded like a great idea

Sunday was hot. REALLY hot.  Temperatures approached 90 and the dew point was higher than it was in the Amazon rainforest—no lie, I saw it on Facebook…

We set out to take the girls to Eden Prairie Center to let them play in the indoor play area.  As we were driving we started to see signs for the Air Expo that was taking place at Flying Cloud Airport just a few miles from the mall.  I then had a maybe one of the stupidest ideas I have had in a long time *brilliant* idea.  Let’s take the kids to the air show!  I bet they would love to see all the big planes!  I bet we could watch a few take off and land!  Super fun.  Brent carefully got on board with my idea with a few “if you want to’s” and it was decided.  We played at the mall until the Expo opened and then we headed over on our spontaneous adventure.  (As much as I was excited by the idea that the Air Expo would be fun for the kids, I was also thrilled with the idea that we were doing something unplanned.  When we left for the day we had no idea we would end up watching a bunch of really cool planes in action.  I felt a little bit like a rebel)

We paid our way in, found a parking spot and opened up the van doors to hop out.  We were struck in the face by the unbearable heat.  “Do we even have sunscreen?” Brent asked.  Yes, of course we do. I always come prepared for spontaneous outdoor trips.  (Truth. I always carry a tube in the van because I tend to forget it all summer long…) The kids were slathered with sunscreen in minutes and we were off to the Expo!  First things first, we see that the expo has multiple inflatable jumpy things for kids.  I was annoyed.  When we were growing up, unless we went to Como Zoo, Valleyfair, or the State Fair, there were no rides for kids.  Deal with the event you are at.  But, were we really going to be the only parents that told our 5 year old daughter that she couldn’t play on the inflatables? No, but it would have to wait until we were done seeing the airplanes.  Off we go!  (Did I mention how hot it was?)  Rosy cheeks (our two kids), really whiney (everyone), and a husband who is now completely not-on-board with my great spontaneous idea. 

Long story, trying to shorten... 

We made it about 45 minutes, and saw 4 airplanes up close. We saw lots of different air planes taking off and landing as well as the Blimp and a helicopter.  The kids were fairly unimpressed.  A smidgen too young, too hot, too hungry and (one) really really excited little girl ready to jump in the inflatables, the Expo was a bust. 



I could have just shared pictures and not my story leading you all to believe that we had  a marvelous time and that our day was perfect.  The kids were perfect—just look at their smiling faces.  Shoulder rides from daddy—it’s the only way we roll. A day full of wonderful memories… 
When in reality, the smiles were few and far between. The tears and whining won by a landslide. 

Air Expo. Fail.