Minnesota

Jacob and I just returned from a weekend in Minneapolis. We attended the annual Ethiopian Kids Community picnic. Hundreds of people attended the event that included Ethiopian games, bouncers, Ethiopian food, vendors related to Ethiopia and adoption and other fun activities. We were also able to see the social worker who helped Jacob and I find each other and the orphanage director who watched over Jacob while he waited for me.

Jacob loved the bouncers. He spent well over an hour jumping with only a couple of short breaks to give other children a chance. They had three bouncers that they designated for certain ages groups. Jacob used the one for children under three years old. It was fun to watch him be one of the big kids.



Jacob also helped set up the flags that were part of the soccer game. The had fallen over while the children were playing. There was also a bean bag toss and freeze dancing.


On Sunday we went to the Mall of America. Our teenage friends, B and J, were with us. They went shopping and Jacob and I checked out the rest of the mall. We went to Underwater Adventures for about an hour. This was the last year that Jacob will be able to go for free. Jacob enjoyed all of the fish especially the saw fish, sting rays and sharks. He wouldn't pet the shark at the end but I did. It was very interesting.

Jacob did enjoy climbing on the fishing boat and looking out through the net at the end.

After Underwater Adventures, we decided to cut through the amusement park on our way to Lego land. Jacob saw his good friends Dora and Diego and just had to say hi. Unfortunately, Diego and Dora needed to go inside for a nap when we arrived. Their assistant stated they would be back in 30 minutes.

I was able to convince Jacob to go to Legoland for about 5 minutes but his heart was back with Diego and Dora. He led me back to the bench near where they would be returning. He refused to leave the bench for over 20 minutes and just kept saying, "Dora waking up soon!"

Jacob's paitence was rewarded. He was able to meet Dora and Diego. The smile on his face said it all! He continued to smile for about 5 minutes after we left and is still carrying around a picture of him with Dora and Diego.

I loved the diversity and friendliness of most of the people we met. I would love to find a job in Minneapolis or the surrounding areas. I don't know if it will ever happen but it would be nice. If anyone has any leads on a job with a decent salary that I can get with a Criminal Justice degree (but not a police officer) let me know.