Is Summer Really Over?

 It is officially back to school season, and for must of us, it marks the unofficial end to summer. Pools start closing, late weeknight movies are moved to the weekend, and the sun starts going down a little early in the evenings. Yep, summer is unofficially over.

With all the being said, as I look back over our summer, I have to say it was pretty fantastic! Every summer, every season actually, we create a bucket list. Some things we do every summer as tradition, some things are new to us. I like to make it a mix of things that I've read about, heard about from friends, or simply have wanted to do for years but the timing never seemed right. This year we focused mainly on things we do every summer, but I tried to turn some of the focus to local business. The best ice cream/milkshakes in town, DOP Donuts in downtown Overland Park, and supporting one of my favorite community theaters just to name a few. Here is the run down. 

Our hunt for the best milkshakes turned into just ice cream in general. We visited Ice Cream Bae in Park Place where you can add your favorite childhood cereal as a mix-in to vanilla ice cream, PopCulture in downtown Overland Park where you can sample gourmet popcorn after you've finished your cone or cup, Martin City Ice Cream Co in Martin City, MO with its revolving menu of fun flavors, and Summersault Ice Cream in Prairie Village where they serve up homemade and soft serve ice cream, and finally, your general run of the mill chains. 

We tried the biggest shake of all, the chocolate Winstead's Skyscraper! Talk about an epic moment! It serves up to four and four of us tackled and finished this enormous shake! A chain first was a Wendy's Chocolate Frosty. Would you consider a Frosty an ice cream or a really thick shake? It's a mixture of both, no? All in all, we loved all of the ice cream joints. My favorite would have to be Martin City Ice Cream Co. Not only was it a great mix of creaminess, thickness, and flavor, but the atmosphere of a small walk-up trailer, with ever changing flavors combined with outdoor seating at wooden picnic tables, made it so quaint. 

Have you been to DOP Donuts in downtown Overland Park? Located in an alley way off of Sante Fe Drive, this darling airstream serves up cake like donuts on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. McKinley and I had this spot on our radar all summer and finally got our turn on a Friday morning! He woke up early just for the occasion. That's the thing folks, get there early because they are only open until they sell out and you never know when that might be! While there, take a selfie along the colorful "Eat More Hole Foods" wall! It's so cute! As are the colorful table and chairs placed on the forever green AstroTurf lawn! It was a definitely a highlight of our summer!

McKinley suggested pool time and he wasn't kidding! We were at the pool so often that I finally said, for the first time in my life, that I needed a break from the pool! We purchase an Overland Park pool pass every summer which means we can get into Stonegate, Young's, and Tomahawk for free. Unlimited times a day! And we would spend roughly four hours a day at the pool! We more than paid for our season passes this year! I personally love Stonegate because it's a stones throw from our house. We can walk there! However, McKinley fell in love with Young's. Their water slides were his absolute favorites. Tomahawk is technically still open evenings during the week dayand normal pool hours on the weekend through Labor Day. It's the largest of the Overland Park pools so it can handle the last of summer patrons that are getting their last rays and laps in for the season. 

In addition to the Overland Park pools, we spent an afternoon at the Prairie Village pool off of Mission Rd. This pool was expansive! There were four pools, including an adult only pool, one pool designated for their two slide options, and one pool for their diving boards and one additional slide. It was costly to get in, $10 a person, but it was worth a day of fun. 

Speaking of water fun, our season passes to Oceans of Fun did not go to waste! We spent at least five full days throughout the summer riding waves, tubing, sliding, and taking spins around the lazy river. And we aren't done! They are open through Labor Day as well and McKinley has personal plans of visiting at least two more times before they close. Worlds of Fun, which is still open until early November, has been on rotation as well. However, because our summer was so incredibly hot, we didn't visit as many times as we usually do. But don't worry, we will totally make up for it come September and October. McKinley is working up the nerve to ride Timber Wolf and this year might be his year.... Check out our Oceans of Fun reel!

We attended a Monarchs game on the coldest day of spring! Seriously, by the time we left, we were frozen! Late May and we were in coats, hats, gloves, and under blankets! And we could have used even more layers. It was cold! But we stayed for the end because their firework shows are so good! Last year, our first Monarchs game was in June and we were puddles of sweat by the end. But again, fireworks! Maybe one day, like Goldie Locks, we will hit the weather just right! 

If you attend a Monarchs game, then it's only fair you head to The K for a Royals game and that's just what we did a couple of weeks ago. We played the Red Sox, where Eric Hosmer had just been traded to earlier in the week, and he played his first game back at Kauffman stadium since leaving in 2017. The warm welcome that the Royals fans gave him was amazing! And why wouldn't we? He was part of our World Series team in 2015! But even better then seeing an old favorite, was the fact that we went on to win the game! Hooray! My Royal blue heart was bursting!

While continuing to look for hearts, we had a picnic on the lawn of the Nelson and then played the Art Course. I am loving this summer tradition! They added a new hole this year, brought back the bicycle hole (where McKinley got a hole-in-one), and I just love being on the lawn of this extraordinary place. After we finished playing, we walked around the exterior of the museum and checked out the sculptures that are all along the grounds. And, we were able to check off two more hearts before they were removed and auctioned off for charity. I believe were just shy of 70 hearts by the time all was said and done. Not too shabby!

We visited the newly renovated Kaleidoscope in Crown Center. We loved this place pre-pandemic, but once Covid hit, this creative space closed. And while they were closed, they took advantage of the time and revamped the entire space. It is so cool! It appears so much more open, thanks to a more industrial feel, and the individual kids creative spaces were much more spread out. You do need a reservation in order to attend, so make sure you head here to secure yours. We used every minute of our 50 minute reservation and could have used another session! McKinley was definitely in his element. Creativity runs through his veins! Get all the details from an early post here.

Lastly, we attended not one but two shows at Theater in the Park. This was McKinley's first park outing and I have a feeling it won't be the last summer we attend. I've seen shows here for years, even performing in one many summers ago. We saw Descendants the Musical followed by School of Rock and McKinley thoroughly enjoyed them both. I'm secretly hoping it will give him the acting bug and he'll finally want to sign up for a summer theater camp. If not, maybe he'll just be my plus one to shows in the future. 

We didn't finish the whole list. Summer was hot this season! However, we can still fit in an outdoor movie night before Labor Day and McKinley could break in those roller blades before his first skating party next month. He won't be an expert, but maybe he'll get his footing. 

And now it's time to start the Fall Bucket List! There are so many more things we can and want to do. Join us once the list is finalized! Peace out summer!

XO,

Andrea

Our Weekend in Minnesota - Part Two

 Like I told you in the last post, you needed to come back for part two because here's where I give you all the additional details around the Mall of America. When we weren't riding rides in Nickelodeon Universe, we were walking around and exploring this incredible tourist destination. And what a destination it is! A space exploding with more than just shopping, which there is a lot of that as well, but there are so many fun experiences to be had. And we took advantage of them.

On our first evening in Bloomington, we spent several hours in the mall. We played mini golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf which is full of wild wood fun. This 18 hole course is difficult at times, but also offers little ones a chance at that hole in one. It's fully accessible, so everyone can play, and at times you get a birds eye view of Nickelodeon Universe. So what exactly do you see while wandering through the woods? How about Paul Bunyan's axe or a coal train above your head or a tree farm or a water mill that shoots your ball out at random onto the green. And most important of all, or at least to McKinley, is the appearance of Sasquatch himself. But where is he? I will never tell! In the end, our scores were pretty good! Joel and I tied and McKinley won by only one stroke. Make sure you browse the cute gift shop. McKinley found a commemorative magnet for his fridge collection. And on your way out, take a "spin" on the logging truck located just outside the golf course.  

Our first big dining experience was to the Sugar Factory! Oh my goodness! If you have never been, find one close by ASAP! This over-the-top restaurant is one I will never forget. The ultra luxe decor is everything! Oversized chandeliers, selfie walls, and black leather club chairs are just the beginning. The menu is extensive, with the portions on the larger side, so Joel and I shared the Sugar Factory Club which was more than enough for the two of us. McKinley had their grilled cheese that supplied the ultimate cheese pull! Flip over the dinner menu and check out their signature drinks! These come as alcoholic, and non, and totally worth every penny! Just watch the video. So many birthday's were celebrated while we were there with amazing desserts that included sparklers for candles! One even included dimmed lights while they played "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. I wished it was my birthday! Next door is a candy store, which was closed when we walked over, but we looked at all of it longingly. This is definitely a one of a kind posh spot everyone should put on their list! 

By this time, it was after 9:00 and definitely time to head out and get some shut eye. We have a full day ahead of us, as do you!

We left the hotel at 10:00 the next morning and got to the mall at 10:30. In part one I wrote all about our time in Nickelodeon Universe, and if you missed that information, you can check it out here. Today it's all about the different experiences and activities we did, as well as the dining options. But first, I have to talk about the interactive butterfly exhibit located on the first floor, just outside the Nickelodeon Universe. This hands-on installation was so cool. A giant butterfly is suspended from the ceiling and attached to that is a large rope. Stand underneath the butterfly, pull the rope, and watch the wings move! There are beautiful monarchs, in various sizes, all around the giant one. It's absolutely beautiful!

When we weren't riding rides in the seven acre theme park, we were exploring the mall. And thank goodness for the touch screen directories located often and throughout the mall. These kiosks not only allow you to either search for the specific place you want to visit, it provides a list of hot spots based on a keyword search. And once you've pin-pointed where you want to go, it gives you walking instructions! Like, "take this elevator to the next elevator to level three and then walk this way to desired location"! It's awesome! You can also map out your entire visit before hand! Head here to get the entire directory of stores, including the ones currently closed, and put together your itinerary before you leave for your trip! And with over 520 stores throughout the mall, you might want to go in with a game plan! We just winged it...

I can tell you that we went into four different toy stores! McKinley was dying to take home a souvenir in the form of a toy. Haven't a clue why, but that's what he had his heart set on. I had to talk him out of so many frivolous purchases. So many! An electric guitar that wasn't really electric. A Mario Kart track set that I knew he would play with for five minutes and be done with forever. A dump truck for the same reason. The list went on. But, we did get to see some really cool toys. And I can tell you that Air Traffic Toys does not sell as many air traffic toys as you would think, given the name. McKinley was really sad about that. Hands down, the best toy store for selfie's and photo ops goes to Legacy Toys! We loved the slime colored floor squares as you entered the shop and the working waterfall was so cool! Also, the oversized stuffed animals were amazing. Even if you aren't on the hunt for a toy, check it out for the instant attraction. 

Next up, more mini golf, but this time it was at Rock of Ages Blacklight mini golf. A challenging course in its own right, but when lit by black light, it takes on a "hole" new challenge! This ultra groovy backdrop was my absolute favorite. Something from every era, this 18 hole mini golf course really took you back in time. And tested your knowledge of pop culture with graffiti and figures around every hole. I won this round by one, woo-hoo! 

Another fun place to explore is the M&M Store! This 24,000 square foot space is full of merchandise paying homage to our family's beloved candy. And nothing in here melted in our hands, but there were some things that melted my heart. I have un-buyers remorse! You can buy anything from t-shirts to golf balls to insulated water bottles, which is what McKinley picked out. Red is our favorite! Just look at the shirt I wish I had purchased. And, you can customize your items! Visit one of the sale associates to get all the details.

If you are looking for a post all about the shopping, I can't help you there. I was allowed to window shop, but when you're traveling with an 11 year old boy and your husband, one isn't really given that much of an opportunity to shop. I did get to check out Zara. It's been my online favs for years so to walk into an actual store was amazing! I found so many things I wanted, but didn't have the time to stand in line for the checkout. Everyone had the same idea! My favorite item was a green tiered maxi dress. I saw another mom wearing it in Nickelodeon Universe, she paired hers with sneakers, and I knew I had made the perfect mental choice. I just need to get that piece on order! Check out all of my picks below. The other darling store front that called my name was Anthropologie. I just adore their clothing and the window displays were equally as stunning. 

It was dinner time and you definitely need to make a reservation! We didn't think to do this ahead of time and were in a waitlist battle with two different restaurants. We had our hearts set on Rainforest Café, but we also liked the looks of Margaritaville. And wouldn't you know it, both restaurants sent texts with table availability at the same time! We politely declined Margaritaville so McKinley could enjoy his first time at Rainforest Café. I loved the looks of Margaritaville's menu, and we had our entire dinner planned, so we will definitely check one out soon. 

If your child has never experienced the events within a Rainforest Café, it's a must! Every 20 minutes, a thunderstorm rolls through the restaurant. The lights are dimmed, lightening bolts shine, thunder rolls, and the surrounding animatronic jungle animals come to life! Take a stroll around the restaurant and snap photos and videos. It's quite the experience. Our waiter was amazing. Super friendly and made our evening so enjoyable. And when it came time to go, and McKinley was too full for his dessert that came with his meal, our waiter boxed it up complete with take home utensils and plenty of napkins. Don't worry, McKinley wasn't full by the time we got back to the hotel and devoured it!

I have to mention, that while waiting for our tables, we found the Crayola Store! We were too late to take in the experience, but it sounds amazing. There are more than 20 hands-on activities. Just listen to these. You can name and wrap your own crayon! Have you ever thought about what you would call your own crayon color? If so, what would it be? McKinley said his color would be a florescent hot pink and he would call it "Burn Your Eyes Out Pink". I can see it in the box of 64 crayons now! You can star in a coloring page! Say what? My modeling dreams could come true! And bring your art to life in 4-D! This is definitely an experience worth looking into! Check it all out here. We explored the store and walked away with some really cool supplies for any and all of McKinley's future creations!   

It was 9:00 again! After 9:00, if I'm being honest, and we spent 11 hours at this marvelous mall! Now, I have one more experience to share with you and that's coming your way next week. Think large water tanks with sea creatures galore. Think you know what it is? Come back next Monday to find out!

And if you've ever wondered what a parent looks like after an 11 hour day at the mall, here you go....

XO,

Andrea

P.S. This is sponsored post, but all opinions and photos are my own.