A New Reason to Love the Mall

Malls, at least our local outdoor mall, has multiple areas and activities for kids. They have a playground, a train, a carriage, water fountains for the kids to play in, a carousel, and the list goes on. A couple weeks ago we went with Kim and Savy to see how much trouble we could get into at the mall.
After eating lunch the girls enjoyed a solo ride on the carousel for the first time! Round and round they went so happy and a little nervous to be on their own. Her mom and I stood there taking pictures of them, taking a video, and hoping they didn’t get a wild hair up their rear ends and go flying off the side in a fit of giggles.

Tyler even got in on the action - when it stopped.  :-)

Then we headed over to the train, which was $3 for kid and adults were free. I was a little frustrated that they charged me for my 8 month old son but he thoroughly enjoyed himself so I guess it was worth it. I think all activities should be free for kids under 1 (or even 18 months) but apparently establishments don’t agree with that. It was quite the bumpy ride but it was lasted longer than I thought it would so I have a love/hate relationship with this little activity.

Finally, we headed for our main destination – the water fountains. These fantastic little water fountains that come out of the ground are pretty popular around here. And why not, if you’re prepared they are a lot of fun for the kids. If I know we’re going to go by the fountains (or in this case, head straight for them) I make sure to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and some sunscreen. Then just let her have at it. It gets a little slippery in there so I let her go barefoot but when we go back this summer I’ll probably put some sort of swim shoes on her. But other than that these are the greatest little wear-er-out-ers ever! Let them run, jump, spray, stand, slide all over the place and then change their clothes, put them in the car, and they are out before you get home! Ahhhhhsome!  I did let Tyler get in on the action - put his foot over one of the fountains.  But then it sprayed up and got him right in the face.  Oops!  But we all laughed and so he thought it was funny - luckily.  He loves the water so he was happy to be able to play, even just a little bit. 

I absolutely love that places are recognizing the need to help us mamas out! Of course, I don’t know if it’s really helping us…. now every time I go to the mall Kayla is going to want to go play in the water fountains...  But, hey, when she’s happy I’m happy!