Yep, I'm in Minnesota! Laina and I are here teaching at Scrapfest at the Mall of America. Have you been? It's huge and there's an amusement park in the middle of it! Next time I think I'll bring the girls. I had fun driving up here and going through some old stomping grounds. Driving through Chicago reminds me of the shopping trips I used to make while at school in Iowa. I drove through Rockford, IL where I used to live. The building I used to work in is still there - it's owned by the Rockford Diocese now. I've rock climbed in Baraboo, Wisconsin, skied in Minnesota, traveled to both for work . I love the Midwest. Some people say Ohio is in the Midwest but when you start driving through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin - that's the midwest. I have a few pics to share from my trip...
Uh-oh. This actually wasn't taken on my trip. I did get pulled over last night but it was darker. That bright light that you see on the "cop" shows was shining in my rearview window and I thought I might ruin my chances of getting out of the ticket if the officer saw a flash going off and I was taking pictures! This was taken in 2008 - I actually asked the officer (after he gave me the ticket) if I could take the pic. ;)
Chicago was just beautiful last night! Clear sky - you could see for miles. I attempted to take a pic while driving - not the best idea.
Yep, just another convenience store - but it brings back fond memories! I lived in Coralville, Iowa for a while, while attending the University of Iowa. Every morning I would stop for a cheap fountain drink. Did you know - I LOVE fountain pop? My goal for Jillibean Soup is to have an office with a fountain machine in it - once that happens then you will know I made it big! Anyhow, remembering the days of Kwik Trip - Jen?
Saw this sign in Wisconsin and it made me giggle. "Almost World Famous" - cute!
Ahhh, my first purchase at the Mall of America.
Lego Land at the Mall - Laina will be spending some time here!
Wait - how'd that get in there? My 3 girls being silly - miss them :)
More pics this weekend! I do have an extra card kit from the class I'm teaching that I would LOVE to GIVEAWAY!
If you would like to win all the pieces parts to complete this kit, leave a comment! I'll have Jen pick a winner on Monday.
Have a great weekend!
I hope that you grabbed a sodi pop for me! Have fun and wish I was there:) Although, my wallet might be fuller than yours!
Posted by: jen harkin | September 16, 2011 at 07:41 AM
I would LOVE to win that fabulous card kit! SO darn cute!
Posted by: Carina A | September 16, 2011 at 07:46 AM
So did you get a ticket this time? :) Be careful...you can't afford to lose your license...too much traveling to do!
Posted by: Kathy | September 16, 2011 at 07:49 AM
WOW, That card kit is so cute! Would love to win it. Welcome to Minnesota!
Posted by: Marcia D | September 16, 2011 at 07:49 AM
I love the photos!
Thanks for the chance to win the card kit. It is cute, cute, cute!
Posted by: TerryB. | September 16, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Looks like you're having a great time on your trip!
GORGEOUS cards that i would SO love to win! Thank you for the chance! :)
Posted by: Nicole Doiron | September 16, 2011 at 08:18 AM
LOL asking the policman to take a picture, that is priceless. A good scrapbook photo indeed. Thanks for the morning giggle, and for the chance to win.
Hugs
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya R | September 16, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Have fun at Scrapfest. Wish I was there.
Posted by: Celeste B. | September 16, 2011 at 08:29 AM
that kit looks so darn cute
Posted by: Fifi-T | September 16, 2011 at 08:31 AM
Did you get a ticket? Thanks for the smiles :)
Posted by: Lucy | September 16, 2011 at 08:32 AM
Welcome to MN. I wish I could be there this weekend and meet you, but I have work today and a wedding out of town tomorrow. This will be the first year I do not go. Have a blast! MOA is a lot of fun, and SF is seriously amazing too!
Posted by: Lara Carson | September 16, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Fountain pop is the BEST!! :) I so want to come to ScrapFest next year!
Posted by: Amanda J | September 16, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Looks like uou had a fun and exciting drive...love the new purse...thanks for sharing..
Posted by: Annette A. | September 16, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Great photos! love that you asked the cop if you could take a picture! LOL
Posted by: Laurel S | September 16, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Maybe one day I'll make it to the Mall of America
Posted by: {vicki} | September 16, 2011 at 08:52 AM
Wow! What great adventures you told us about. I'd love to win, thanks for the chance and have a great trip!
Posted by: Yvette Moore | September 16, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Mall of America is on my Bucket List lol. The card kit looks beautiful. Lucky students and maybe I'll be lucky too!
Posted by: Loretta Neighbors | September 16, 2011 at 09:03 AM
enjoy your trip
Posted by: Katie B | September 16, 2011 at 09:09 AM
Would love this chance! Sad about missing SF-maybe next year I'll get back. (I work at the U of I--come teach here and do a mini reunion!)
Posted by: Jill | September 16, 2011 at 09:10 AM
Yes please! You make me smile that you took a picture of the cop car. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Jill Rucker | September 16, 2011 at 09:10 AM
Love your new handbag!!!! Have fun!!
Posted by: Missey | September 16, 2011 at 09:12 AM
...love the rear-view mirror pic! happy weekend!!
Posted by: Betty-Ann | September 16, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Love those cards - so gorgeous! Have a safe trip.
Posted by: Jules The Bling Princess | September 16, 2011 at 09:46 AM
ME ME ME!!!! please pick me! LOVE THE CARDS! have fun at scrapfest. NO more tickets for you girlie!
Posted by: Victoria in OHio | September 16, 2011 at 09:52 AM
I wish I was at the Mall of America:) I hope you didn't end up with a ticket this time.
Posted by: Jamie Greene | September 16, 2011 at 09:58 AM