Mall Madness

Last week, we went to Houston for a wonderful visit with my family. It was Mary's birthday which gave us an extra special reason to celebrate. After a relaxing Saturday morning, we packed up Sophie to go to the double-decker carousel in Memorial City Mall. Ever since San Diego, Sophie's been chatting about "riding the deer carousel," so we knew this had to be on our agenda in Houston! There wasn't a deer, but she was plenty happy with the tiger (Daddy's favorite animal). As we imagined, Sophie got on and kept wanting to ride it again and again. Our little cookie is a bright one. After only one ride, she figured out where the token dispenser was located and would ask us for money so she can get a ticket! Yiayia, David and I took turns in order to keep up with the little one!

After at least a half dozen rides on the carousel, Sophie got a special treat... an ice cream shake.

I think the shake gave her a sugar-high so she could run around the playhouse. The amazing thing to me is how much more confident and adventurous Sophie has become in four months. As she grows older, she's becoming more and more a little person! Sophie was going across bridges and down ramps she didn't attempt the last time we visited! She was absolutely exhausted at 2pm but kept asking for more rides. Where do kids get their energy???

After a delicious dinner at Bistro Vino, we decided gelato was the way to go for dessert. Of course I was in heaven as I'm always up for trying new gelaterias! Sophie insisted on "pink ice cream", so we introduced her to the yummy flavor, only kids could love, of bubble gum. After we managed to convince her she was all done with her ice cream, Sophie relaxed on Yiayia's lap.