A Day in the Life - Black Friday - Cyber Monday

Where were we?  Oh yes!  We had just snuggled up into bed after a fabulously fun day celebrating Thanksgiving on our own - remember?  As I noted previously we had tossed around the idea of going to Macy's at midnight on Black Friday but we decided to get a bit of rest and leave the door busting to the pros. 

Black Friday
After a quick breakfast we took a short walk (1.5 blocks to be precise) to the Light Rail station.  We hopped on and rode to the end of the line (or maybe it's the beginning) which just happens to be the Mall of America (go BIG or go home!).  After picking up the mandatory Starbucks we made a bee-line for the American Girl store.  A very special almost-but-not-quite 2 year old will be getting a very special doll this Christmas!  Her auntie might be more excited about this than she is - we'll see.  The mall was busy but not overly crowded (though I hear it got worse as the day went on - record breaking attendance).  We shopped for a while and then hopped back on the train and made our way back to the hotel.  We enjoyed a bit of downtime and then made our way to Manny's Steakhouse (just a few short blocks from our hotel) for dinner.  Manny's is known for their steaks, seafood and GIGANTIC portions.  You can actually order a 3 lb+ piece of meat - the "Bludgeon of Beef" but they also have some more reasonably sized options.  We both opted for the smallest (8oz) filet - Best.Steak.Ever.  I'm not kidding - this was the best steak I have ever eaten - nothing fancy, just a really good cut of meat prepared really well.  Yummm!  Of course there were drinks and salads and sides and desserts that were also fabulous but really - if you're going to Manny's it's all about the steak.  Chris and I have found a new favorite restaurant for special occasion dining - we will definitely be back!

Saturday
Saturday was a restful day.  We hung out downtown and explored the ins and outs of the skyway system.  We walked through the Macy's Christmas display (bonus - MUCH lighter crowds during the day - virtually no line), had lunch and shopped a bit more.  At night we took a short walk (.5 blocks) to Nicollet Mall and watched the Holidazzle Parade before heading out to meet our nephew (visiting from California) and his mom & dad for dinner at Buster's on 28th.  This was the only time during our entire stay that we had our car pulled from the parking ramp.  Buster's is a bit of a hole in the wall.  They are known for their large assortment of beer (99 bottles and many on tap) but they also have a great food menu.  It was nice to spend time with our nephew and to hear stories of the Perzel family Thanksgiving celebration (that we normally attend). 

Sunday/Monday
We packed up our bags and checked out of our room.  We both enjoyed our little retreat immensely but we were also both ready to be home again.  We eagerly drove to pick up our Little Black Angel from the kennel.  We had missed him fiercely and could hardly wait to smother him with hugs and kisses.  It was all I could do to not squeeze the stuffing out of him when they returned him to us.  Oh how I love that little dog. 

And then we were home.   And there were bills to pay, and laundry to be washed, and groceries to be ordered, and...  It's amazing how quickly life piles up when you check out for a few days.  Monday would bring us back to work - something we are never really prepared for but that comes as even more of a shock after an extended time away in a bit of a fantasy world where the food is always perfect, everything is just a few short blocks from where you are and someone sneaks in and cleans your room for you while you are out.

I hope you enjoyed tagging along for our little getaway.  The telling was a longer journey than I had intended but we made it to the end - together.  Only time will tell if this new tradition will stand - just between you and me- I hope it does!