Part 4 - Fun times at West Edmonton Mall

I wrote about the other parts of the trip in my previous posts: Part 1 - Family trip to Alberta Part 2 - The Calgary tower and an amazing sunset Part 3 - Drumheller and the Hoodoos We arrived in Edmonton during a big rain storm. The rain drops were coming down so hard and were huge. We could barely see out of the windows. We weren't sure where we were going to stay. We drove around near the West Edmonton Mall and saw a motel across the street. We figured it would be very expensive and decided to check the rates. We were both surprised at the great deal and stayed there for two nights. I could cross something off my bucket list: #627 -Go back to Edmonton with my kids We checked into the hotel and then made our way over to West Edmonton Mall. It feels a bit like Disneyland in some ways. You can go on rides or shop til you drop. There's an ice skating rink in it and also a pirate ship. The water park is amazing and so is the many amazing places to eat too. We spent a whole 2 days there and could have easily spent more time exploring the mall. I was disappointed that Victoria's Secret wasn't open yet although I got to check out an adult store there. Master and I took turns giving each other free time to shop and explore the mall. I got some time to go to Lush and also the casino there. Then I went to the adult store and picked up some Kama Sutra Sweet Almond Oil and lubricant also. I also decided to get my hair cut really short and have gotten a lot of compliments on it. Master Anakin and I also had a bit of time to have a quickie while we had some kid free time. I was glad to connect with him while the kids were busy. There wasn't as much romance as I would have liked but we knew that this trip was mostly devoted for the family. I enjoyed all our moments that we shared on the trip. We tried to make time for us too. The teen got her nose pierced and that was a pretty neat thing to see. She told me that it would be as easy as piercing her ears. She was a bit surprised when it hurt more than that and remarked "that hurt like hell" after it was done. She thought I was a "cool mom" for giving her permission to get it done. The rain continued during most of the time we were there unfortunately. That canceled our outside plans to visit Elk Island and Whyte Avenue. This was disappointing but you can't control mother nature. We did take the kids out for a very fancy dinner at Red Lobster. This was on my bucket list: #247 -Eat at a Red Lobster again We spent almost a hundred bucks on dinner but it was well worth every bite. I love seafood and it was some of the best I've had in a long time. I am posting a picture of what I ordered at Red Lobster. It was amazing! I wish we had a Red Lobster out here in B.C. It makes it extra special though when I do get to go to one. I really love their food! The kids really enjoyed their food too. It was a great family dinner out. Everyone bought lots of stuff at West Edmonton Mall. The car was jammed pack full of stuff after we were done. We did a lot of back to school shopping there as the taxes are lower and way better deals too. We left and drove out to Jasper and got to explore there before we headed home. I can cross something else off my list: #389 -Visit Jasper again I had a really great trip with the family. Filled full of special memories and fun times. :) May the force be with you all!! ~padme amidala