It was a tough morning on the little munchkin. He was tired, and his teeth are driving him CRAZY. He napped a ton, but it just wasn’t righting his mood. Books were helpful, and so was the Bus, but then the tiniest thing would set him off. So instead of sitting at home, just getting by, I chose to take action!

Joe had the car today, so I decided it would be a perfect time to take Charlie on his first bus ride.

We missed the first bus, and unfortunately, it only comes every hour, so we ate lunch along the bike trail, and Charlie got in some wheel time.

Then we went back to the stop.

He waited so patiently.

I thought he was going to die from excitement when he saw the bus approach, and he loved the ride. It was less than a half hour, but I think he could’ve stayed on forever. He tried to make friends with some fellow passengers, stared out the window, ate some foods and enjoyed the soothing movement.

Then came Downtown St Paul.

We happened upon a parking ramp that made me smile for two reasons.

1. On the side is Cyrillic graffiti! It says ‘ramp.’ Not very creative, but it made me happy since I’ve been spending my free time working on Russian grammar exercises.

2. On my first outing at Macalester, my new friends and I went on an excursion to downtown St Paul, and we ended up walking all the way up this parking ramp to the very top. Want proof?

Taken from the top.

(Forgive me, Allister and Joe)

Also up top.

On ground level inside the ramp.

Memories!

Back to the present.

Charlie and I looked for shelter from the wind, and found it in this great playground.

Charlie had a ball.

Then it was my turn to have a ball. It was getting chilly, so we headed into the nearby Black Dog Cafe for a much-needed espresso.

Joe picked us up on his way home from work, which was nice, since Charlie was getting ready for a nap. Although, a ride on the metro bus might have just lulled him right to sleep!