Day 2 - Sunday June 27

Had a crazy night a The "Welcome" Home, a Redemptorist center for outreach in the downtown area of Winnipeg. It was hot and humid throughout all of Winnipeg and made for a toasty night. If it wasn't for some cross winds blowing through the windows, I wouldn't have slept at all. To those who live at the WH, it's a normal summer evening. For us visitors...wow...there was a lot of noise coming in from the streets! Many emergency vehicles, vehicles without mufflers, and people talking really LOUD. Lori-Lou even heard couple breaking up "colorfully" - in which you could easily hear for blocks. Although it appeared to be chaos outside, all was calm inside.

We arose to a sunshine and made

our way down to the Forks area along the riverfront of Winnipeg. We hit an organic bakery for a wonderful assortment of breads,

cinnamon buns, croissants and treats and watched a little World Cup Soccer for breakfast. We ventured down to the river to see huge sections flooded out by raised water levels (and plenty of

mosquitoes). Beautiful.

The day continued with the drive to the border. We lucked out with a very friendly officer who had a good time with the kids (and asked a lot of personal questions to make sure our story held). I am always nervous at the border after delays and power kicks in the past. We prepared the kids well and they did not disappoint.

We stopped for lunch and let the kids play. They played, ate, played, ate...like a relay!

Finally we arrived to Fargo for a stop at a

kids museum and park. Although limited, it seemed to be an enjoyable stop for the kids and something for each of them. We left to start a shopping expedition at their huge Wal-Mart Supercenter to pick up some odds and ends. It turns out I left my toiletries bag hanging at home in the bathroom. So, I needed to pick up the basic necessities. Dang! That store was huge. Plenty of deals, but we only grabbed what was on our list and picked up some sandwiches for the road.

We arrived in Minneapolis at our first La Quinta Inn for the trip (with many more to come). Kids were excited to stay in a hotel (since they have been in very few in recent years. They always want to jump and run! Can't tell them enough to settle down and get ready for bed.

Still unsure of what the day holds for us tomorrow. But today was a good day. Still riding high from the day before at the Shrine. If it was the only thing we experienced in Winnipeg - it was enough for us. Completely satisfied.

We conclude our day spread throughout the hotel room...finally all are asleep. Hope to sleep in a little in the morning and venture out the Mall of America at some point.

Thank you Lord for another good and safe day as a family.

Warren