Can I Get a Do Over?

After a night away with friends, Steve and I met my parents at the Mall of America. The plan was to head to a small aquarium on the bottom floor and then go to the amusement park in the middle of the mall so that all five granddaughters could run around and have a great time.

For the most part, this plan was perfectly executed. Except for Caroline. She had a great morning, a happy ride to the mall, and a really good first 20 minutes at the mall. Then things got ugly.

Most of Caroline's frustration these days comes from the fact that she can understand what you are telling her that she can/can't do, but she doesn't understand why and she often has difficulty expressing why she is upset or what she wants. I feel bad for her a lot of the time, especially when she gives me and Steve a look that says, "Come on, Mom and Dad. I am trying to explain this to you, but you two aren't the brightest bulbs."

For example, Caroline LOVES water. Whenever she sees it she wants to get into it, pour water everywhere (including on herself), and play. You can see that an aquarium might be a confusing and frustrating place for her. I say "you" because what I really mean is: it never occurred to me that this might happen until it was indeed happening and she was freaking out.

Check out the progression of our morning:

Lucy is loving it already.

This is an action shot of me telling Caroline that she can't put her entire
arm into the water and pull out the sea life.

Caroline is noticeably absent from this photo because I have tried
to move her to another area of the aquarium in hopes that she would
calm down.

Saying hello to a HUGE sea turtle that was very friendly.

This is my best annoyed face. Caroline was mid freak out and Steve was
snapping pictures of us.

We finished up at the aquarium and headed to the amusement park. Caroline continued to have a tough time.

It's 10 am, she got tear stained cheeks, she has a
new toy, and she's eating a bag of chips. MOTHER OF
THE YEAR!

Lucy on the ride with Nana, Elli, and Addi. She loved the rides.

For real, Mom? Put the camera down and let's go home.

Lucy stayed with everyone else and we took Caroline home. Lucy had a GREAT time, and Caroline was able to eat and get a very good nap. It was a win-win. Sort of.