We finally made our way up to the Lego store today. As we were waiting at the intersection I said something about how I worry that we won't make it if we make any other serious stops. Amy expressed concern that I was blaming her for the fact that we hadn't managed to get up there after more than a week of trying. I assured her that it was bad luck and circumstances that were hindering the trip, not her, and that I didn't blame her. A moment later the check engine light came on in the car. And only a thousand miles after getting that fixed.
We had fun at the mall. James loved the skybridges which allowed him to look down at the cars, etc, not to mention the feast of the senses that is the mall. We got in and I spent the remainder of my Christmas money to get the essential components to make a Lego radio-controlled train set. The staff was also really friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about what I needed. Saving the money on shipping was a great excuse to get in the store. I had hoped James would be more interested, but he's a little young to get into it.
A big difference between the Lego store and just perusing the website: on the website you don't know what you're missing. Everything is segregated by theme on the site, so if you have no interest in the theme, you won't see what it has to offer. Take the Monster Fighters, for instance. No interest. But check out this gnarly train with an amazing steam punk airplane: http://monsterfighters.lego.com/en-us/products/default.aspx#9467
I also ran across this amazing WWI fighter model. The stick actuates the flaps, etc, just like the real thing: http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Sopwith-Camel-10226
This is pretty much how I reacted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7jJnwEeiU0
While I was there I saw some great miniature versions of larger building models that look just great. I was blown away and inspired by the creativity and ingenuity that went into recreating such rich architectural detail. You've gotta see these for yourself: http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Mini-Modulars-10230
It got me thinking about my dream of recreating Main Street, Disneyland in Lego and realized doing it on this scale could still be awesome but save me big in time, money, and space--all while being far more challenging to finish and perfect. I've already started experimenting.
This was followed by James' first trip to the Disney store, where his hero, Mickey Mouse, is EVERYWHERE. He got attached to a little Mickey plush that we were actually tempted to get him. Amy wanted to find another character, but I, again, opened my big mouth and said. "I don't know. He won't be parted with this one." Just then James spotted another interesting item and dropped the Mickey plush right where he stood. Ah well. At least this meant we got out of there, somehow, without spending a dime on him.
Amy is having her first long Saturday tomorrow. Oh boy. Me and James are gonna get pretty sick of each other, but we'll both have to learn to cope. It might be time to look into setting up some Saturday play dates or something. A trip to the library is probably in order. Then again, I'm sure we'll have enough adventure taking the car up to the shop and hopping the bus home.
The dehumidifier is working like magic, preventing stains and tile-floor slips as well as making the whole place more comfortable. Wish we'd bought one six months ago.
Got a great app for Kindle Fire that helps you interpret your dreams.
Still desperately trying to squeeze the most out of life.
--Tom
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