What I Did on My Summer Vacation

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Every summer I join my mom, dad and sister for a vacation. This summer we went to Minneapolis/St. Paul, and, because my sister MacKenzie chose to go the Mall of America, I landed there, too.

(Even if you don't like to shop, going to a place like that is a little like going to a museum. So much to observe!)

My dad went with MacKenzie as she alternated between the roller coaster and the log ride at the amusement park in the middle of the mall.

My mom and I did a little shopping. 

Next, MacKenzie wanted to visit Build a Bear. (For the unitiated, that's a store where you can choose a hollow bear, fill it with stuffing and outfit it. We preschool teachers know about such things.)

Off we went, humoring MacKenzie in her passion. Only, I got caught up in it, too.

Here's why: my preschool theme this year is the Care Bears. So, I was the one who ended up getting a bear!



"Carrie" has cream-colored fur with a voice box that says "I love you." She has a Care Bears outfit.

I wrapped her in gift paper for the preschoolers to open on the first day of school. 

I introduced Carrie Bear to the children. We squeezed her paw to hear her say "I love you."

I promised them she will always be on the teacher's table for anyone who needs a little extra love. 

So whenever they are missing mom and dad, they can go get some TLC from our new friend. 

I'm so happy about this that I may tell MacKenzie I'll go with her on the roller coaster next time.

(Just kidding. I hate roller coasters. I will only go on the carousel and bumper cars.)

So that's what I did on my summer vacation. What did you do?