February 8 Sunday at the mall of America!

Well, our family fun had to end. Chad and Sam had to head back to Texas. Crazy as it sounds, we only have a little over a week to go, but it was difficult watching them walk into the airport.

But don't worry, we didn't have long to think about it! Our schedule was full- first stop, breakfast at Perkins. Then off to the mall of America with many of the kids from Mayo.

Wow! That explains this mall! It is enormous!! Payton and her friends walked all over the place and then so desperately wanted to nap on the hour plus drive back to the hotel but napping is a no no! So they turned up the music and rolled down the windows (briefly) to wake themselves up. Napping is frowned upon because it can mess up your nighttime sleep schedule!

Also frowned upon are "pain behaviors." Since the brain has created too many pain sensors, the more you talk about your pain or show your pain, you are validating the brains actions and it will continue to send sensors. So, the kids use their faked bravery skills to avoid showing pain. But Payton made a good point today- anyone might have pain in their feet tonight after walking the mall so she isn't too concerned that her feet are hurting! It's acute pain, not chronic!!

Please pray that it was just the excessive walking in the 2nd largest mall in the U.S. and not her nerves! And also pray that her feelings of being home sick will go away- she misses her friends so much!!