Spring Break 2009 - part 2

I decided to take Monday off, and we would celebrate at least the start of the kids' spring break together. Friday was dedicated to the Cardinal's wonderful victory over Arizona, and a bit of a bon voyage party for the inlaws before they set off for Seattle. We ordered in Cafe Lou Lou's (who delivers to the highlands, by the way) and had ourselves a nice little buffet feast. The next morning we knew we were going to Cincinnati, and that we were going to go to the Aquarium in Newport, but we had no reservations or a gameplan beyond that. Thanks to a little research and Captian Kirk, we landed a hotel room at the Downtown Hyatt for fifty bucks - we took a chance with the "name your own rate" option on Priceline.com. They took the $50 so fast I was left wondering if they would have taken $40. Oh well, $50 is still a good deal (although our room was near the ice machine and elevators and without a view of the river, neither of those features seemed to bug us.)
So, after what seemed like an hour and a half of scrambling to get ready, we were on the road. I had the (bright?) idea of downloading some Disney songs on the ipod for Maureen - Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo, The Wishing Well Song (Snow White), Some Day My Prince Will Come, Hi Ho, Hi Ho (It's Off to Work We Go), etc., of which we had to listen to the whole way to Newport (and back.) Not a big sacrifice since Maureen is going through a whining-to-get-what-she-wants stage. It was a relaxing trip up, especially since Rowan slept the whole way.
After a few mis-turns in route for some fast food, we decided we would instead go to the Hofbrauhaus across the street from the Aquarium. This was the best decision we made the whole trip. This is the German restaurant that is set up like the one in Germany - long tables with benches, a German polka band playing, beers a flowing. The kids were mesmerized, and we enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere. I'd say this was the best part of the trip.

I have to get ready for work now. This entry to be continued in Spring Break 2009 - part 3