The Pioneer Woman at the Mall of America

This weekend I decided to do something super out-of-character for me... I went to a booksigning.  One of my favorite bloggers, Ree Drummond a.k.a. The Pioneer Woman, just came out with her very own cookbook.  I read PW's blog almost every day, and have really enjoyed trying out many of her recipes, so I figured I would regret passing up the chance to meet her when her book tour brought her to Minneapolis.

 

So I asked my  mom to come along (though she actually didn't know anything about PW) and we got to the Nordstrom Court at Mall of America around 11:00am.  There was already a line formed, and I was hoping that we arrived early enough to get to meet Ree before I had to be at my photo session later that afternoon.

I decided that if I didn't make it on time, I would at least do my best to get onto the new TLC show Mall Cops to make my trip worth it. ;)    Oh look, here's a mall cop now!

 

Pioneer Woman showed up on time at 1:00pm.  She said some hellos, and answered a few questions from the crowd.  Then, it was time to get to signing those books!

 

 

After a while, Ree's husband a.k.a. Marlboro Man, showed up with their two cute little boys.  Here he is taking some pics of the crowd.

 

Then later he was signing books as well.  I was not at the book signing just for me, but for my friend Kierstan who couldn't make it up from Iowa.  I knew that I couldn't let Kier down by not getting his signature as well, so my mom held my spot in line for me.  (Side note: Kier said she is going to name her first daughter after me for getting her book signed for her.  I said it can be a 'silent' name if she wants.)   Thank you to the nice girl in line ahead of me who took this picture for me.   And thanks to Marlboro Man for being a good sport. :)

 

Even the little ones were signing books... so cute.  If I were them, I would be still on the roller coaster or exploring Lego Land or something.   So sweet of them to take part in their mom's book signing.

 

And finally after four hours in line (sorry mom), we were finally at the front.  Look at Ree... isn't she pretty!?

 

I am super terrible at small talk, so I had nothing spectacularly interesting to say.  Ree was so nice... just as I expected her to be!  Here is a picture of Ree, my mom, and me... I'm hoping to post another shot soon from my mom's camera that is a little less... um... close up.  (Another side note... we all have the same hair color in this picture.  Weird).  

 

If you've never checked out Ree's blog, The Pioneer Woman before, you really should.  And while you're at it, check out her recipe sharing site, Tasty Kitchen.  Then, for sure you need to buy her cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks!

It was really fun to have a chance to meet Ree, especially since it's like I already know her so well through her blog writing!  Thanks for coming to Minnesota Ree!  

 

Comments

[Laura]

Thanks Shelli! Too bad you didn't know... my mom probably would have given up her spot in line for you. ;)

[Shelli]

Hi Laura

This is your mom's HS friend writing to you - I don't think she knew how happy I was to get a cookbook as a present from her (just wish I'd known the book and signing were happening earlier!) My daughter, Ginny, had introduced me to the website over a year ago, but somehow I never saw the story she had written how she had met the Marlboro man...what a hoot! I am now giving books for Christmas presents myself...loved your pictures! Next time, if your mom doesn't want to go, I'll go with you!!!

[Laura]

Thanks Jennifer, Kim & Pineapple Princess! :)

[Jennifer]

Hi,

Stumbled on your site from PW's. Very jealous to hear you got to see her & get your book signed.

Somehow I just don't think she's going to make it to Camp Humphreys in South Korea. So I'm living vicariously through everyone else's posts.

Great blog!

Much love from an overseas Army wife,
Jennifer

[Pineapple Princess]

Loved reading your take on the day! Wonderful post!

I got to meet her too, but in So. Cal. It was so fun!!

http://adoptbellagrace.blogspot.com/2009/11/p-dub-in-da-house.html

[Kim]

Laura, so funny to see you there! I'm glad you were able to see her, I was worried that you (and my friend Becky) wouldn't get up there in time since it was promoted as being 1 to 3. I heard somewhere that she signed for 5 hours though!

[Wendy]

That is my elbow in your picture with the MM!!!! WOohoooooo!