Summer Weekend Warriors 8/2: Finally, a Vacation

This week I spent three days in northern Minnesota for work, and then Thursday morning we turned around and left for a long weekend at a cabin near Battle Lake, MN. We had a nice time, just the three of us, although we probably didn't fish as much as we'd have liked (especially Husband). The cabin we found on somewhat short notice was on a nice property near a lake, but not ON a lake. So getting the boat in and out repeatedly was kind of a pain.

One of my favorite moments was all three of us at the beach on Saturday, throwing the Frisbee and luring little bluegills to nibble on our toes. Another was Lucy and I sitting out by the campfire Saturday night, filling our bellies with S'Mores and then waiting for the bats to come out and circle around. There was a small group of them that appeared each night. Lucy named them Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy. We waited for Scooby, but he never came. :)

So here's a photo journal of our vacation. Wish it had been longer!

Father/daughter fishing shirts.

Our homestead for the weekend.

Boardwalk to the wetland/creek.

Dock fishin'

Lucy named this guy Chipper. 

Getting ready to fish on Friday morning.

First catch, and probably the best of the trip, goes to Lucy!

When she's not showing us how it's done with a rod and reel, she's driving the boat.

Nice view of the inside of our cabin. Somebody really wanted to go swimming.

We spent a few hours each on Friday and Saturday at the beach in Glendalough State Park.

This was supposed to be my tube...

Saturday - turtle races in Battle Lake!

She wasn't too sure about holding it.

Later that day, we had a little flat tire situation.
Lucy and I walked to a nearby restaurant, which happened to be a 50s themed joint.

Sunday in the way home, we stopped at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria.
Worth the stop! This one could pass for a Norsewoman, eh?

They had some old-time buildings, including an adorably appointed schoolhouse.

Some interesting maps, including this state flower embroidery.

The Runestone - found in Minnesota 1898, dated 1362.

Summer Weekend Warriors 7/25: Another Wedding!

This weekend we celebrated Round 2 of July weddings, with Adam and Whitney (Adam is my cousin). The festivities were held near Alexandria, MN, about two hours away. Lucy didn't feel much like dancing at this reception, but she had fun goofing around with some of our extended family.

Bubbles in the country.

SHELBY!

Grandpa is supportive of Lucy's artistic endeavors.

Her new best friend, Victor (my cousin's son).
They did some late-night drinking and peanut-eating. :)

Summer Weekend Warriors 7/12: All-Star/Campfire Sandwich

Did that title grab ya?

Friday evening, Mama got some "me" time and went to a happy hour for a friend of mine who is switching jobs. She also happens to have a side gig at KFAN, the local radio station that broadcasts Twins games, and had an in to the station's All-Star Game pre-party. It was a beautiful night of good company, free drinks, and music on a downtown rooftop. We also walked down by Target Field to witness some of the game preparations taking place. It's going to be a big week for Minneapolis!

Saturday night, we enjoyed our first campfire of the season over at Grandpa Lee's house, with Auntie Marcey, Uncle Haver, and friends. We roasted marshmallows, drank a few beers, and watched Lucy race around the yard. I love summer!

Today I caught wind that a series of special All-Star Peanuts statues were on display in a park near the Convention Center, where Fan Fest was taking place. After the game, the statues were going to be auctioned off, and who knows where they will end up...so I took Lucy downtown on a mission to see them all in one place, and of course for Lucy to meet Lucy! It was a fun time and I'm glad we decided to make the trip. Daddy was busy, so afterwards we also had a nice mother/daughter dinner and walked down by Minnehaha Creek. Another great summer day!

Summer Weekend Warriors 7/5: July 4th and 20 Years Go By Fast

Thursday night we headed down to good 'ol Storm Lake for a good 'ol Fourth of July celebration! It was also the weekend I celebrated my 20-year high school reunion.

I got to ride on a parade float!

Note for next reunion - more candy. We ran out before the end!

Cutie cousins heading from Aunt Laurie's house to the park.

Cardboard boat races.

All this excitement, and they're looking for rocks.

3 Musketeers.

We waited a long time at the park before fireworks...

...well over an hour...

...for this balloon penguin!

The reunion festivities really started on Saturday. There was a picnic at Chautauqua Park for classmates and our families. In the early evening, Husband and I went out for dinner with some of my close friends and their spouses, then everyone reconvened at the park for awhile for boat rides and drinks before going out. We went to the hub of Storm Lake night life, Puffs. (I'm happy to say the bathrooms are much cleaner than the original Puffs from back in the day).

I have to say I really had a good time at the reunion. It was a relatively small turnout, maybe about 25% of the class, and not all at the same time. People drifted in and out of the various activities. There were some notable absences (like the people who actually live in town and were spotted in town), but the crowd that was there was fun! I enjoyed the company of my close friends, reconnected with others, and learned a lot about a few of my classmates that I maybe didn't know so well back then. I really had no preconceived notions or expectations about it. It was relaxed and fun, and I hope we get even more people to show up for 25.

And can I say...I just love these ladies! So blessed to have them in my life since high school (and even before that in some cases).

We crossed something off the SUMMER list! parade fireworks

Summer Weekend Warriors 6/29: Roses and Friends

This weekend Lucy and I made a trip to the Lyndale Park Rose Garden in Minneapolis. It was a completely gorgeous day and we very much enjoyed strolling through the gardens to see and smell the flowers, soak in the sunshine, and make new friends (like a florist setting up for a wedding, and a Deerhound named Babe). I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Sunday evening, our friends Jacquie and Erik came over for dinner. It was a wonderful evening of catching up, and a perfect night to sit on the deck. Lucy and Erik were best buds, and he even read her a book in Spanish (Erik is a Spanish teacher). They are wonderful friends who have been through a rough few months with such grace, and we were so happy to spend this evening with them.

This last photo taken through Lucy's Lens. :)

We crossed something off the Summer List! Rose Garden