If summers are for making memories, we made a TON OF THEM in July. Here are some highlights!
July started with a vacation:
A week in Indiana is better than a trip to Disney
My aunt, grandmother, and cousins 
Cousins and mamas 
Luke and my nephew Eli
A letter my grandmother received from her uncle during WW2. 
George hearing the story of my grandparents opening their store more than 50 years ago. 
My nephew was excited to see my book at my grandparent’s store. 
At my grandparent’s antique store
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We had a wonderful dinner and date night at Kelly Jae’s in honor of my sister (in pink) and brother-in-law’s 21st anniversary. My sister and her husband (in white) joined us, as well as childhood friends (on left).
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I got to spend a morning with childhood friends. Only one still lives in town. The rest of us happened to all be there for the 4th of July!
My dad took us for a boat ride down memory lane. These homes on Lake Tippecanoe used to belong to my grandparents. My mom and dad lived in a small cottage behind these two homes, and it’s where I was brought home from the hospital. I grew up swimming, tubing, and learning to ski on this lake.
My grandparents sold this property when I was in high school, and this was the first time I’d been back!
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Wrigley’s World
While we were in Indiana, some good friends took the BEST care of Wrigley.
Though the boys had a blast in Indiana, they were SO happy to see Wrigley when we got home.
My chauffeur:
I put Wrigley in the car and ran in to grab my phone. I came back out and found Wrigley ready to drive Miss Daisy Egly.
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Pan-o-Prag – our local fair
I’m not sure how the fair in Lakeville got the name “Pan-o-Prag,” but that’s what the locals call it and we spent a hot afternoon enjoying it all – carnival games, rides, fried food, and a parade! To keep the cost from getting out of control, I told the kids they could ride two rides, play two games, and pick one snack.
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A trip back to the Biggest Candy Store
Luke and Hulk – who is stronger?
Click here to read more about this place!
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Three Years in Minnesota
July 2018 – our first day in our Minnesota home 
July 2019 – One year in Minnesota 
July 2020 – Two years in Minnesota 
July 2021 – Three years in Minnesota
We have a tradition of eating breakfast at Jensen’s on the anniversary of our move to Minnesota. The boys are thriving and happy. They love all the lakes and fishing. They also love our neighborhood and the many friends they’ve met.
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Date Night Re-make
July 31, 2018 
July 31, 2021
Three years ago Ted and I went out on our first Minnesota date night. We went back on the same night to celebrate!
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A night away and all alone
Downtown Stillwater, MN 
The Stillwater walking bridge across the St. Croix River 
My breakfast in bed 
My home for the night
For the first time since being a mom, and possibly the first time ever (?), I spent the night at a hotel all alone. After a busy summer, I was craving some peace and quiet, so I booked a night at a Bed and Breakfast in Stillwater, MN and had a glorious 24 hours to myself!
I explored, did a little shopping, a lot of walking and reading. I slept 10 straight hours and was awakened by a knock on my door with a tray of breakfast and hot coffee!!!!! What an absolute delight! I could have stayed in bed all day, but I had an 11am check-out. I asked for a later check-out and was awarded an extra FIFTEEN MINUTES! Woot. woot.
Thanks so much for reading about our busy July! What have you been up to? Leave a comment by clicking that little comment box next to the title.
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