We kicked off our Colorado adventure with a delightful lunch with family near Denver. We all enjoyed reconnecting with cousins!
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Second Stop: Colorado Springs
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Garden of the GodsSeven Bridges Trail
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Colorado Springs was our next destination. The breathtaking natural beauty and nostalgic experiences were wonderful. We visited Garden of the Gods and hiked Seven Bridges. The boys had a blast climbing and exploring the unique rock formations.
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We also visited Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, a hidden gem that transported us back in time.. The boys loved the old-school pinball machines and racing games.
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We got to spend some time with a handful of friends and visit our former church. It was heartwarming to reconnect with friends and relive fond memories from our time there. The church service was uplifting, and seeing familiar faces brought back a flood of emotions.
Our visit was too short to catch up with everyone we hoped to see, but I’m grateful for time we had with the friends we did meet. Those moments with friends were truly the highlight of our time in Colorado Springs.
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Third Stop: Breckenridge
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Breckenridge, the quaintest mountain town, was our third stop. We strolled down the historic Main Street, lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. This was our first time staying downtown and I loved waking up early, getting coffee and sitting quietly by the river, overlooking the mountains.
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One of endless quaint shopsMy favorite spot
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We rode the gondola, hiked and found the Troll, ate good food, relaxed at the pool, and enjoyed the 4th of July parade.The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding peaks make Breckenridge one of our favorite places to visit!
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Fourth Stop: A Visit to Boulder and Colorado University
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Colorado UniversityBoulder
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Our final stop was Boulder, where we ate lunch on Pearl street, then drove over to the Colorado University campus. The boys played football in the open space and hoped to be discovered by Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. While we didn’t see him, just being in the same vicinity as the legendary athlete and coach was exciting for the boys.
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Our Colorado vacation was a perfect blend of family time, natural beauty, and nostalgic visits. From the family lunch near Denver to the stunning landscapes of Colorado Springs, and the quaint charm of Breckenridge, the trip was filled with treasured memories. We returned home with hearts full of joy and minds full of beautiful images.
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I’m grateful that we all agreed that as much as we LOVE Colorado, we are GRATEFUL to call MINNESOTA our HOME! Though our years in living in Colorado will always be treasured, Minnesota is where we belong!
Review: Are you curious about how a struggling two-star restaurant in NYC became the world’s best restaurant? In “Unreasonable Hospitality,” Will Guidara shares his secret recipe, and spoiler alert—it’s not just about the food!
Guidara takes us on a journey behind the scenes of Eleven Madison Park, revealing how he and his team went from good to extraordinary by embracing a culture of over-the-top hospitality. Imagine being treated like a VIP every time you walk into a place—sounds amazing, right?
The book is packed with fun and inspiring stories, showing how little acts of kindness and attention to detail can make a huge difference and make guests feel truly special. The author (and restaurant owner) proves that care and hospitality can elevate any business.
What’s cool about this book is that it’s not just for people in the restaurant business. Whether you are a small business or manage a team in ANY industry, the principles of unreasonable hospitality can apply to you. It’s all about creating memorable experiences and building a culture where everyone feels valued.
If you are a person who wants to turn your business into a place where customers rave and employees thrive, this book is for you. It’s a delightful mix of practical tips and heartwarming stories that will leave you inspired to spread a little more kindness in your corner of the world.
Review: Erik Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile” brings to life one of the most challenging and heroic periods in history. The book focuses on Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister, a time marked by relentless bombing raids by Nazi Germany during World War II. Larson’s storytelling makes history feel like a gripping novel.
Through diaries, letters, and documents, Larson paints a vivid picture of Churchill, his family and close friends, making the story feel personal and relatable. Larson does a fantastic job of showing Churchill’s larger-than-life personality and his extraordinary leadership.
This is a fantastic book that combines great storytelling with real history. I recommend it to anyone who considers themselves a history buff, or someone just looking for a good read!
Review: “George Washington Carver” is a captivating and inspiring biography that shares the remarkable story of one of America’s greatest scientists and inventor. (PEANUT BUTTER was one of his inventions) The book is filled with inspiring stories that highlight Carver’s curiosity, perseverance and kindness. It’s not just a tale of scientific achievement, but also a story of overcoming adversity through faith and hard work.
The book chronicles the life of George Washington Carver, from his humble beginnings as the son of enslaved parents, to his rise as a renowned agricultural scientist and inventor. The author writes about Carver’s struggles, his determination to get an education, and his groundbreaking work in agriculture, particularly his innovations with peanuts and crop rotation that revolutionized farming in the South.
I loved one story in particular: Carver encouraged local farmers to grow peanuts because it was easy to grow and would replenish their soil with needed nutrients. At harvest time, the farmers complained to Carver that they had TOO MANY peanuts and people weren’t buying them. Carver took a walk in the woods and prayed about this problem. He asked God for help. He needed to know what to do about the peanut problem. On this quiet walk through the woods, Carver felt God tell him to ‘break the peanut apart.’ He went back to his lab and got to work. In breaking the peanut apart, Carver found over 100 uses for the peanut! Let me say this again: with God’s help, Carver found over ONE HUNDRED ways to use a simple peanut. Isn’t that like our God? He’s so good and ready to INSPIRE and help us if we just ask. We may think we are at a DEAD END but with God guiding us, He can show us a hundred different paths to take! Now back to the review…
Despite facing significant obstacles, including racial discrimination and poverty, he remained dedicated to his goals and made substantial contributions to science and farming. His story is a powerful reminder that determination, faith, and a strong sense of purpose can lead to extraordinary achievements.
This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in history, science, or just an uplifting story about a fascinating man.
Review: After reading and enjoying, “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger, I purchased this book to read and have the author sign at a recent event.
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This is a beautifully written, heartfelt novel that blends adventure, faith, and family into an unforgettable story.
At its heart, “Peace Like a River” is about the power of family and faith. It explores how these forces can guide us through the darkest times and bring hope and healing. The Land family’s love for each other and belief in miracles, provide a touching and uplifting message. The characters are richly developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and strengths.
Leif Enger’s storytelling is powerful. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a touching and inspiring story.
Review: When author Leif Enger mentioned how much he loved “The Adventures of Robin Hood” as a young boy, I checked it out from the library to read to my two youngest sons. And just like Lief, they loved it.
The story follows Robin Hood, the outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor, along with his band of Merry Men. Set in Sherwood Forest, the book is filled with daring adventures, clever tricks, and the timeless battle between good and evil. I recommend this book for younger boys ages 8-14.
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Thanks for reading my reviews! Please share this post and/or leave a comment with YOUR recommendations!
These are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of them and choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you!
I am a part of my first ever book club and we were talking about what we always buy from Trader Joes. I enjoyed hearing what others love from this store and thought I’d share some of my favorites with you. Please leave a comment with YOUR favorite things. You can comment by clicking on that little text box next to the TITLE of this post.
Today I only share 8 things, but there are many more than 8 things we love, and I’ll share a few others in a future post!
This is one of my boys’ most FAVORITE foods, so I love to have this in the freezer for an easy dinner night. I make some jasmine rice and edamame and dinner is done.
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2. Kung Pau Chicken
Since I’m not an orange chicken fan, I also buy this and make it on ‘orange chicken night.’ This is what Ted and I eat, and the boys usually have a little too, though they prefer the orange chicken.
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3. Green Curry
This is my absolute favorite frozen lunch meal. It’s SPICY – which I LOVE. If you are a green curry fan, you’ve got to try this!
4. Tandori Naan
My boys LOVE this Naan bread. It’s so good toasted with butter. You can also use it to make pizzas!
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5. Hot & Sweet Peppers
These are DELICIOUS on nachos or pizza. I recently chopped them up and mixed them in while I was making deviled eggs and wow, it was SO good!
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6. Vegetable Chips
If you are a chip lover, but want to feel better about your chip habit, this is your ticket.
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7. Unexpected Cheddar
TJ’s is the place to go if you want to make a meat and cheese board because they’ve got such a big variety. Unexpected Cheddar is the cheese I try to keep on hand. It’s a nice sharp cheddar that is loved by everyone in our house. We just slice it and eat it with grapes or apples, but we also enjoy it in grilled cheese sandwiches and on hamburgers.
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8. Grass Fed Sirloin Steak
With a bunch of males in my house, I can’t seem to make enough protein, so it’s great to have this as a quick lunch or dinner option. It’s a delicious seasoned steak, sliced and ready to warm and eat as is, or put in sandwiches with some dijoinase.
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Based on the recommendations from my book club, and this recent post, I found a few more favorites that I’ll share soon! Thanks for reading and please let me know what you love to buy at Trader Joe’s by clicking on the comment box.
Review: “The Covenant of Water” is an incredibly well-told story. The writer does a phenomenal job of developing the characters and the storyline, making it both believable and beautiful. My only complaints about this book are its length and the abundance of characters with complex names, which can make it challenging to keep track of everyone.
The book begins with a young girl, only 12 years old, engaged to an older man. This initial premise is both shocking and disturbing. However, the man is equally taken aback by the match with a child. He takes her home and provides a safe place for her to live and grow until she comes of age. The story follows this young girl throughout her entire life and continues even after her death.
I enjoyed how the author skillfully wove different storylines together, creating a rich tapestry of narratives. Although it took a long time to read, it was worth the effort. The depth and complexity of the characters and the intricacies of the plot make “The Covenant of Water” a compelling and memorable read.
Review: I recently discovered “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger after seeing that the author was about to speak at a nearby event and also receiving a recommendation from a friend in Colorado. I decided to download this audiobook and was captivated by the story, which is written in a unique and beautiful way.
The main character, Rainy, and his wife live a simple and happy life when a young stranger shows up with car troubles. The story unfolds, taking us on an adventure that beautifully captures the essence of human connection and the unexpected turns life can take. Enger’s writing is engaging, drawing you into the world of his characters with ease.
Rainy’s journey, sparked by this chance encounter, is filled with moments of heartbreak, humor, tenderness, and reflection. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions and heartfelt dialogues that make you feel a part of their lives. The characters are well-developed, each with their own quirks and charms, adding depth to the storyline.
“I Cheerfully Refuse” is not just a tale of an adventure; it’s a story about resilience, kindness, and the beauty of simple, everyday moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking read. Leif Enger has crafted a novel that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading (or listening).
Review: I was given an advance copy of this book because the author is a friend. It’s a memoir of his life – how he became a successful businessman and what what he’s learned along the way.
Here are five gold nuggets I pulled from the book:
Everyone was created to make a difference in people’s lives and make the world a better place. The enemy wants to do everything he can to turn your attention to your problems, cause fear, and distract you from your life’s purpose. His goal is to keep you in survival mode, but God wants to give you a life of significance.
God uses imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary things. When God gives a promise, He releases us from logic to imagination. What unique partnership is God inviting me into? “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” (Proverbs 11:25).
God can create solutions to any problem. He may prompt us to do something unexpected and unconventional. If we listen and follow His prompting, we will have an amazing and fulfilling journey. You don’t have to fear your competitors when you and God are a team. Invite God into every one of your problems and challenges.
Adversity can hurt or help you. God can turn impossible circumstances into something good. God’s voice is edifying, truthful, positive, and full of love. It brings peace. His voice does not demean, accuse, or condemn. We may feel convicted that something in our lives needs to change, and God is there for every step.
Take a five-minute vacation: Sit and allow God to show you His love. During negative times, read and meditate on God’s word. Remember the times He has turned bad situations into good ones. God’s word is one of the greatest weapons for defeating the enemy and overcoming obstacles.
If you are a person of faith and business owner, or a young person who wants to be an entrepreneur, this book is for you!
Review: Elizabeth Elliot was one of my heroes as a young person. I read her books, listened to her speak and learned so much from her in the 90s. This book captured Elisabeth’s years on the mission field. First, with her husband as a young bride and then as young parents. Elisabeth’s husband was killed in the jungle by Indians and left her a widow with a 10 month old daughter. The book shares how Elisabeth and her daughter ended up living among those same Indians, learning from them and growing to love them. I thought this book shared fascinating insight into the life of a missionary. If you are a fan of the Elliots, or interested in mission work – this book is for you!
Review: While I enjoyed the first volume, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, I absolutely loved the second one, Being Elisabeth Elliot. The first book delved into much of the information I already knew about Elisabeth, albeit in much greater detail. However, this second volume shares the latter half of Elisabeth Elliot’s life, and it felt like reconnecting with a friend I hadn’t chatted with since college and it was such an enjoyable visit.
This book tells the story of Elisabeth’s life after her time on the mission field. Upon returning to the United States with her daughter, Elisabeth embarked on a journey as a writer. The narrative follows her through the significant events and challenges she faced, including her second marriage and the heartbreaking loss of her husband to cancer.
Ellen Vaughn excelled in weaving together hundreds of journals, articles, and letters to create a compelling and heartfelt story. Her goal was to tell the truth with love, and she certainly achieved that. The meticulous research and profound respect for Elisabeth’s life are evident throughout the book, making it a truly enriching read.
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Thanks for reading and please comment with your book recommendations!
While most families flock to Florida or Mexico for a warm beach escape during spring break, our family of six heads north. With four boys who don’t need a break from the cold and love to ski, we find it both fun and budget-friendly to pack up our gear and head to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
We packed out car to the brim with six pairs of skis, ski boots, snow boots, helmets, gloves, winter clothes, and enough food to feed an army. Our first stop was in Two Harbors for a delicious lunch and some coastal exploration. The boys enjoyed exploring, despite the chilly winds whipping off Lake Superior.
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Though we didn’t make time for it on this trip, I highly recommend exploring Gooseberry Falls state park while in (or passing through) Two Harbors, MN!
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Next up, we visited the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park. Last year, the boys spent over an hour just skipping rocks, but this year, the wind and waves kept us from spending much time there, so we made our way to our cozy cabin in the Lutsen woods. It’s not fancy, but the boys love the ski-in/ski-out setup, and I appreciate the full kitchen and two bathrooms.
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Once settled in, we took a winter walk though the woods, played some silly snowball games, and capped off the night watching basketball.
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The next morning, we were up early and off to Lutsen Ski Hill. The slopes were quiet due to a mild winter in Minnesota. The boys sped down every run – from green to black, leaving me to navigate the icy slopes with all the muscle power I could muster. My youngest, Luke, already skis better than me at age nine.
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We gathered for lunch in the lodge, then I decided to stay there and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Superior, while the boys and Ted continued skiing.
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After a fun-filled day of skiing, the boys skied their way to the cabin. I love that they can navigate this by themselves. Ted and I drive ourselves and our gear back to the cabin. We ordered pizza for the boys, who were, believe it or not, worn out and ready to relax in the condo. Ted and I snuck away to enjoy live music at a local winery.
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We also made a memorable visit to Grand Marais, taking a trek to the lighthouse. Though the famous donut shop was closed, it just gives us another reason to return and explore this charming town further at another time.
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On our way home we stopped in Duluth. This is a great place eat, explore, and watch the ships come in an out of the harbor. (For a full Duluth itinerary, click here)
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In just three days, we packed in a lot of fun and relaxation. Our North Shore ski trips are always filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. Until next time, keep exploring!
ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a conversational AI model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to understand and generate a text-based conversation. It can handle a wide range of topics and engage in discussions on various subjects, but it does not have moral judgment.
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Where does ChatGPT get its information?
ChatGPT copies and re-writes information from other places on the internet. It doesn’t tell you its sources or who created the original information. ChatGBT can make mistakes, spread misinformation, and give inaccurate answers.
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Privacy:
Parents should advise their children to avoid sharing personal information during interactions. It’s important to remind kids that they are communicating with a machine and not a trusted human.
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Critical Thinking:
Let your children know that what they learn from ChatGPT is NOT always accurate. Explain the importance of checking the credibility of a source before trusting the information. This may also be a good time to talk about plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words, ideas, or work and presenting them as your own without proper acknowledgment.
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Education:
ChatGPT can be a valuable educational tool when used appropriately. Parents can explore supervised learning experiences with their children, focusing on specific topics or use ChatGPT to facilitate learning and creativity. See ideas below.
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Why are schools banning ChatGPT?
My children’s school district and many others are banning ChatGPT from school devices and campus networks because students can use it to write their papers and do their homework.
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Safety and Open Communication:
Parents need to supervise their children’s interactions with ChatGPT. Since ChatGPT can converse on any topic, there is a potential for exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, or discussions that are not suitable for children. Parents should consider setting guidelines for usage and check in on their children’s interactions. Encourage kids to share any uncomfortable encounters.
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Summary:
While ChatGPT can offer opportunities for learning, parents should approach its use with caution and guide their children to ensure safety. Understanding ChatGPT will help foster a positive and responsible online experience for kids.
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Family-friendly ways to use ChatGBT:
Learning: Encourage your children to use ChatGPT for educational purposes, such as looking up information for school projects. ChatGPT can provide quick answers to factual questions or help clarify concepts in a conversational manner.
Language: If your family is learning a new language, ChatGPT can be a language practice partner. Encourage your children to engage in conversations in the target language with ChatGPT to reinforce vocabulary and grammar.
Travel: Explore different cultures and places virtually by asking ChatGPT about the world. ChatGBT can be used to plan an itinerary for an in-person visit to another city or country.
Brain Teasers: Engage in family-friendly trivia or riddles with ChatGPT. Challenge your kids to ask ChatGPT logic puzzles, math problems, or other questions. This can be a fun way to stimulate critical thinking.
History: Make history more engaging and interactive by asking ChatGPT about famous people or events from the past.
Storytime: Use ChatGPT to generate personalized bedtime stories based on your child’s interests. Encourage your kids to provide story prompts or characters, and let ChatGPT weave a unique tale.
Digital Etiquette: Use interactions with ChatGPT as an opportunity to reinforce appropriate and respectful online communication.
Supervised Use and Boundaries: Establish guidelines for using ChatGPT, including appropriate topics and time limits. Emphasize the importance of responsible and safe online behavior.
By integrating ChatGPT into family activities in these constructive ways, you can make the most of AI technology while ensuring that it enhances learning, creativity, and family engagement.
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Prompt Ideas for ChatGBT:
Plan a 3 day-itinerary for (location of choice).
What are family-friendly activities around (enter city of choice)?
What are the best rated restaurants in (city of choice)?
Give me 10 ways engage with my 15-year-old son
Tell me a story about an Eagle named Eddie, appropriate for a 6 year old.
What are 10 fun facts about (topic of choice)?
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What about you? How have YOU used AI or chatGPT. Let me know how you use it!
Shop for a Moving Company: Call at least 3 companies. When you choose a company, ask if it’s their best price. The company I went with took off the extra weekend fees.
Pack Strategically:
Collect lots of boxes and paper (You can often find them for free on Facebook marketplace)
Pack anything that you want to keep but won’t need for the season. Books, art on the walls, etc.
Pack room by room and label boxes clearly.
Keep essentials like medications, toiletries, and a few kitchen items handy for the first few days in your new home.
Set up utilities in your new location – gas, water, electric, internet, trash, insurance. I’m listing these because with 1 million things to do, I forgot to set up electric at my new house and freaked out when the power went out 24 hours after moving in. Thankfully, I quickly figured out who to call and got it set up.
Get appointments done: Once you move, it will take time to find a new dentist and doctor, so get check ups and doctor’s appointments done before moving. Get vaccination records and a sports physicals for kids.
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Involving Your Kids:
Communicate with Kids: Involve your children in the moving process. Explain what to expect and reassure them about the upcoming changes.
Communicate with the Schools: Enroll your children in their new schools, and let their current school know you are moving. If possible, take a tour of the new school.
Pack a Suitcase Each Child: Pack a suitcase of your child’s clothes and a few of their favorite things. Before moving day, put these in your car so the movers don’t load them.
Explore the New Neighborhood: If possible, take your kids to explore the new neighborhood before moving day to get them excited about the new surroundings.
Sign them up for Sports or Clubs: If possible, get them involved in a sport or a club right away so they can begin to build friendships with kids in their new town.
Accept Help! If someone mentions helping with the move, SAY YES and pick a day! I’m forever grateful for the handful of family and friends that jumped in to help when I moved. Delegating and having help is a huge stress reliever.
Stay Positive: Focus on the exciting aspects of your new home and the fresh opportunities it will bring for you and your family. It’s not taking you out of your comfort zone, it’s EXPANDING your comfort zone.
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On Moving Day:
Set Up a Safe Space for Kids: If you have young children or pets, arrange for childcare/pet sitter on moving day, or designate a safe area away from the chaos.
Keep Important Documents/Boxes Handy: Keep important documents, medications, and valuables with you during the move. Perhaps you load these in your car before the movers come so they do not get loaded on the truck.
Plan ahead for food. Prep a cooler with drinks, snacks and sandwiches available for your family and those helping with the move.
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After the Move:
Unpack Strategically: Unpack essentials first, like bedding and kitchen supplies. Take your time settling in. It will eventually get done so it’s OKAY to take breaks to eat, rest and play.
Get rid of boxes: List your boxes and packing paper on Facebook marketplace for FREE and everything will be picked up within 24 hours.
Connect with the Community: Get to know your new neighbors and explore local resources like parks, schools, and community centers.
Give Yourself Grace: Adjusting to a new home takes time. It may not feel like ‘home’ for 6-12 months. Be patient with yourself and your family as you settle into your new area and routine.
Remember, you’re doing an amazing job managing this transition for your family. Embrace this new chapter with optimism and know that soon you’ll be making beautiful memories in your new home. You’ve got this!
Are you in Minnesota and looking for something fun to do with your family? Do you have guests coming to town and want to try something new and unique? Well, I’ve got you!
Here are 24 family-friendly places for fun around Twin Cities:
This museum in downtown St. Paul features hands-on exhibits, an Omnitheater, and interactive activities that are both educational and entertaining for kids. My boys and I LOVED it!
Inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the United States, offering rides for all ages. I love that you can PAY PER RIDE – or get an all-day pass.
This is a GIANT store in Jordan, MN that not only sells every kind of candy you can imagine, but popcorn, pie, soda, meat and cheese! There is so much to see inside this store, your family will love it. Come for the candy store, or make it a day of adventure.
The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory
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Learn about the history of Minneapolis and its flour milling industry at the Mill City Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and a chance to explore the ruins of a historic flour mill.
Located in downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Children’s Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage children’s curiosity and creativity. All four of my kids enjoyed visiting this museum and want to go back.
Enjoy the outdoors by visiting Minnehaha Falls – you’ll find a scenic waterfall, a hiking trail, swimming spots, and lots of space for exploring. Bring extra clothes or wear some that can get wet or muddy.
This museum in Minneapolis focuses on electricity and magnetism, offering hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that are both fun and educational for kids.
Explore nature and history at Fort Snelling State Park, where you can hike, bike, picnic, and learn about the military history of the area. Here’s a peek into our visit to the Fort.
This museum, located in St. Paul, explores the history and culture of Minnesota through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. It’s a great place to learn about our state’s past. My kids and I loved our time in this museum and leaned so much in the ‘hands on’ exhibits!
Founded in 1907, the Wildflower Garden is the oldest public native plant garden in the United States. This area has a beautiful walking path through the grounds.
Bursting with more than 20 hands-on activities, this one-of-a-kind family attraction is where color, chemistry and technology combine to create a colorful adventure for a child’s imagination. Name and wrap your own crayon, create a coloring page with YOU in it, bring your art to life in 4-D and so much more! Perfect for a day of family fun.
Located in St. Paul, Bell Museum is a place kids can explore science, nature and history. You will find a geology exploration area, solar station, and an area with snakeskins, animal pelts, and bones, rocks and fossils. They have a planetarium and really cool life-size dioramas.
. The Museum of Illusions, located just below the food court in the Mall of America, is a must-visit! My kids and I were captivated by the hands-on, mind-bending exhibits—perfect for amazing photos and endless laughs. It’s a fun, educational experience for all ages. Even the gift shop is stocked with interactive toys and reasonably priced products.
The magnificent fireplace inside the entrance to the home. Anyone else have a foyer fireplace like this one?
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This museum celebrates Swedish-American culture through art, exhibits, and programming. It’s housed in a stunning, historic mansion and includes a cafe serving Nordic cuisine. Click here to read about my visit.
In St. Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free to enter and features a zoo with animals from around the world, as well as a conservatory with beautiful gardens.
This place is just across the Wisconsin border, but deserves to be on the list! It’s an amazing park where deer and other animals roam free for you to pet and feed. Make a day of it and stop by the Franconia Sculpture Garden and Taylor Falls.
My kids weren’t super excited about a visit to the Arboretum, but I wanted to go, so I created a challenge for them. “Whoever can capture the BEST picture will win $1.” My boys are always up for a contest and it PAID OFF (no pun intended). They enjoyed trying to capture the BEST picture and I enjoyed the BEAUTY all around.
New this year: educational and fun Discovery Booths, featuring a different theme each month. Drop in between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, May 2 through Oct. 27, for a variety of hands-on activities.
We have a new driver and it’s both wonderful and nerve-wracking!
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Paul and Luke did well in their wrestling season.
Paul with a WLuke gets a W
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We watched lots of basketball. Clark had a fun season and played really well. Our local high school is going to state.
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I visited three different schools to celebrate reading:
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We’ve only had a little snow this winter but enjoyed it!
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Wrigley is still living his best life.
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Ted and I snuck out for date night in between the family madness.
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Those are a few of the “fun winter highlights.”
However, we’ve had some challenges this winter too. My mother-in-law lost her brother, another wonderful family member is going through chemotherapy, we had a big water leak in our house and I’ve been living with a ‘half kitchen,’ and we had to cancel a trip we’d been looking forward to for months – those are “not-so-fun highlights.” Life has both highs and lows and I choose to focus on the good and know that I have so much to be grateful for!
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Thanks for reading! I hope you had a good winter and an even BETTER spring!
Today’s Family Tip: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
God has placed unique gifts and talents inside you that the world needs. Don’t try to be like someone else, become the best version of YOU!
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Suggestions for how parents can help their children not to compare themselves with others:
Encourage your children to focus on their own progress and accomplishments to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence. Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you see in them.
Every child is unique with their own set of strengths, gifts and abilities. Ask God to give you insight into how He’s made them, and share what you learn with your children. This will help them recognize and appreciate their own unique qualities.
Model for your children how to have appreciation for others’ successes rather than feelings of resentment.
Focus less on external markers of success (grades and achievements) and more on personal effort and growth.
Help your children set personal goals and strive for self-improvement. This fosters a growth mindset where they see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to their self-worth.
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The world needs you to be who God created you to be!
