0 In 2024/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota

24 Kid-Friendly Places to Explore Around the Twin Cities

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:

1. Science Museum of Minnesota

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!

2. Nickelodeon Universe

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.

3. Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

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.

Click here to read my post about our day in Jordan.

4. Mill City Museum

The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory

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.

Click here for a peek into our visit to the Mill City Museum.

5. Minnesota Children’s Museum

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.

6. Minnehaha Falls

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.

7. The Bakken Museum

This museum in Minneapolis focuses on electricity and magnetism, offering hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that are both fun and educational for kids.

Here’s a peek into our visit with more info!

8. Fort Snelling State Park

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.

9. Minnesota History Center

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!

10. Sky zone/Urban Air

Jump and play the day away!

11. Eloise Butler Garden

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.

Click here a peek into our fun day at Eloise.

12. Tactical Urban Combat

The world’s largest indoor nerf and laser tag battle ground. My boys LOVED this experience!

Here’s a peek into our visit with all the details.

13. Crayola Experience

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.

All four of my kids had a GREAT time! Click here for a peek into our visit.
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14. Roller Skate at Skateville

My children (and inner child) had the BEST time rolling around Skateville! It was good exercise and just SO much fun!

15. Bell Museum

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.

16. Walker Art Center

Also in Minneapolis, the Walker Art Center is known for its contemporary art exhibitions and outdoor (free) sculpture garden. It’s a hub for modern art.

17. American Swedish Institute

The magnificent fireplace inside the entrance to the home. Anyone else have a foyer fireplace like this one?

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.

18. Fly Over America

We LOVED flying over the US! I wish it lasted longer.

Here’s a peek into our visit with more pictures and details.

19. Lake Harriet

Take a walk around Lake Harriet, play on the Beard’s Plaisance playground, have lunch at George and the Dragon or Broder’s Pasta Bar, then visit Wild Rumpus book store.

20. Como Zoo

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.

Click here for more details.

21. Fawndoerosa

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.

Click here to read about our visit.

22. Conquer Ninja Gym

Conquer Ninja Gym is offers ninja training and an obstacle course for ages five and up.

23. The Arboretum

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.

Visitors age 15 and under get in free!

Click here to read more about our visit and to see their pictures.

24. Minnesota History Museum

This museum, located in St. Paul, feeds your curiosity about Minnesota’s stories, people, and places. We loved it and I can’t wait to go back to check out the Charlie Brown exhibit.

Though I’ve given you 24 options, Minneapolis and its surrounding areas have a wealth of activities to offer families with children.

Which place do you plan to visit?
Do you have a favorite?

Please let me know by leaving a comment. (Click that little box by the title of this post)

Thanks for reading and I’d love for you to subscribe.

Click here for 55 fun THINGS TO DO with your kids this summer.

Check out my Minnesota Bucket List for more ideas!

April 11, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2023/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota

A Peek into Two Multi-Million Dollar Homes in Minnesota

When a neighbor mentioned that he needed some help with a Parade of Home’s Artisan Home Tour, I thought, “Why not? It’s a chance to see some stunning houses and meet new people in the process!”

You can see these dreamy homes (and 18 others!) today through Sunday. Visit one house for $5 or all of them for $25 (with promo code HOLIDAY). All the details are just a click away, so check out more info by tapping right here.

Here’s the scoop on two fabulous homes I played host to over on the west side of Minneapolis.

Which one of these jaw-dropping homes could you see yourself living in?

A 3400-square-foot modern masterpiece out in Medina, MN. It sits on 7 forested acres (yet is still close to restaurants and shopping).
Or, maybe you’re more into the 6700-square-foot, 3 story beauty (with an elevator) on Lake Minnetonka.

House #1 in Medina, MN built by City Homes

I was crazy about this blue porcelain shower.

Here’s an inside tour:

House #2 in Orono, MN on Lake Minnetonka built by Lecy Brothers

This property has been in the family for over half a century, but the house itself is brand new. The top level is an ’apartment’ for the grandparents who bought this property in the 60s. The elevator takes them to every level where the next two generations live.

The main living area with an art TV and lake view

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Watch this video for a tour:

Which is your favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comment section by giving that little box next to the post title a gentle click.

And if you’re on the hunt for more design inspiration, follow my sister at Krista Lynn Designs. She’s an interior designer with phenomenal taste!
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October 20, 2023 By Kathryn

0 In 2023/ Book Review/ Inspiration/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

“The Great Lake Rescue” Book Launch Party Recap

On Sunday we introduced “The Great Lake Rescue” to our community by hosting an Ice Cream Book Launch party. The event took place at our local park. Our invitations were sent to array of friends, classmates, and the esteemed illustrator.

Here’s what happened:

3:00

Ice Cream Sundaes, Root Beer Floats and Popsicles
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
Children’s Drawing Contest with Exciting Giveaways
Coloring Station, featuring custom sheets crafted by the illustrator

4:00

Meet the Four Main Characters – the Egly boys
Live Book Reading
Q and A with the Author and Main Characters

4:40

Giveaways Announced and Prizes Given

4:45

Final Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book

Even with the rain, over 100 people came! The boys, the book, and I felt incredibly loved. One thing that really stands out to me about Minnesotans is how they don’t let the weather bother them. Rain, heat, or freezing cold, they still go out and enjoy life without hesitation.

I forgot to ask someone to take photos of the event so I didn’t get pictures of everything and everyone, including the illustrator, Alyssa Whetstone. However, here are a few that others snapped and sent to me:

It’s not too late to purchase a signed copy.

Click here to purchase one copy of “The Great Lake Rescue”

Click here to purchase two copies of the “The Great Lake Rescue”

Each sale now comes with a custom made coloring sheet, created by our illustrator:

The-Great-Lake-Rescue-Coloring-Sheet Download

My friend Kelly posted this on Facebook after the event:

My son Luke and me with Kelly Chen and her sons Jordan and Harrison.

For those of you who already own the book, can I ask you for a favor? Could you leave a review on Amazon?

Click here to leave a review, each one helps!

August 16, 2023 By Kathryn

0 In 2023/ Minnesota/ Product Recommendations/ Uncategorized

A Peek into My Newest Children’s Book: The Great Lake Rescue

I’m excited to give you a sneak peek into my next children’s book, “The Great Lake Rescue!”

This entertaining tale, inspired by a true story, will be hitting the shelves this summer, bringing the adventures of the fantastic four to life, and reinforcing the message of kindness and helping others.

When I began my search for an illustrator for this book, I found Alyssa Whetstone. I knew she was a talented Minnesota water color artist, but didn’t know where in this large state she lived. When she agreed to meet with me, I discovered that we teach in the SAME SCHOOL DISTRICT! I’ve loved working with her, and if you are interested, you can find her art here: alyssawhetstoneart.com.

Click here to buy the book!

Thanks for those of you who purchased a copy of Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore! I can’t wait to have you read this new one.

June 25, 2023 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

21 things to do at Mall of America – besides shop!

I’m not usually a mall fan. I’m one of those rare females that doesn’t love to shop. However, I do enjoy going to the Mall of America. Mostly because there is so much more than shopping. You never know what you will see or experience when you visit MOA.

Here are 21 different things to do:

1. Walk through a Tunnel of Sharks

Visit Minnesota’s largest aquarium. Click here for a peek at our visit and more details.

2. Get CREATIVE at Crayola

Click here for a peek inside.

3. Ride a roller coaster or take a spin around the Ferris wheel at Nickelodeon Universe

4. Eat good food

Donuts, cookies, chicken, mexican food, cream puffs, ice cream, sushi, steak, burritos, cupcakes, burgers and SO much more. If there’s a food you are craving, MOA will have it!

5. Make your own one-of-a-kind lipstick at the Lip Lab

6. People watch

Sit and enjoy watching all the people who visit.

Did you know more people visit Mall of America than Disney World?

7. Race a Go Kart

8. Throw an Ax

Photographs of Fair on 4 in Bloomington, MN. All images by The Restaurant Project Copyright 2022

9. Have a problem-solving adventure in an Escape room

I have a friend who visits escape rooms through the Twin Cities and said that Mall of America has the BEST ones around. My 15-year-old tried one for his birthday and absolutely LOVED IT! He did the Gold Rush but can’t wait to go back for the Prison Escape or another challenge.

10. Find your way through a Maze of Mirrors

My boys and I tried this and had fun!

11. Watch a movie at the family-owned B&B theatre

Join their free rewards program and you will have access to:

Treat Yourself Tuesday ($5.00 Tickets) and FREE small box of popcorn with the purchase of a movie ticket with the opportunity to upgrade to larger sizes for a discounted fee! Subject to any applicable premium upcharges and tax. Blackout dates apply
FREE same day refills on large popcorns and sodas
FREE #1 combo coupon on your birthday and more!

12. Attend one of the 400 free events every year

Celebrity meet-and-greet, fashion shows, and concerts around the mall.

13. FLY over America

This is one of our FAVORITE experiences at the mall – whether you are 6 or 60 – you will have so much fun ‘flying over’ the US and experiencing it in an entirely new way! Click here to read our story!

14. Battle it out in Minnesota’s largest Nerf Gun Arena

So much fun!

15. Have a weekly playdate

Every Tuesday there are free events for kids.

16. Get your steps in – Walk a full mile on each level!

17. Moose Mountain Mini Golf Adventure

An 18 hole miniature golf course that’s fun for the whole family.

18. Go “Behind the Scenes” for a 90 minute tour of how the “mall magic” happens

Click here for details.

19. Meet Santa (November and December only)

Click here to plan your Santa Experience.

20. Play with Legos

A visit to MOA is not complete without a stop at the Lego store.

21. Spend a night in one of the hotels attached to the mall!

What’s YOUR favorite thing to do at Mall of America? Leave a comment!

Want more ideas? Click here for my Minnesota Bucket List.

November 24, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Red Wing Travel Guide: Top 5 Things to Do!

Our family had the sweetest day in Red Wing, Minnesota and I wanted to share it with you in hopes that you would add this adorable town to your Bucket List.

Driving into Red Wing, we felt like we were back in Colorado. This historic town has a large bluff in the background, making it look and feel like a quaint mountain town.

Here are our top 5 favorite parts of the day:

1. Hanisch Bakery

First, start your day by fueling up at Hanisch Bakery. Hanisch has been voted the best bakery in Minnesota. Their food and pastries are made from scratch and absolutely divine. We purchased a loaf of cinnamon bread for $4 and my boys LOVED it! I was so happy with their coffee selection. They had about 10 to choose from – including my favorite flavor of all time – Highlander Grog!

2. Hike Barn Bluff

After fueling up, we hiked Barn Bluff. There are different trails with varying difficulty. We took the moderate path and it was just the right amount of exercise for four boys and their mom and dad.

It was a beautiful hike and you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the Mississippi River when you reach the top.

Fast fact: Poet and writer Henry David Thoreau hiked this bluff on his travels through Minnesota.

3. Downtown Shopping: Red Wing Shoes

After hiking, we explored a few shops in downtown Red Wing.

First the Duluth Trading company, then Red Wing Shoes.

A stop at Red Wing Shoes is a MUST when you first visit Red Wing. The store is half museum, half shoe store.

Fun Fact: There are painted boots around town. Make spotting boots a part of your adventure!

4. Visit Saint James Hotel

The Saint James Hotel is a great spot to explore, stay the night, and/or eat. We walked around to see the historic artifacts and visit the Ski Jump Museum.

Fun Fact: Red Wing was the Ski Jump Capital of the US

5. Eat good food!

We tried to eat at The Staghead – it had good ratings and was walking distance from the shops were were exploring, but they were understaffed and canceled our reservation. We jumped in the car and drove a mile down the road to Bayside Grill. My boys LOVED IT and said they served some of the best burgers they’d ever had!

Other spots to try? Scarlett Kitchen (at the Saint James Hotel), Red Wing Brewery and Rancho Loco.

Here’s a peek into our day:

Have you been to Red Wing? What would you recommend doing, seeing or eating next time?

Interested in reading more about Minnesota?

Click here for a Weekend Itinerary in Duluth, MN.

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List.

Click here to read 15 Fun Facts About Minnesota.

Click here to read the 20 gifts that Minnesota gave the world.

Thanks for reading! Please consider subscribing.

October 22, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ History/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Exploring Minnesota: A Visit to the Historic Fort Snelling

I’m not sure why I lived in Minnesota for almost four years without getting a membership to the Minnesota Historic Society or exploring the historic Fort Snelling. I didn’t realize how beneficial those passes would be, or what a beautiful place the Fort is!

Fort Snelling is a fun and education field trip for your family in St. Paul, Minnesota. You will learn about army life, see live demonstrations, learn how they cared for the sick, explore the beautiful home of the commander, taste what they ate, watch how they made their tools, and more!

First of all, the Minnesota Historical society annual family pass is less than $100, and grants your family (plus two guests) access into amazing spots all over Minnesota, including: the Mill City Museum, the State Capitol, the Minnesota History Center, and today’s focus: Fort Snelling!

Upon arrival, we pulled into the gated parking lot for Fort Snelling. The parking fee is $4 for members, $6 for non-members. There’s a beautiful walking path along the Minnesota River up to the entrance of the visitor center. This area was recently remodeled. It has a small museum inside, as well as a gift shop and clean bathrooms.

From there, we enjoyed a golf cart ride to the entrance of the Fort.

The Fort is phenomenal. It was constructed 200 years ago and used until the end of WW2. It’s been restored to show visitors what life was like as a soldier living in this fort. There are characters dressed and ready to teach everyone about anything from laundry, to slavery, to fur trading, to black smithing! (Is that a word?) You can watch guns and canons being shot too, and food being made.

Some things to discover and explore:

The school house
The hospital/medical exhibit
The armory/weapons storage
Jail
Blacksmith shop
Dred Scott’s living quarters and how his time living on the base enable him to fight for his freedom from slavery.
Commander’s home
Kitchen
Archeology exhibit
Soldier’s quarters
Married quarters
Trails to the river

My kids and I absolutely LOVED it. We learned a lot about the history of Minnesota and military life, and enjoyed the beautiful grounds. There was even a baseball game happening as we left. We hope to be a part of that during our next visit.

This was the temporary home of Dred Scott and his wife. He lived below the army 'hospital'/infirmary, because he was a slave to a doctor. Because of his time in Minnesota, a 'free state,' Dred Scott went to court to obtain his freedom from slavery. — Army Barracks

Fort Snelling is very close to the Minneapolis airport, so if you have a layover – it would be worth checking out!

Locations, Hours, and Admission:

Historic Fort Snelling is open Wednesdays through Sundays from May 31 to September 4, 2022. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Address: 200 Tower Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55111

Admission is $12 for adults, or $10 for seniors and college students with ID. Children aged 5-17 are $8.

Admission is free for Minnesota Historical Society members, military veterans and family, native Americans and families, and active military and families (walk up only.) Tickets may be purchased in advance online, through the box office at 651-259-3015, or at the visitor center.

Website: Click here

Here’s a peek into our visit:

Thanks for reading!

Here are more places worth mentioning:

Click here for a peek into our visit to Mill City Museum.

Click here to read our Minnesota Bucket List.

Click here to read: 20 Gifts Minnesota Gave the World

July 27, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Walking through a tunnel of Sharks at Minnesota’s Largest Aquarium

The boys and I took advantage of a day off in winter to explore SEA LIFE at the Mall of America.

They’d be asking to go to this aquarium since our first visit to the Mall of America in 2018, and we were excited to finally get inside and explore.

Sea Life is well organized with a “trail” that leads you through the entire aquarium.

I was surprised by how many different ‘creatures’ lived at Sea Life. I mean, it’s inside a mall, how big can this place be? Well, apparently VERY BIG! There are literally THOUSANDS of creatures. Two that I enjoyed seeing were the BLUE dart frogs and the alligators.

They also have the only sawfish in Minnesota. Those fish are COOL! (Duke and Duchess are their names)

Sea Life also has the only glass tunnel in Minnesota – and it was incredible. There were different types of fish, turtles and sharks swimming over and around you. We’d never experienced walking through a tunnel like that, and we all enjoyed it.

Upon exiting the tunnel, there was a tank of starfish and sea anemones that we were allowed to touch. They were beautiful and felt so soft.

There were also sting rays to observe and feed.

Next we entered a room of tall tanks filled with jelly fish. They were mesmerizing. I could have watched them for hours – but I was pulled away by my boys who wanted to keep moving.

The boys liked the exhibit with a surf board that had been bitten by a shark.

Did you know that sharks think surfers are seals or sea turtles and that’s why they bite?

For lego lovers – there is a lego play area.

My boys said their favorite part of the day was the “Scavenger Hunt.” Upon arrival, there are books available with things you need to find throughout Sea Life. When you find them, you look for the stamper nearby and “punch” your card. When your card is full, you show it to a staff member in the gift shop to receive a sticker and a medal.

What kid doesn’t want a medal? They all wore theirs proudly.

There were several shows, talks, and exhibits throughout the day.

There are also fun ‘fin’ facts throughout the aquarium, as well as games to play.

If you are in a hurry, you can go through the entire thing in 30 minutes. If you take your time, you can wander and spend about 90 minutes.

Sea Life is a place I’d recommend checking out. Writing this post makes me want to go back. I need to spend more time with those jelly fish. If you are local, you may want to get a season pass so that you can enjoy Sea Life throughout the year.

Thank you to Sea Life for the fun experience! They gave our family free tickets in exchange for this post. Being a blogger has benefits. 🙂

Click here to get tickets for your visit.

Thanks for reading and happy exploring!

Click here to read about the best day for you to come to Mall of America with young children.

Click here to read about FlyOver America at the Mall.

Click here for our Minnesota Bucket List.

February 17, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Christmas/ Family/ Food/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Winter Edition

Christmas lights, music, & cards

Thanks to every single person who took the effort to put up Christmas lights this year or send out cards. It definitely brought Christmas JOY to our family.

The new Hawkeye series on Disney Plus

When Ted asked me to come watch Hawkeye with him and the boys, I brought a book to read. I’m not really in to the “Hawkeye” character, and didn’t want to watch this new show, but I did want to hang with the boys while they watched it.

Little did I know how much we would ALL enjoy it. The storyline was so engaging and the characters were endearing. We just finished the final episode on Disney. I said to Ted. ‘Let’s watch that series again’ (I never say that. It was truly THAT GOOD)!

Good and Gather Kettle Chips and Everything Dip

If you are near a Target – get THESE CHIPS and THIS DIP. Thank me later.

The Heads Up app

In The Wild sticker book

This sticker book that makes the most beautiful creations. It’s fun for kids ages 6-10 (and their moms).

Lactaid Egg Nog

Fun fact: I never tasted Egg Nog until college. Since then, I’ve tried lots of different flavors, and this one is my favorite. Have you tried it?

The Fa La Latte from Caribou

The Fa La Latte is an egg nog latte. It’s SO good. I’m making the most of the season with all this EGG NOG, and making up for lost time I suppose?!

Luke’s drawing

I read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and asked Paul and Luke to draw what they thought the story looked like. I’m saving this one!

Wrigley in the snow

Wrigley is a kid in a candy store when there is fresh snow on the ground. I can hear him thinking: BEST DAY EVER!!!

This miraculous e-collar

Wrigley is the SWEETEST DOG. However, when he’s outside and not on his leash, he doesn’t always come back when you call him. If he’s not done playing, he will run AWAY from you when he sees you coming toward him.

This became a HUGE problem two times in December. Once when I had to go to work and couldn’t get him inside. Another time when he ran onto the pond and we weren’t sure if it was thick enough to hold him. Paul was a wreck thinking his dog might go through the ice and there was nothing we could do.

Enter the world’s best invention. A collar that beeps, vibrates or shocks. (We don’t use the shock)

The very first time I gave Wrigley a gentle vibrate and beep and said “COME,” he immediately came and sat next to me. I was shocked and overjoyed how well it worked then, and how will it continues to work. I only needed to use the vibrate twice, and now he obeys when he just hears the BEEP!

This device is usually $50, but they are currently 20% off. This was the best $40 I ever spent.

YouTube videos the whole family can enjoy

There are so many ANNOYING YouTube Channels. However, there are a handful that we can all enjoy together.

Mark Rober – a former Nasa scientist who makes entertaining videos by creating gadgets and fun experiments.
Dude Perfect – a group of guys that met at church and now make trick shot videos and a ‘game show’ called Overtime.
Fantastic 2 – I can’t NOT mention the channel my son’s created. 🙂

The Love of a Dog

Sweet Wrigs loving on Paul when he was sick

Click here to read the story of how we got our dog.

And most of all…spending time with my family!

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year to each of you.

December 26, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Family/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week

Peek into our Weeks: 3 years of Minnesota living

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 mom and all of her grandchildren!**

A letter my grandmother received from her uncle during WW2.

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).

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!

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.

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.

A trip back to the Biggest Candy Store

Click here to read more about this place!

Three Years in Minnesota

July 2018 – our first day in our Minnesota home

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.

Date Night Re-make

Three years ago Ted and I went out on our first Minnesota date night. We went back on the same night to celebrate!

A night away and all alone

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.

August 4, 2021 By Kathryn

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