0 In Family/ Friendship/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

The Best Thing About Memories is … Making Them

Summer is for making memories! Here’s the highlights:

A visit from Mom

Grandma came for her first summer visit in Minnesota! We got to spend a few awesome days together, which included knocking an item off the Minnesota Bucket List – a visit to Mill City Museum (click here to read about it). Then she graciously watched ALL FOUR boys so I could go to Florida for my second favorite memory of the summer…

My Cousin’s wedding in Florida

I spent four wonderful days with family in Sarasota, Florida to celebrate the wedding of my cousin (who’s like a little sister to me). My uncle rented a big house that used to belong to Flavor Flav and I spent 3 nights with family there – and one night with my sister on Long Boat Key. It’s the first time I’ve been back to Florida in SO long and forgot how much I love it there.

Me and my sister, Krista
View from Flavor Flav’s former house

There’s something soul-healing about walking on the beach, soaking in some sun, and playing in the waves.

My cousin’s wedding was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and I’m grateful I could be there!

A Unique Birthday

Dropping off diapers and wipes at a Pregnancy Center
Hiding Dollars at the Dollar Tree
Ended my birthday with burgers at B-52

I learned how not to dread turning a year older – make it about OTHERS! This year my boys and I researched ways to give back to our community. On my birthday, we spent the day making a difference!

My baby sister’s wedding in Oklahoma

Another whirlwind weekend with family in another part of the country. I loved spending time with family, celebrating Brooke and her new husband, Jeff!

She had the sweetest wedding, surrounded by big trees, on a beautiful lake.

My sister, her new husband, and new step-daughter
Fueling up for wedding prep
Presenting…the bride!

Fourth of July in Indiana

Shipshewana
Rise and Roll Donuts
An annual tradition – me and my sister with all of our kids

We spent several days with our Indiana family – boating, tubing, fishing on the Lake. We also explored Amish country in Shipshewana, Indiana.

On our way home from Indiana, we stopped for an…

Adventures in Illinois

We visited two places I love… Bien Trucha for the world’s best tacos and…

Blackberry Farm – A fun spot we’ve been visiting since the boys were babies!

We came back home to spend the rest of the summer at home. Some of the highlights for July and August are…

Exploring the Twin Cities

We went fishing, explored parks and beautiful spots around the Twin Cities.

Como Zoo and Conservatory

Egly Burger Challenge

BURGER CHALLENGE STOP #5

We are on the hunt for the best burgers in the Twin Cities. This summer we tried FIVE different burgers places. When we finish, I’ll blog about what we discovered!

Mall of America

Co-producers
Apple Camp
Lego store fun
Log Ride

We love having Mall of America just a few minutes away. George and Clark did a free video editing camp at the Apple Store and all four boys tried their first roller coaster.

Back-to-School Ice cream party

We texted our neighbors, set out ice cream and toppings and 30+ people showed up in our front yard for a back-to-school ice cream party. Super easy and fun for everybody! I wish I would have snapped a picture of the crowd gathered in our front yard – but I didn’t, and it is one of the sweetest memories of the summer.

The Minnesota State Fair

THE GIANT SLIDE

I was going to skip the fair this year, but a friend gave me four free tickets so I took Clark, his friend Sam, and Luke.

We tried some new foods, rode the Giant Slide, enjoyed the Fair from up above on a ski-lift type ride called the Sky Glider and played some games. It was the last thing we did before school started and Clark called it his “favorite thing” all summer…well, “and cousins.”

The Difference a Year Makes

One year ago, I attended a ladies night (Sisterhood) at our church alone. I sat by myself and chatted with complete strangers. This year I came with this group of phenomenal women.

I’m shocked at what a difference a year can make. Last summer we did some grieving and moving – this summer was filled with friends and happy memories.

It’s been fun to go back and reflect on the summer and see the generosity of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the Goodness of God in all of it.

Thanks for joining me on the summer road trip down memory lane.

Subscribe to follow along on our adventures through Fall!

September 7, 2019 By Kathryn

1 In Minnesota/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Our Day with the Vikings

Each summer, the Minnesota Vikings invite the public to come and watch them practice. The tickets are FREE. Parking is $10 (if you purchase the parking pass online) and $20 at the door.

They open up the Vikings Practice Field several hours before practice and fill the grounds with games and fun activities for all ages.

Things to do at Training Camp:

Take your kids to play in the Kids Area. This is open before, during, and after practice!
No kids? Find Games for all ages throughout the training camp
Like to show your moves? Have a Dance party with a live DJ!
Take pictures with cool photo ops all over the place
Get autographs from players. A few players come out each day for autographs.
Eat at one of the many concession stands or food trucks
And obviously – Watch the players practice
Click here for more info and ideas on THINGS TO DO

We started at the ‘Kid’s Area’ – it was filled football related games. All kids are invited to participate in a “combine.” They get their picture taken, then are tested in their high jump, their throwing skills, and their speed. They can get a printout at the end showing how they did in each area.

There’s also a space for flag football, corn hole, and other games.

There are also lots of fun spots for pictures.

You can’t bring food in, but the price for food is actually reasonable. (We DID bring in water and Gatorade)

$3 for hotdogs,
$5 burgers,
$1 for a bottle of water.

If you didn’t bring kids, there are other games throughout the arena (for all ages) where you can win prizes and Vikings tickets.

Once practice begins, you can find a spot in the grass or on the bleachers to watch. There is no assigned seating except for those who payed for a ticket or are season ticket holders.

We were super excited to watch #12 – our friend Chad Beebe.

I think he earned the most cheers that day. We were impressed with his speed and ability to catch every ball that came his way!

The last practice for the 2019 season is on Friday, August 16th – so if you can’t make it this summer, plan to attend next year. Click here to get your tickets.

August 15, 2019 By Kathryn

7 In Funny/ Minnesota

Words I learned in Minnesota

Uff da – An exclamation used when overwhelmed or surprised.
Skol – Clark taught me this word after attending his first Vikings game. It’s a word they say during football games after each touchdown. SKOL VIKINGS!
Minnesota Nice – It’s a real thing. In Minnesota, people are known to be just a little nicer than anyone else.
You Betcha or ‘Ubetcha’ – A friendlier way to say ‘Yes!’
Hotdish – A type of warm casserole – usually involving tater tots.
Budge – Cutting someone in line.
Lutefisk – a Minnesota dish that I have not yet tried. Have you?
Dontcha Know – Right along with Uff da, it’s something you may hear in conversation.
Egg Bake – Something the rest of us call an Egg Casserole.
Duck, Duck, GRAY Duck – It’s the Minnesota version of Duck, Duck Goose!
Land of 10,000 Ice Rinks – What do you think happens to all those lakes and ponds in the winter? It’s no wonder every child here loves Hockey!
Pop – All carbonated beverages are POP. Not soda, and definitely not Soda Pop.
Phy Ed – I’ve heard Physical Education referred to as “Gym,” or “P.E.” and even “Phys Ed (pronounced fizz ed), but in Minnesota, I’ve learned that P.E. is called Phy Ed – pronounced Fi (with a long i) Ed
Rambler – A one story house.
Up North – Where everyone in Minnesota goes for the weekend. I didn’t know you could go any farther NORTH from where we currently are…but apparently, you can and you should. Up North is spoken of fondly by every Minnesotan. When I finally get “UP NORTH”…I’ll tell you what the fuss is all about.
Cold – I’ve used the word COLD my entire life, but now I’ve truly experienced COLD. And I lived to tell about it.

What’s a word that you only hear in YOUR state?

Other posts about Minnesota that might interest you:

How to fit in as a Minnesota transplant

Gifts that Minnesota Gave the World!

Minnesota Must Haves!

My Top 25 Bucket List

August 13, 2019 By Kathryn

4 In Family/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

A Peek Inside the Incredible Mill City Museum

It was our first day of Summer Vacation and time to check something off our Minnesota Bucket list with a visit to the Mill City Museum. Imagine stepping into a museum that was once a bustling flour factory. The Mill City Museum in St. Paul was once the site of the General Mills (aka Cheerios) factory that was devastated by a flour explosion. The Minnesota Historical Society put the ruins to good use by creating a beautiful museum that shows the history of the flour industry in Minnesota, as well as how flour is turned into food.

I read beforehand that the museum doesn’t have their own parking. Thankfully, we found a place to park right outside the museum and the cost was only $1 per hour. There was also a parking garage right across the street, so finding a place to park wasn’t a problem.

From the moment we walked into the building, I was impressed with how nicely this historical building has been maintained.

First, we explored an old box car that was originally used to transport the flour all over the country. The original railroad track is still there.

Next, we walked around the museum that was filled with hands-on exhibits. My boys LOVED the ‘water room’ where they could rebuild the city of Minneapolis and create a ‘log jam.’

Be sure to check out the museum’s demonstration kitchen – if you are lucky, you may get to enjoy a freshly made Betty Crocker treat. My boys loved the ‘snacks’ they were served.

For an immersive experience, be sure to check out the ‘Flour Tower’ exhibit, where you’ll be transported back in time and experience what it was like to work in the factory. This exhibit is a large elevator with seating inside. The elevator takes you up, stops at each level, opens up the doors, and shows you a glimpse into that level of the factory. There’s a video in the background with old footage, and voice recordings of men and women who used to work in the original factory. It was fascinating to hear the voice recordings of former workers sharing their memories and stories.

From the elevator, we went to the observation deck to take in the beautiful view of Minneapolis, the Stone Arch bridge and the Mississippi River. The Stone arch bridge was originally a train bridge, but is now a pedestrian walkway.

From the observation deck at Mill City Museum

After that, we went to view the 19 minute video, “History of Minnesota.” As someone new to Minnesota, the movie was informative and interesting!

The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory

Did you know that flour floating in the air is deadlier than GUN powder?

The original mill was built in 1874 but destroyed in a flour dust explosion that killed 14 people.

We walked outside the back door of the museum to explore the ruins of other mills along the channel. The channel was created to feed the mills with needed water power.

The entire visit took about 3 hours. This museum is great for people ages 5 to 85. It would also make a unique date night.

We loved it and highly recommend a visit to Mill City Museum. (I was NOT paid for this endorsement.)

Ticket prices can be found by clicking here. However, I’d recommend purchasing the Minnesota History family pass that will get you into the Mill City Museum, Fort Snelling, the History Center, and more.

Minneapolis has TONS of great options for lunch or dinner after a visit to the museum. We chose Popol Vuh, but Hope Kitchen is another place we’d recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Here’s my Minnesota Bucket list – Check it out!

June 15, 2019 By Kathryn

7 In History/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota

20 Gifts that Minnesota Gave the world

1. Target

I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know Target started in Minnesota until Ted was offered a job at their company. This company was started in 1902 as “Goodfellow Dry Goods” and became “Target” in 1962. As a tribute to it’s original name, Target sells a great line of men’s products called Goodfellow.

You can read about the history of Target by clicking here.

PS – If you have a few minutes and need a laugh – read the hilarious Target memes on Pinterest!

2. Water Skiing

In June 1922, 18-year-old Ralph Samuelson, of Minnesota, proposed that if you could ski on snow, then you could ski on water.

Ralph, the first water skier, used a clothes line and a couple of old boards for his first ride. I’m glad water skiing improved by my first try, 60 years later.

Read the full history of water skiing here.

3. Honeycrisp apples

Clark picking a HoneyCrisp Apple

We found our favorite – SweeTango

Honeycrisp apples were invented at the University of Minnesota in the 90s. (Who knew apples could be “invented?)

My personal favorite, though, is the SweeTango apple. We think they’re even better than the Honeycrisp apple. SweeTango was also invented in Minnesota. We’d never heard of them until we made a visit to a local apple orchard. If you ever find a SweeTango – you MUST try it! It’s pure sweet, crunchy deliciousness. It’s worth a visit to Minnesota in the fall to get your hands on one of these!

4. The indoor shopping mall

The first indoor shopping mall was built just west of the Twin Cities in 1956.

Minnesota is even better known for the World’s Largest Indoor Shopping Mall – the Mall of America – built in 1992. This mall has 520 stores, an aquarium and a theme park inside. More people visit the Mall of America than Disney World!

5. Greyhound bus

In 1914, a guy named Carl Wickman used a 7-passenger vehicle to take people to work for 15 cents per ride. A century, plus several mergers and expansions later, Greyhound is North America’s largest bus company with nearly 1,300 buses, 4,000 destinations and 5.5 billion ride miles a year!

6. Mayo Clinic

The first and largest non-profit hospital in the world is in Rochester, MN.

Each year, more than 1.3 million different patients from all 50 states, and from more than 150 countries, are seen at one of the Mayo Clinic facilities. It’s one of the best (if not the very best) hospitals in the world.

7. Open heart surgery

The first successful open-heart surgery was performed at the University of Minnesota in 1952.

Since then, countless lives have been saved by the procedure. My great aunt was one of them – she was born with a failing heart, so in 1953, she had a successful open heart surgery. My great uncle brought his checkbook to pay for the surgery and the hospital did not accept checks. He had to leave her at the hospital, take the train home, get cash, and come back to pay for her surgery and take her home! She lived for FIFTY more years!

8. Tonka trucks

Tonka was founded in Mound, Minnesota, and likely named for Lake Minnetonka. These heavy-duty trucks are classic toys, and I know more than a few people outside Minnesota played with one growing up.

9. Microwave popcorn

Forever changing the way we watch movies at home, the first version of microwave popcorn in a bag was patented by Minnesota-based General Mills in 1981. These days microwave popcorn comes in all flavors by many different brands, but it was the Minnesota brand that started it all.

10. The Oregon Trail

What was every 90s kid favorite video game? The Oregon Trail. Yeah, it came from Minnesota. Three Minnesotans invented the game in 1971, and it is still loved to this day. Playing this game is one of my favorite memories from elementary school – even if I did die of dysentery.

11. Enclosed Walkways (aka Skyways)

The best inventions solve a problem. Given the problem of seemingly endless winters in Minnesota, it only makes sense that Minnesotans created an innovative way of getting around the city – an enclosed walkway.

You literally never have to go outside. You can go from your city apartment, to breakfast, the dry cleaners, Target, a salon, a ball game, dinner and wherever else you could imagine…all via the Skyway!

Minneapolis is home to the longest continuous skyway in the world, spanning nearly 80 blocks and 11 miles.

12. Best Buy

In 1966 a couple of guys started a business selling home and car stereo equipment, calling their business “The Sounds of Music.” They eventually expanded the business to sell more products and changed the name to Best Buy!

13. Scotch Tape

Original Scotch Tape – read the fine print 🙂

Many years ago a company called Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (you may know them as 3M) produced sandpaper. When one of the young engineers was testing the sand paper at a local auto body shop, he noticed the auto painters were having a hard time painting a straight line. He decided to create a masking tape to solve this problem. He later created the clear Scotch tape that now resides in every junk drawer in America.

14. Post-it Notes

Another 3M invention. A scientist was singing in his church choir in St.Paul. The tabs of paper he used in his hymnal kept falling out and he wanted a better way to save pages. He went to work that week and created the sticky note. It was years before the product went to market and wasn’t successful at first. No one purchased it because they didn’t know how handy Post-it notes could be. 3M decided to give them away to offices and 90% of the people and businesses that had received the free samples chose to reorder – more than twice the success of any other product they’d given away. Since then, post it notes are one of the top 5 best selling office products around the world.

15. The world’s most popular cereal

Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops and all the other General Mills cereals were created in Minnesota!

16. A few celebrities

Jessica Biel, Prince, Judy Garland, Lindsey Vonn, Chris Pratt and Bob Dylan were all born in Minnesota!

17. The Mississippi River

Visit Lake Itasca in Minnesota to discover the SOURCE, the very beginning, of the Mississippi River. You can leap across on stepping stones or just walk right across the Mighty Mississippi.

18. Paul Bunyan and Babe

The legendary lumberjack hero and his sidekick, Babe, the blue ox. I remember loving those Tall Tales in elementary school that explained how all the lakes formed in the midwest – from the footprints of Paul Bunyan! You’ll find statues of this giant in several places around the state.

19. Spam

Well, I don’t necessarily consider SPAM a GIFT, but many people still do. Especially during WWII when men were thrilled to have this source of protein. You can visit a SPAM museum in Austin, MN.

20. Land O Lakes

You Butter Believe it! Nearly 100 years ago, farmers gathered to start “Land O’ Lakes” … in the land of lakes. It is now the world’s largest producer of butter and cheese.

Interested in learning more about Minnesota Innovations? Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota for Minnovations – beginning June 2019.

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List!

Did your state invent something we should know about? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading! Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post.

May 29, 2019 By Kathryn

6 In Family/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Life through the lens of a 5 year old

It seems like Luke Washington was born 5 minutes ago…but somehow, it’s been five YEARS!

On the night before Luke turned five, he asked if his daddy would be there for his birthday. I reminded Luke that Ted was working in Colorado but couldn’t wait to give him a BIG Hug and Kiss when he got home.

“Dad probably won’t even know me because when I turn five, I’ll be SOOO big!” Luke said enthusiastically. ‘Is it bedtime now? I want to go to sleep so I can be five!’

Luke showing that he is four one final time!

When Luke woke up on the morning of his fifth birthday I asked, “How does it feel to be five?”

“Perfect,” he responded…”PROFESSIONAL.”

Luke and I ran some errands after his brothers left for school. As we passed complete strangers in the store, he asked me why people weren’t wishing him a happy birthday.

“No one knows it’s your birthday unless you tell them,” I answered.

For the rest of the day, he told everyone it was his birthday and was rewarded with endless smiles and birthday greetings.

We joined his brothers at their school for lunch. His brothers and their friends were SO happy to see Luke. Everyone asked for Luke to sit by them and the ENTIRE cafeteria sang Happy Birthday to Luke! He was so embarrassed he climbed under the table. However, he had the BIGGEST smile on his face and loved all the high fives from the ‘big kids!’

After school we invited the neighborhood kids over for cake and games. I honestly wasn’t planning a party for Luke because we had a “family” party last weekend. However, Luke was inviting nearly everyone he knew to come to his house on his birthday for his “party”…apparently he would have a party with or without me…So, I got a cake and the neighbors came!

At bedtime Luke realized that dad was almost home and it triggered his memory of “growing so much dad won’t recognize me.”

“MOM!!! Why haven’t I gotten any bigger today!?”

Luke’s 5th birthday is a little bittersweet. Luke isn’t a baby anymore. I’ll miss those baby snuggles I’ve enjoyed over the last decade! I’ll also miss the hilarious thoughts and questions that come out of the mouths of our little ones.

However, I’m looking forward to the adventures we will take now that he’s a little bit bigger. I also love that I have four boys who put on their own shoes, buckle themselves in the car, and SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!

May 17, 2019 By Kathryn

6 In Minnesota/ Review/ Things to do in Minnesota

Minnesota Must-Haves

My last post included some suggestions to keep you smilin’ all winter. Here are the things to buy to keep you warm all winter!

.1. Hand and foot warmers

If you are going to be outside for more than 30 minutes, hand and foot warmers are amazing! You stick them in your gloves or boots and they keep you warm for hours.

2. Waterproof Boots made specifically for polar temps

I’ve had Croc snow boots for 5 years and they’ve been great…until I moved to Minnesota. The bitter cold soaked right in. I knew I needed to upgrade. I asked around and people recommend Sorel, Land’s End, Bogs, or Columbia boots. I tried on 6 different types of Sorels, and they are WARM, but not comfortable on my feet. I purchased Columbia boots for me and Bogs for my boys. I end up wearing the BOGS most often because they are so easy to slip on and off and are super warm!

3. Cozy cabin and/or Smart Wool socks

Good socks are vitally imporant! My two favorites are Cozy Cabin and Smart wool – both are soft and warm.

4. Moisture wicking Base Layer/Long underwear

Layers!!!! Layers are KEY to keeping warm in frigid temps.

5. A fur-lined trapper hat

This hat was a game changer for me. Keeping my head warm makes winter bearable. The Yukon Tracks Alaskan Taslan Fur Hat is what my boys wear. Size Large fits me (pictured above) and my older boys. Size medium fits my 4 and 7 year old sons. They are less than $30 and worth every penny.

Keeping your head warm makes all the difference.

6. A high quality coat

I’ve worn a North Face coat for more many years and I absolutely love it. I probably wear it nine months out of every year – and even a few nights in the summer. It’s super light-weight, soft and warm.

One of the best things about the coat is how I received it…

I got this coat on my HUSBAND’S BIRTHDAY…as a gift FROM him to ME! Ted knows about much I don’t like to be cold and wanted me to have a really good, really warm coat. He decided that instead of receiving any gifts for himself one year, he would get me this coat. Isn’t that amazing?

7. Scarf/face mask

Beards are a must have for men in the winter, but since that’s not an option for me, I like this neck/face wrap!

8. Vitamin D: the #1 winter vitamin

The days are short and the nights are long…so you may benefit from a Vitamin D boost during the winter!

9. Indoor games

I LOVE that my boys are old enough to play real games. I can still do simple games with Luke (like memory). But Paul, Clark and George can play so many more. We like Guess Who, Uno, Skipbo, Pie Face (Luke plays this one too), Rummikub, Monopoly, and Chess.

George received a sled for Christmas from his Grandma and Papa Chris

10. Outdoor gear

You’ve got to have some items to ENJOY the winter. It might be as simple as purchasing a $5 sled the next time your at the grocery store, or perhaps you invest in ice skates, skis or snowshoes. I found used skates for my boys on the Facebook marketplace and Play It Again Sports. I’d love to own some snow shoes — especially now that the snow is 2-3 feet high.

11. Warm Gloves

You basically need every square inch of your skin covered if you are going to thrive in a Minnesota winter. It’s not easy, or cheap, but it’s worth it! Be sure to have WATER Proof gloves, bonus if they’re rated for 20 below!

Because winter is starting to wind down, now is the time to look for winter gear for next year! Everything you need should be on sale right now!

What do YOU consider a Minnesota Must have? Leave a comment!

If you are interested in reading about how I learned to NOT HATE WINTER, CLICK HERE!

Some of my suggestions are affiliate links.

February 24, 2019 By Kathryn

9 In Minnesota/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Things to do in Minnesota

How to Not HATE Winter!

I’ve hated winter my entire life.

In fact, I’ve never fully enjoyed FALL because I knew that winter was lingering just around the corner.

The day after I graduated high school – my first day of ‘freedom’ – I moved from my home state of Indiana to Florida to avoid winter. I spent five glorious years there – THAWING OUT. I also earned my bachelor’s degree…but mostly just enjoyed the warmth and sunshine.

After college…life kept moving me north…and further north.

When my husband and I talked about moving to Minnesota, I’m not sure if I cried or laughed when I discovered that moving to Minneapolis is NORTH OF Toronto, CANADA! Okay, I cried. I literally cried.

–

I didn’t know much about Minnesota when we moved here, just that it was cold. Really, really cold. Have I mentioned I hate the cold?

But eventually I decided I didn’t want to live in survival mode anymore. Winter isn’t just a season here, it’s a big part of life. And I was tired of dreading it. So little by little, I’ve learned not to hate winter.

To make that mindset shift, I started reading, researching, and asking anyone who would talk to me how to not just survive winter – but actually thrive in it.

It is possible to not hate winter!!

Winter can actually be…dare I say it…DELIGHTFUL!?!?!

–

So …

HOW do you ENJOY winter? Even a really COLD, really LONG winter?

Here is what I’ve learned:

1. DRESS FOR IT!

I realized that I hated being COLD more than I hated winter. If I wear the right things…I can begin to ENJOY winter!

My sister gave me a fur-lined trapper hat and it is heavenly. Thank you Krista!

I went shopping on Amazon and bought a hat for every person in my home. We LOVE them!

It was in Kindergarten that I was taught to wear a hat on cold days, and all these years later…I finally learned that my kindergarten teacher was right.

Even the ornaments know how to dress to be warm in winter.

–

2. ENJOY DOING THINGS THAT CAN ONLY BE DONE IN WINTER!

Go sledding, skiing, ice skating! Make snowmen, snow angels, and snow slushies!

Learn how to do things that you can only enjoy in winter.

When your kids ask to go sledding, say YES and then JOIN THEM. You won’t believe how much fun you’ll have. I know, it takes lots of effort to get everyone bundled up, but it’s worth it! You will feel like a kid again – laughing and enjoying every second. Sledding down and then climbing back up those hills is great exercise and invigorating.

Ice skating and snow skiing are fun winter sports.

Even taking a walk on a cold winter day can be amazing. Just after it snows, put a child on a sled and go for a walk – it’s good for you and great fun for them!

Bonus tip – There are things you DON’T have to do in the winter – yard work! No weeding, no trimming, no mowing!

3. TAKE IN THE BEAUTY!

When the snow falls…everything is pristine and beautiful. The leaves are off the trees and you can explore areas you’ve never seen before.

Winter is not something you need to dread. It can be enjoyable, fun, and something you can actually look forward to!

So who’s with me? Who is going to stop hating winter and instead, find the joy in the season?

Click here to read this post: Minnesota (a.k.a. COLD WEATHER) Must Haves!

What you’ll need to wear to stay warm so that you can truly ENJOY winter!

And if you haven’t already, please consider subscribing!

Click here to find Winter/ Minnesota MUST HAVES!

February 21, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Peek into our Fall, Christmas, & New Year!

(This post was written just after the New Year and it never got posted…so here it is now!)

The weather outside is frightful, but my snowsuit is so delightful!

Oh how I love the (vintage) snow suit from my mother-in-law! It’s the ugliest, warmest, softest thing I’ve ever worn and I’m in love. This thing makes playing in the snow with my kids not only bearable…but fun! Ya’ll need to find yourselves one of these!

Pass the Popcorn

I’ve probably been to the movie theater 5 times in the last decade. However, I now have four boys that will all sit through an entire full-length movie!! We’ve celebrated by spending three cold days this fall/winter viewing THREE different movies – Small Foot, The Grinch, and Ralph Wrecks the Internet. All were cute movies but my favorite was Ralph Wrecks the Internet. Our local theater has $5 tickets on Tuesdays – and free popcorn! What should we see next?

17 years and counting

Ted and I celebrated our Golden Anniversary – 17 years on November 17th! Our tradition each year is to try a new restaurant we’ve never visited before. A friend watched our boys and made cookies with them while Ted and I went to dinner (Thank you Corey!)

Our friends Nadia and Kevin
Lake Tahoe

California Dreamin’

Ted and I spent a long weekend in California. We got to rest, relax, read, eat good food, explore new places, connect with old friends and meet new friends. Thanks to my in-laws for watching our boys so we could get away! Early Christmas with Nana and Papa

George reading to Luke

How did Christmas come and go so quickly?

When I was a child, it seemed Christmas would NEVER come. Now that I’m an adult, it comes and goes WAY too quickly. Every Christmas with our boys is magical. I LOVE experiencing the season through their eyes. I was so sad that Christmas day came and went so quickly. However, the sadness ended quickly when my mom, step-dad, sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews all came for a visit!

My family visits Minnesota for the first time!

We loved having our Indiana family stay with us for a few days after Christams. We made the most of our time together – ice skating, sledding, cooking, eating, laughing, and playing/shopping at Mall of America. We also got to go on a double date (thanks Mom and Chris) and rang in the new year together!

Happy 2019 everyone! May this be your BEST YEAR YET!

February 15, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Peek into our week – Fall is Here!

Fallelujah!!

There’s always a little dread in my heart when Fall arrives. It means I will soon be FUH-REEZING. But this fall I’m living in the moment, LOVING all the GORGEOUS fall colors and enjoying every sip of my pumpkin spice lattes!

Visit to Minneapolis

Our kids got their first trip to the Big City! Ted had to grab something from his office on Saturday, so we all went along. The boys loved exploring the SKYWAYS. Have you heard about the Minneapolis Skyway system? It’s 13 MILES of enclosed walkways. You can live your entire life in Minneapolis and never have to go outside. There are coffee shops, nail salons, restaurants, grocery stores and pharmacies all along the Skyway!

We parked and walked from the Target Center where the Timberwolves play, past a donut shop, to Ted’s office. The boys begged for a donut and we promised them one after lunch. We ate lunch at an amazing place called Roti Modern Mediterranean.

On our way out, we walked past the donut shop again…and it was CLOSED! So, Ted found another place a couple of miles away that was still open – GLAM DOLL DONUTS. The donuts were GLAM! They looked delicious but were quite pricey and did NOT taste as amazing as they looked but, it was fun to check this cute 50s style donut shop!

Backyard Jackpot

Ted was playing in the backyard with the boys and George accidentally kicked his balls into this “nature preserve” space behind our house. He commented that it smelled SO good back there. Ted went to look at what he was talking about and discovered MINT! Lots and lots of MINT!

Computer CRASH

I purchased my Mac about 7 years ago and it’s been VERY well loved…by me AND our four sons. Last week I went to turn it on and the screen was completely black. I made an appt at Apple and hoped they could just push a button or charge me for a new light bulb. But no, they wanted about $600 to fix it. Sooo, I’m currently using Ted’s computer.

It was NO FUN losing my computer like that. They WILL be able to get all my stuff off the old computer (for $100)…but I need to get a new one first.

Birthday party

Our neighbor, Ellie, Clark and George all have birthdays close together so we did a joint party at Lifetime Gym. The kids all loved the Rock Climbing wall and group games.

Next up:

I’m going to a Women’s Conference this weekend where I’ll get see and hear from Lisa Bevere and BOB GOFF!! I’m so excited! I did try calling Bob but it went to his voicemail and his voice mailbox is fulll….so maybe I can meet him and talk to him in real life!

What have you been up to? Leave me a comment by clicking that tiny “comment box” beside the title!

October 12, 2018 By Kathryn

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