Peek into our Week Archives - Page 3 of 7

0 In 2020/ Christmas/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Peek into our Christmas week

Christmas Eve:

It was a cold day with LOTS of snow. All four boys shoveled two of our neighbors driveways.

We played with our dog, completed a Christmas puzzle, then watched White Christmas (one of my FAVORITE Christmas movies).

Luke and Paul were excited to go to bed that night because they could hardly wait for it to be Christmas morning!

After the two littles fell asleep, George and Clark helped me put presents under the tree, then George created a scavenger hunt from the “elves.”

Clark set up some games around the house for everyone to play on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day:

Scavenger hunt for the littles:

George created a scavenger hunt from our ‘elves.’ He wrote a clue, that led to another clue, that led to another … all around our house. The final clue led to a gift from “Santa.” The gift was a game called “Ticket to Ride.” I’d read good reviews of this game so I thought my boys would like it.

I made the mistake of trying to play it with them right away, without having ever played before. I didn’t realize how many details were involved. I tried to read the instructions and play at the same time. This was a FAIL! I didn’t understand how to play, let alone how to teach all four boys what to do. We all got frustrated and quit.

Afterwards, I watched a YouTube video on how to play. I finally understood and asked my boys if they wanted to try again. The boys said no, they just wanted to open their other presents.

Opening presents:

Our big Christmas gift to the boys was a dog (Read that story here) …but other family members had gifts for them to open Christmas morning.

I filled their stockings with some fun treats, hid the stockings in my closet, tied a long string around them, and wrapped that string all around the house. I gave the boys the end of the string, and they had to follow it to find their stockings.

The boys also did a “Secret Santa” gift exchange with each other. After Thanksgiving, I put the names of the boys in a bowl and they each drew a name. They have a $15 budget and get to pick out a gift for each other.

Luke drew George’s name and got him a puzzle (see below).
Paul drew Clark’s name and bought him football cards.
Clark drew Luke’s name and got him a remote control car.
George drew Paul and bought him some Pokemon cards.

Christmas Day Scavenger Hunt for the Parents:

As a Christmas gift for me and Ted, Clark created a super fun obstacle course for us to complete. We had targets to hit with a nerf gun, matchbox cars that had to get past a certain line, a box to tear open to find a clue and a quarter, basketballs to get in the net, then a word to complete in a “Wheel of Fortune” type game. When we completed all our ‘challenges,’ we had to race to put our “quarter” on the winning circle to win a prize (see picture above). I won “Wheel of Fortune” and the matchbox car game, but Ted is way better with a nerf gun and basketball. He won and got a big chocolate bar. I was second and Clark gave me chocolate coins.

Christmas Day Walk:

It was COLD outside (7 degrees), but Ted encouraged us to bundle up and get outside with him, and I’m glad we did!

Christmas Dinner:

Steak, Brussel Sprouts, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus and …. French Fries. (I forgot to take a picture)

We Watched:

A Christmas Story – Ted and George love this movie. Since they watch “White Christmas” with me, I watch this movie with them.

We read:

The Christmas Lizard: this is a cute story of the Lizard climbing up the tree and hearing the different reasons Christmas is celebrated. The Nutcracker says “tradition,” the elves say “parties,” etc. When he gets to the very top of the tree he finds the Angel and the angel points to the manger and tells the lizard that the reason we celebrate Christmas is Jesus.

We played:

What do you Meme? … Uno and…

After Luke and Paul went to bed, I was able to talk George into giving Ticket to Ride another try. We both really enjoyed playing! I would only recommend it for ages 10 and up!

The Day After Christmas:

Luke got George’s name as his “Secret Santa” gift exchange. I helped him create a puzzle as a gift for George.

We put it together and it turned out so cool!

We also went ice skating with friends.

One friend lifted his hockey stick to hit a puck, and accidentally smacked Clark in the eye. It hurt bad at first (and looks really bad), but Clark was playing again in ten minutes.

We took another walk and had a snowball fight:

My boys received this “snowball maker” toy last year – it makes these perfect, round snowballs and saves your hands from freezing or your gloves from getting soaked:

Hope you had a Merry Christmas friends! Sending love from our family to yours!

Here’s a peek into our fall and winter. I love how my iPhone can take pictures and videos and turn them into this:

December 28, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Family/ Memories/ Peek into our Week/ Traveling

Peek into our Thanksgiving week in Oklahoma

Because of this unique year, we feel incredibly blessed to have spent a week with our Oklahoma family.

Here are some highlights:

One of the blessings of this season is that we are exploring more outdoor spaces. Of all the years I’ve lived in and visited Oklahoma, I’d never been to the Redbud Nature Preserve. My sister and her family invited us to join them here for a hike and we absolutely loved it!

The Gathering Place

This is a phenomenal outdoor park in Tulsa. (Click on this link to look at this place!) The big boys played football with Ted, while I explored the play structures with Luke.

Thanksgiving Day

What’s your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving? My favorite dish on Thanksgiving is the mashed potatoes and gravy – I’ve loved that dish my whole life. It might be my favorite because I only eat it once a year – on Thanksgiving!

My mother-in-law made turkey, ham, and the most delicious mashed potatoes and gravy. I made green beans, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin and pecan pie.

I forgot to add the sugar to the pumpkin pie recipe so I just sprinkled some on top before I baked it. It was a ‘healthier’ version and not super sweet, but still tasted good. This might be the way I make it from now on?

Fishing adventures

Papa and Ted took the boys fishing and they each caught a big one!

We celebrated Paul’s 9th birthday with cousins and cupcakes!

Paul wanted a real animal – but he had to settle for a stuffed one. We had cupcakes with cousins, then went on a hike and found an abandoned hive.

Thanks for reading! Whether you stayed home or celebrated with family, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too. In spite of this challenging year, we all have so much to be thankful for!

December 7, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Family/ Peek into our Week

Peek into our Week

Halloween 2020

There were about 30% of our neighbors with lights out, not participating.
About 20% of neighbors had a bowl or baggies setting out.
The remaining 50% passed out candy as usual.
100% of kids had FUN and collected way too much candy.

Basketball Begins

Paul played his first ever game of basketball!
He made FOUR baskets.
Eight points for his team.
The final score was 18 to 13 and it was SO fun to watch them play.

Pumpkin Pancake Contest

I made two different kinds to see which was better.
The Trader Joe’s brand was more work but tasted better.
The Birchbenders only required water, and were easier to make, but I didn’t think they were as good.
My kids loved them both!

The Tale of Two Georges

George and I finished reading this ‘George Washington’ biography together and now George wishes his middle name was Washington. We have so much admiration and respect for our first president. He was a true patriot who worked tirelessly to create, protect, and lead the United States of America.
Did you know George Washington decided the leader of our country should be called “The President of the United States?” (or “Mr. President” for short)

It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas

We put up our Christmas tree and hung lights outside.
The Christmas tree and lights bring us JOY and we need more JOY this year!

Back to the Classroom

All four boys are in school now (two days a week).
While they were in school, I worked on earning my Minnesota teaching license and applied to be a substitute teacher in their schools.
My first day was teaching 7th grade language arts and I LOVED getting to teach George and lots of his friends.
I was a little nervous about teaching middle school, but the kids were TRULY “Minnesota nice” and I can’t wait to do it again.

What have you. been up to? Leave a comment!

November 11, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Peek into our Week (Fall 2020)

Here’s what we’ve been up to in September and October:

My boys and a couple of their friends at a local apple orchard.

Luke wakes up and waits at the steps for me to see him, say good morning and give him a hug. I haven’t asked him to wait…it’s just become a tradition.

The boys are in school two days a week, and do school at home three days a week.

Luke in Soccer
Paul in Soccer
Clark in football

This was our first season of FOUR boys in sports! Luke, Paul, and George were in soccer. Clark was in football.

Paul and his friend caught Pike!

Then…it started snowing….

The wonder of snow!
Catching snowflakes

And didn’t stop snowing…

Here the boys are selling hot chocolate to neighbors.

All the snow means SNOW SLUSHEES!

Life Hack: Buy a sweatshirt that makes you look and feel like a teddy bear to get more cuddles!

Rain or shine (or snow) – Paul is ready to fish!

Amazon had a sale on animal crackers. They inspired me to make my favorite childhood treat for my kids – Circus Sundaes! Vanilla Ice Cream, strawberry syrup, animal crackers and whip cream.

Paul asked if he could sleep by Luke. When I checked on them, I found this!

We’ve also made a trip to the Arboretum – read about that by clicking here.

And a trip to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden – click here to read about that!

October 27, 2020 By Kathryn

2 In 2020/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Exploring Minnesota: Eloise Butler Garden

Last Saturday was a beautiful fall day, so we decided to explore a new spot in the Twin Cities – the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Founded in 1907, the Wildflower Garden is the oldest public native plant garden in the United States!

There is no charge to explore and hike, but there is a minimal parking fee.

Most days the park is staffed by naturalists and volunteers who are happy to tell you what’s blooming, where to explore, and to answer other questions you may have about birds or flowers.

There were ‘scavenger hunt’ sheets available for kids at the entryway, and my boys loved being on a ‘hunt!’

Once inside, there’s a marked out “trail” for you to walk. I was grateful for this because I have a tendency to get lost if I’m allowed to wander aimlessly. The marked trail is less than a mile and even our youngest son walked all the way through without complaint. (There is also a longer trail for you to explore, but we took the short cut.)

There were so many things to enjoy – different trees, small animals, lots of birds and so many plants. The signs throughout the gardens teach you about the various wildlife.

Eloise Butler Garden and Bird Sanctuary is beautiful and I look forward to exploring it in the spring when the flowers are blooming!

It’s open April though October – but click here for more information on this spot!

The Walker Sculpture Garden is close by, so I recommend you visit that place next.

If you want to read about another beautiful place to explore, read this post about the Minnesota Arboretum.

Click here for my Minnesota Bucket list.

October 24, 2020 By Kathryn

5 In 2020/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week

The Magnificent Minnesota Arboretum

Since the world seems to be enveloped in ugly unrest, we could all benefit from getting outside and surrounding ourselves in nature. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the PERFECT place to go. The Arboretum is made up of 1,200 acres of natural beauty, professionally-maintained gardens, rare plant collections, and accessible trails.

When I told my boys that we were going to the Arboretum, they weren’t as excited as I was, especially since the most kid-friendly parts of the park (the hedge maze and the giant willow tree fort) are closed due to Covid. So how did I get them excited about going? I came up with a contest…

Whoever could take the most beautiful picture would win one dollar.

My competitive boys were all in!

When we arrived, I was thrilled to see that there is a paved, 3-mile loop around the Arboretum, with parking spaces every half mile or so. We drove the loop, and when the boys or I would spot something we wanted to see up close, we’d park and get out to explore.

The fact that my boys were on a hunt for something pretty and unique, made this visit so much fun! They were pointing out and capturing the most fascinating things! (See pictures below)

I appreciate that the Arboretum has something special in every season. Currently, the fall colors are in full bloom and they are breathtaking (our pictures don’t even do it justice). If you come in the winter, you can enjoy the light display. The spring and summer are full of floral beauty.

Below are a few of my favorite photos.

We let the neighbor kids vote on who should win the photo contest. Read the captions in each picture to find out which kid won. Leave a comment to tell us which picture YOU think is the best.

Pictures I captured:

Clark enjoying the view from the slanted tree — Clark enjoying the view while he rests on this slanted tree.

My boys thought the Flintstones vehicle was pretty cool!

Luke was intrigued by this stone harp in the Sculpture Garden

A fort made of willow tree branches — My boys wanted to play in this amazing fort made of willow tree branches. It’s currently closed due to COVID.

Clark and two friends under a beautiful Gingko tree

Paul was on the hunt for flowers – he found some! Unfortunately, the lighting in this picture isn’t ideal.

Pictures by Clark, my 11 year old:

The boys spotted this wasp nest and asked me to stop.

Clark asked me to stop the car so he could take this picture –
and it’s the one that WON the contest!

Pictures by Paul, age 8:

Mushrooms

I love the reflections in the water (This is my vote for best picture)

Paul pointed out this amazing curved tree

Paul was on the hunt for flowers and found some!

Pictures taken by Luke, age 6:

Since I asked him to smile for a picture, he asked me to smile for one too!

This ‘contest’ made me realize what good photographers my boys are! I’m especially intrigued by Paul’s pictures.

This is one of 25 Minnesota “bucket list”…click here to read the other 24!

Interested in other Minnesota adventures?

Click here for 10 Things to do in Lakeville, MN
Here’s a peek into the Mill City Museum

Which is YOUR favorite picture of all the ones I’ve posted above? Leave a comment and let us know!

October 8, 2020 By Kathryn

3 In 2020/ Family/ Food/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Review/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

A Perfect Weekend in Duluth

It was Ted’s Birthday weekend and we wanted to get out of the Twin Cities and do something fun. A visit to Duluth had been on our Minnesota Bucket List for two years – so we booked a place to stay and invited some friends to join us for the weekend up north. (Bonus, our friends used to LIVE THERE – so they knew all the best spots to visit!!)

We arrived in Duluth on Friday around noon and started the weekend in Canal Park. We walked through a few of the quaint shops and got to the end to see the massive lift bridge. Every 30 minutes, the bridge lifts to let boats come into the Harbour from Lake Superior. You can click here to find the ship schedule.

We ate lunch at Grandma’s Restaurant because:

People recommended it and
It’s next to the lift bridge

Notes on Grandma's Restaurant: I didn't love the indoor 'vibe' of this restaurant, but getting a seat by a window or on the upstairs patio makes it nice! The food was pretty good, but not amazing. The reason to go here - LOCATION! I'd only go back if I had an outdoor table that overlooks the bridge.

After lunch we ordered ice cream to share from an old caboose that is now an ice cream shop.

Then we walked to the lighthouse at the end of the loooong pier. My boys were amazed that Superior is really a lake and not an ocean.

We walked back to our hotel to check in, then watched the trucks and tractors working behind the hotel – setting huge boulders in place and creating a large walkway along the lake. Each semi could only hold three boulders. After we watched them work for awhile, we drove to Park Point Beach, which is about an eight minute drive from Canal Park. The drive takes you across the lift bridge – which was fun, and the drive to the beach is nice because you get to enjoy viewing a wide range of homes along the lakefront.

Hanging out behind the hotel, watching the trucks at work

When we arrived at Park Point Beach, we stood to observe the powerful lake and unique beach – full of soft sand and huge, heavy logs that had washed onto the shore. The lake is always VERY cold and since it was late in the day, we weren’t planning to swim. However, the chilly air, the cold water, and lack of swimsuits, did not stop the kids. They were playing in the waves within minutes of our arrival.

They watched the water for about 2 minutes…

After time at Park Point, we went back to the hotel to dry off and change, then walked to dinner at Canal Street Brewery. The restaurant has a great vibe, and huge windows overlooking the lake. Ted ordered a salmon salad and I had a grilled chicken sandwich with brie and asparagus. The boys ate burgers. We all enjoyed our meals and would definitely go back.

After dinner, we let the kids swim in the hotel pool, then we enjoyed s’mores on the hotel’s back patio.

We’d been watching the weather for several days preceding our trip, and the forecast showed rain and lightning all weekend. Clark asked if we could pray and ask God for nice weather so that we could explore outdoors. Thankfully, Friday was nice! It was warm during the day and just a little chilly at night. After getting into bed Friday night, it rained and thundered all night – but the storms were over by morning! Saturday’s weather was perfect for exploring.

We started the day with breakfast in the hotel, then drove about 45 minutes north along Lake Superior to Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Gooseberry Falls was SPECTACULAR!

It was one of the most amazing ‘playgrounds’ we’ve ever explored. There are so many trails to hike, but we spent hours just playing in the water.

Gooseberry Falls Tips:

Wear water shoes! (See recommendations below) The falls are wet and rocky and you’ll want to get in the water and explore. Click here to see a great pair I found for my husband for only $15.
Wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
There are two large parking lots – if one is full, there is one just beside it. Both were nearly full when we left, but it didn’t feel overly crowded because the State Park is SO large!
If you are bringing children, I recommend following the trail to the LOWER FALLS. We started at the UPPER falls and found it was DANGEROUS for young, curious children. Our kids wanted to get really close to the edge of the falls, and could have easily fallen over. There is nothing to stop them. In fact, the day we were there, two children fell over the falls and had to be life flighted out. At the time of this post, all I know is that they are injured, but still alive.
Pack some snacks and a water bottle – All the hiking and water play will make you hungry!
20-30 minutes before you leave, call to make a reservation at the world famous Betty’s Pies. We tried to eat there, but there was too long of a wait. They told us we could call in advance to save our place in line.

We happened to see a sign that said Grand Superior Grille as we were leaving the falls, and stopped here for lunch. The restaurant has sweeping views of the lake, and a well-priced menu. We practically had the place to ourselves and couldn’t believe more people weren’t there. The food and environment were fantastic. George said this was his favorite restaurant we went to all weekend because of the nice environment and good food.

Behind the restaurant is a phenomenal rocky coast.

Next, we drove to Brighton Beach but only stayed for a few minutes because it was way too packed. As an alternative, we went to Lester Park. It’s not a beach, but has trails to hike, a playground, and the best part – a beautiful creek to play in. The kids absolutely loved it and could have stayed and played in the creek for HOURS!

Lester Park Tips:

For a calm place to play, use the creek to the left of the playground.
The first creek you see (close to the parking lot) is usually filled with teenagers. Walking a little farther in, is a much better place for kids to explore.

We talked them into leaving by promising ice cream. I was hoping to go to the historic Portland’s Malt Shop, but we drove by and saw a super long line, so we went back to our hotel and walked to Dairy Queen. While we ate our ice cream, we walked back to the Lift Bridge. The boys enjoyed chasing pigeons and sea gulls, and climbing on the rocks along the coast.

For dinner we ordered pizzas and salads from Vitta Pizza.

Notes on Vitta: Their food is fantastic! I shared an amazing salad with Ted and a couple different pizzas (both SO good). The kids loved the pizza too! I sat inside the restaurant while waiting for our food, and wouldn't recommend eating inside.  It's crowded and the seats are uncomfortable. However, the food is perfect for take out.  (Rating 5/5)

While the dads took the kids swimming, my friend Mary and I got to enjoy a little quiet time to catch our breath and chat. After dinner, the mamas took the kiddos to bed, and Ted went out with Mary’s husband to rent electric scooters and enjoy some guy time.

The weather was amazing ALL day and I’m so thankful! We got to pack in SO much fun!

Sunday morning we went to a quaint coffee shop called Perk Place. I had the most delicious latte called ‘Honey Bear.’ It’s made with a little cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. We drove around the Congdon area to see some of the historic, ornate mansions. We also drove through the downtown area and saw the famous Duluth Trading Company.

Did you know that Duluth once had most millionaires per capita than any other US city? People gained their wealth from the Iron Mining and logging industry.

Our next stop was the GORGEOUS Enger Park. This park has:

A Japanese Garden with a large bell you can ring,
Many paths to explore and rocks to climb
An incredible view of Duluth, the harbor, lift bridge and Lake Superior
A tower with nearly 100 steps and about 5 levels. There are 360 degree views on each level

After exploring the park, we headed home with happy hearts. It was an incredible weekend, full of fun adventures with good friends.

I’m thrilled that I finally got to see Duluth. There is so much history and beauty in that city – hills and large rocks, cool buildings and restaurants, falls and creeks, and of course, Lake Superior.

Here are a few things we missed this trip, but hope to see and do during our next visit:

Where to go:

Rose garden – Beautiful and overlooks Lake Superior
Glensheen mansion – explore inside and outside, located on Lake Superior
Lake Superior Maritime visitor center – Looked really cool and is FREE, but currently closed for Covid. It’s located next to the Lift Bridge.
Congdon Park – trails, streams, and falls to explore and play in!
Downtown Duluth – Walk around, see the historic buildings, and stop into the Duluth Trading Company
Split Rock Lighthouse – about an hour north of Duluth
Jay Cooke state park – about 20 minutes west of Duluth, try the swing bridge!
Ride the Alpine slide at Spirit Mountain
Duluth Aquarium
Duluth Zoo
Take a boat or train ride

Where to Eat:

Portland’s Malt Shop – open April – October. Once a gas station. Really quaint, but the line might be long!
JJ Astor – at the top of the Radisson – a rotating restaurant so you can see all of Duluth!
Duluth Grill – fresh, local, organic
Va Bene Caffe
Northern Waters Smoke Haus – has great reviews
Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe – farm to fork
Oink Moo Cluck Smokehouse – good reviews!

Did I miss something? Leave a comment and let me know your Duluth favorites!

I had a hard time finding water shoes in a store before we left, but I found these cool ones online for a great price!

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List!

Click here to read: 20 gifts that Minnesota Gave the World!

Click here to read 15 fun facts about Minnesota!

August 10, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Family/ Memories/ Peek into our Week/ Traveling

Indiana lake life is the #bestlife

I’m a small town, Indiana girl – and though I was happy to leave my little town just after graduating from high school, I love going home to visit.

The best time to go back home is around the 4^thof July. Boats are in the water, friends and family are gathered, and sweet corn is served at every meal.

The boys are blessed with cousins who live on a lake and share all their lake toys with them, and grandparents who live next door who share all their land toys with them – and lots of family nearby to share all their love with them!

George driving a boat
Luke learning to drive the Boston Whaler
Papa’s four wheeler
Papa’s Ranger

Highlights for the kids:

Tubing

Smores

Swimming and gathering treasures from the bottom of the lake.

They found a glove on the bottom of the lake that Kate had lost when ice skating over the winter!

A trip to Shipshewana, Indiana with Grandma

She takes them to get the world’s best donuts at Rise and Roll, to get candy, ride the Carousel, and a Soft pretzel at Davis Mercantile

Riding the wave runner

My nephew Jack asked me to take him out. I let him drive, not realizing that he is a CRAZY fast driver. Within minutes, he threw me off the back – I thought I was going to lose my arm, but thankfully I only lost my sunglasses. After the ride with Jack – I’m retiring from the wave runner.

I bought replacements sunglasses for $1. And George asked for some too!

Highlights for me:

Annual Date Night on the lake with Ted, my sister, and brother-in-law.

We do a “progressive dinner” on the boat – stopping at one restaurant for an appetizer, then another for dinner … watching the sunset in between.

Sisters

Time with family and friends

Look at Luke’s smile (Jon is holding him in the back). Luke was so excited to see Jon. The last time he saw him was on The Voice. Luke said: You’re my cousin and you’re real?!?

Click here to read about Jon Mullins on The Voice.

Cousins

Highlight for all of us:

Fourth of July on the lake

Here’s a video my son, George, filmed and edited of our trip:

What’s your favorite summertime destination? Leave me a comment!

July 11, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

A peek into our week(s) June 2020

First hair cuts since quarantine

Why do hair cuts make them grow up so fast?

Luke
Paul
Clark
George

Ted took George and Clark to help clean up our city.

I participated in my first ‘peace walk’ – “Moms March for Peace.”

I was invited by my friend Lourdmy – both of us are moms raising four sons. She is black, I am white. She asked if I wanted to join her for this peace march. I was happy to walk with her, to listen and to learn. It was an emotional and beautiful event.

Lots of time outside …

On the water and in the water
Fishing – I watched Luke catch a fish for the first time!
Hiking and Picnicking
Swimming, Sprinklers, and Slip in Slides

Luke
Paul
Paul, Luke and their friend
Luke and a friend
The boys fishing with neighbors

Paul and a friend canoeing
Can you spot me and Clark on the paddle boat?

Luke loves his new tank from Target
Swimming at Orchard Lake

It’s been HOT in Minnesota. You’d think that since we have such COLD winters, we should be rewarded with not so hot summers. Nope. Not this June. It’s been HOT and HUMID with endless amounts of mosquitoes.

However, everything is BLOOMING and BEAUTIFUL! There is NEW life everywhere – flowers, baby ducks, toads and turtles.

Luke holding a baby turtle
Paul holding a tiny toad
Hiking and picnicking at Ritter Farm
Watching a turtle build a nest and lay eggs
Lilacs – heavenly!

Father’s day with our real life super hero!

What have YOU been up to? Leave a comment!

June 25, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Family/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week

It’s my Birthday! Let’s Eat Cake…

Thank you Minnesota, for recognizing that June 10 is my birthday, and choosing to open all gyms, restaurants and pools. I’m honored!!

My day started at the gym. (Exercise prevents cake-eating guilt.) Next, I stopped by Starbucks for my favorite FREE birthday drink – Iced Cloud Caramel Macchiato.

Then I stopped by Caribou for my FREE birthday breakfast sandwich.

I came home and the boys were up and gave me hugs and wished me happy birthday.

I made them banana bread and we did a puzzle together.

Ted went to Target and I asked him what he was getting.

Ted: Well, I was buying you flowers. It was supposed to be a surprise, but since you’re asking – what kind would you like?

Me: I’d prefer a plant over a bouquet, it lasts longer.

George: Dad, just get her seeds – those last the longest!

——–

Ted brought home a cake, and after lunch the boys sang to me, and we had CAKE! I opened a couple of cards I’d received in the mail, plus a gift from my mom and mother-in-law. The boys gave me handmade cards. The card from Clark was the start of a scavenger hunt. He gave me one clue, that led to another clue, that led me all over the house. The last clue was to “go to the room where you sleep.” I opened my bedroom door and all the boys jumped out and yelled:

Surprise!! Happy Birthday!!

Oh … so …. sweet. The best gifts are the ones you can’t buy.

After lunch, Ted offered to let me sneak away to get a pedicure.

That evening, a super kind friend came to watch our boys so that Ted and I could go to dinner – our first time inside a restaurant in MONTHS!

We had a delicious dinner at COV – a beautiful restaurant right on Lake Minnetonka. We shared the best CRAB CAKE I’ve ever eaten… also salmon, sushi, brussel sprouts and then more CAKE! YUM!

After dinner, I took a walk with my boys and ended the night watching a few minutes of The Greatest Showman (we love this movie).

Thanks for birthday wishes. I felt LOVED and extravagantly blessed.