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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

1 In 2020/ History/ Minnesota/ Traveling

15 Fun Facts about Minnesota

Before moving to Minnesota, there were only two things I knew about this place:

#1. Long cold winters

#2. Home to Mall of America

Here are some fun facts I’ve learned about Minnesota since moving here!

1. Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 lakes, but there are actually 15,291 lakes in Minnesota- more lakes than any other state in the lower 48.

In order to qualify as a “lake” – a body of water must be 10 acres. So, there are not only over 15 thousand lakes … but COUNTLESS ponds!

2. Minnesota has more shoreline than California, Hawaii and Florida COMBINED!!

3. Minnesota ranks #1 in the US for fishing licenses and boat ownership. (One boat for every 6 residents)

4. Minnesota water flows in three directions – north to Canada, south to the Gulf, east to the Atlantic.

5. Did you ever wonder why the Los Angeles basketball team are the “LAKERS?” Well, they were originally from Minnesota – the land of lakes!

6. The Minnesota Twins Baseball team was the first team to be named after a STATE and not a city.

7. Minnesota was the first state to send troops to fight in the civil war.

Minnesota also had the last surviving member of the Union Army – Henry Woolsen – who died in Duluth at age 106.

Minnesota soldiers of the Civil War reunited at Fort Snelling in June 1902. Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.

8. The Mississippi River starts in Minnesota and runs over 2500 miles down to the Gulf of Mexico.

9. There is only ONE waterfall on the Mississippi River – St. Anthony Falls, located near Minneapolis.

This waterfall was originally used to power several flour mills. From 1880 to about 1930, Minneapolis was known as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Here’s a peek into one former mill, now a museum!

10. Minnesota is #2 in longest life expectancy.

Hawaii is #1.

11. Minnesota has the highest turnout of voters than any other state.

It was also the first state to allow voting at age 18.

12. The state flower is the Lady Slipper. It will die if a petal is plucked from the plant, but left untouched, it will live up to 100 years!!

13. Minnesota has more Bald Eagles than any state in the lower 48.

I see them all the time and they never cease to amaze me. They are beautiful!

14. Minnesota has provided more Olympic and pro hockey players than any other state.

15. Minnesota is a the first state with a “state mushroom” – the Morel.

My son Paul has been ‘morel’ hunting in the woods. It’s a spring tradition among many Minnesota natives. Have you tried one?

Here are 3 ‘not-so-fun’ facts that may keep people OUT of Minnesota:

Minnesota ranks #5 in highest taxes. (No tax on clothes though, thus, Mall of America)
Minnesota’s average winter temperature is colder than Moscow, Russia. Brrr!
Minneapolis is further north than Toronto, Canada (see picture below)

For gifts that Minnesota gave the world, click here!

For tips on how to fit in as a Minnesota Noob, click here!

Want to read my Minnesota Bucket list? Click here!

Want to read more about Minnesota? Check out this book from Amazon or your local libary:

What’s a fun fact about where you live? Leave a comment!

Click here to read: What to do and Where to Go in Duluth, MN!

Click here to read: 20 gifts that Minnesota gave the world!

Thanks for reading, please consider subscribing.

March 10, 2020 By Kathryn

3 In 2020/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Motherhood/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Would you Rather?

Here’s a fun game to get your kids talking! My boys love this game and ask me to play when we are having dinner together or driving.

Because this game needs NO SUPPLIES, you can play during dinner, on a walk, or anytime you want to engage with your kids.

Would you rather….

Be Superman or Batman?

Eat Pizza or Hotdogs?

Ride a roller coaster or a water slide?

Go to Target or Walmart?

Laugh or cry?

Jump high or run fast?

Have summer all year or winter all year?

Be really smart or really funny?

Drive a truck or a sports car?

Go back in time or go to the future?

Be able to fly or be invisible?

Have ONE great friend or 20 pretty good friends?

Be in the Mountains or at the Beach?

Take a ride in a speed boat or helicopter?

Go Skydiving or Swim with Sharks?

Build a Sand Castle or Play in the Waves?

Go Skiing or Ride a bike?

Watch a Movie or Read a Book?

Go Rock climbing or Swimming?

Own a Cat or a Dog?

Write a Story or a Draw picture?

Clean the Bathroom or Vacuum the carpet?

Ice Skate or Roller Skate?

Drink Pop or Water?

Play Inside or Outside?

Take a Shower or Bath?

Take a trip to Australia or Italy?

Go Fishing or Make slime?

Play a Video game or Board game?

Have more time or more money?

VOTE WITH YOUR FEET:

If you’d like to play this game with more than one child, call it: VOTE WITH YOUR FEET! Kids have to vote for which one they’d rather do by WALKING to one side of the room! This gets kids moving and allows them to see that they have something in common with another person.

Click here for lots of game ideas for kids!

Give us another ‘Would You Rather?’ Add a comment below!

Please subscribe!

February 7, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In 2019/ Family/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

We toured the US – without leaving our state!

Minnesota is a beautiful place, but I’d like to see what the rest of the country looks like too! How about you?

With four young boys in tow – we don’t get to see as much of the world as we’d like to. However, at Mall of America, you can see the most beautiful parts of the U.S. when you experience FlyOver America.

Our family of six visited this attraction during Christmas vacation and we LOVED it! It was an incredibly unique way for all of us to see parts of our great country that we have not seen before.

Each picture on this wall is a location that you fly over during your ride!

It’s a 4D/Virtual reality ride that makes you feel like your soaring through the open air (yet seated) with a giant screen and 180 degree views! The seats move up and down and sway to the side.

When you fly over the pine trees, you feel the wind in your face and SMELL PINE!

When you fly over the ocean towards Hawaii – you get spritzed with WATER!

During the holiday season, your trip also takes you to the North Pole. If you have children, visiting in November and December will be extra fun because there are “elves” that pop up throughout your travels. My boys got excited when they’d spot an elf. If the adventure wasn’t entertaining enough, adding silly elves certainly keeps kids engaged!

Here’s what I heard from my boys as we walked out of the FlyOver attraction:

George, Age 12: It was really cool! It gave me good memories.

Clark, Age 10: That was so good! I liked the blowing wind, smelling stuff, and splashes of water.

Paul, Age 8: I liked finding the elves and seeing them do funny things.

Luke, Age 5: That was SO fun! Can we do it again?!

And Ted, parent: Better than I expected.

Tickets are $19.99 for adults and $15.99 for children (12 and under). Discounts can be found online.

It’s absolutely worth a visit and will delight EVERY age group. You must be 40 inches to ride (which is about 4 years old).

For insight into the Best Day to Go to Mall of America with kids – click here.

For a peek into the Crayola Experience, click here.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for a future post that will include 30 things to do at Mall Of America besides SHOP! Subscribe so you don’t miss that one!

January 12, 2020 By Kathryn

2 In Finding our place/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

10 things to do in Lakeville, Minnesota

When we decided to move to Minnesota, we had NO IDEA where to plant our roots. There are hundreds of towns within a 30 mile radius of Minneapolis and we checked out MOST of them. Nearly every person we asked would tell us why their city was the BEST one in Minnesota. That made our decision extremely difficult, but we finally settled in Lakeville …and we LOVE it here!

Did you know that Lakeville was rated one of the best places to live according to Money Magazine?

I’ve explored this city and have ten reasons for YOU to come visit.

1. Lakeville is known for their excellent sports programs. Visit Lakeville NORTH High School and… Lakeville SOUTH High School to cheer on our young athletes!

2. Eat at one of the many fabulous restaurants!

3. Get ice cream at the historic Dairy Delight, fill your own cup at Cherry Berry, or try delicious waffles and ice cream at the Waffle Bar!

4. Have an Ax-throwing competition – https://battleaxed.com

5. Hike and explore at Ritter Farm or Murphy-Hanrehan Park

6. Watch a live show at the Lakeville Arts Center

7. Go Fishing at one of the many lakes around town: Lake Marion or Orchard Lake

8. Explore the historic buildings and quaint shops along Main Street in Downtown Lakeville.

9. Play at one of the incredible parks for kids!

10. Enjoy the beach and swim at Antlers Park or Orchard Lake

Other things you won’t want to miss:

Applewood Farm/Orchard in the Fall

Skiing at Buck Hill in the winter

(Buck hill is on the border of Lakeville and Burnsville)

Lifetime Gym – We are spoiled with a REALLY nice Lifetime Gym in Lakeville! Not only is it a great place to exercise, but we also love the Rock Climbing area (included with membership), Parents Night out (included with Membership!) and Swimming (awesome outdoor and indoor pools with waterslides)!

Consider subscribing so you don’t miss a post!

Click here to read How to fit in as a Minnesota Newbie

Click here to read: How I learned to not HATE winter!

Click here to read about The Mill City Museum in Minneapolis.

Click here for our Minnesota Bucket List!

Click here to read Gifts that Minnesota Gave the World

October 13, 2019 By Kathryn

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

Peek into our Beach Week

To celebrate her birthday, my sister Haili rented a house in Florida and asked if we’d come to celebrate with her!

Um…YEAH!

In June, I was in Florida for my cousin’s wedding. It was the first time I’d been back there in TWELVE years – George was in my tummy! As I was sitting on the beach in June, I imagined how much fun my boys would have if they could visit this beautiful place. I could see them splashing in the waves, laughing, playing, and making forever memories. I said a little prayer that we’d somehow, sometime soon, have an opportunity to bring them back here.

And three months later….my prayer was answered!

We arrived at the Panama City airport Tuesday night, but my checked bag was not so lucky. American Airlines said it wouldn’t be delivered until the next night. The bag contained ALL of our swim stuff. For our FIRST EVER family beach day, my boys didn’t have their swim trunks and I didn’t have a swimsuit. We also didn’t have sunblock, our beach towels, or life jackets.

Thankfully, boys were able to swim in their regular shorts, and Haili let me borrow a swimsuit and her beach supplies. (Thank you Haili!)

Playing with the skim board
Super cute suit that Haili let me borrow!
First splash
First glimpse at the ocean

I had never been to the northwest part of Florida, and was surprised how beautiful it was – especially Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and the entire 30A area.

Cutest little coffee shop on Alys Beach

As we walked out to the beach on our first morning in Florida, my boys could not believe how BIG the ocean was. They’d never seen a body of water that went as far as the eye could see. They ran immediately to splash in the waves – and were surprised that it was SALTWATER. (I forgot to mention that).

What a JOY it was to watch my dream and prayer come true – the kids were laughing, playing, splashing and having SO MUCH fun. I got to catch up with my sister, and step-mom…the boys had so much fun playing with their cousins…it was perfect.

Clark and his cousin Elle

I love how the 11 of us could spend hours at the beach and never get bored.

Each afternoon, we’d come in for lunch. The little kids would rest, and a few of us would take a walk. We loved discovering the unique wildlife and plant life in Florida.

Elle and Henry
On a nature walk

Each evening, we’d all go back to the beach to play and watch the sunset.

We ate most meals at home, but one night we went out and had a fabulous dinner at a placed called “George’s” to celebrate Haili’s 40th birthday.

As we were going to bed on our last night, I received a text that our flight the next morning had been canceled. We called American Airlines and were on hold for TWO solid hours, then on with an agent for another hour as she figured out how to get us home – the only option was staying another 24 hours.

Screen shot of my 3 hour+ phone call
Obviously disappointed to stay another day in Florida
Luke and Paul

My sister and step-mom’s Delta flight was NOT canceled, and they flew home. So, Ted and I, and our boys, found a great price at a Hampton Inn, directly on Panama City Beach, and spent our last day there. It was a sweet way to end the trip — bonding with my boys on the beach!

Panama City Beach

I asked everyone what they loved and will remember most about this trip. Here are their answers:

George said, “Seeing the ocean for the first time. Also, cousins and big waves!”

George and mom
George and dad

Clark LOVED playing on the skimboard and pushing/pulling his brothers and cousins on it. Clark said his favorite parts of the trip were, “Cousins and water!”

Paul spent nearly the entire time looking for creatures – he found fish, lizards, crabs and jellyfish. Paul told me his favorite part of Florida was “catching stuff!”

Luke enjoyed building sand castles and playing in the waves. Luke told me his favorite part of Florida was playing with his cousins and being in the water.

Luke built this “castle” and stuck a feather in the top

Ted loved being with family, playing with the kids on the beach, and crab hunting.

I loved being with family – eating meals together, taking walks, playing in the ocean together, and the gorgeous sunsets every night made the perfect end to each day.

Our last dinner together in Panama City – Diego’s burritos

I’m fascinated at how God creates a beautifully unique sky every. single. night. The gifts He gives in nature are phenomenal. They are SO un-necessary, and often un-appreciated, but breathtaking and spectacular. I’d be sitting on the beach watching the sunset and wondering why every person in Florida wasn’t sitting with me. It’s one of the most magnificent sights I’ve ever seen.

Ted
Luke

I’m SOOOO incredibly grateful for Haili renting the house and inviting us to come. I’m grateful that Ted took time off work so that we could take this trip together. I’m grateful for answered prayer. I’m grateful for the beauty in Florida and for time with family!

Cutest little coffee shop on Alys Beach
Thanks to my sister Haili for making this trip a reality

Visit my instagram page and click “Florida 2019” to see additional pictures and videos from our vacation!

September 30, 2019 By Kathryn

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

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Memories/ Moving/ My Journey/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

My Volunteer Vacation

One year ago, New Life Church was hosting an amazing children’s/family ministry conference called The Gathering. It was during this conference that my husband accepted a job with Target, which meant we’d be moving to Minnesota.

I love Colorado, and I also loved working with this team at New Life. I was struggling with the idea that this chapter would be ending soon.

On the last night of the conference (last year), each person who helped lead the conference was given a box of cereal from Dr. Michelle Anthony – my (former) boss and Family Ministry Pastor. She gave me a box of S’mores and told me that she would like S’more of me. It took everything in me not to burst into tears right then. Just a couple days later, I’d be sharing the news that we’d be moving and she’d be getting S’less, not S’more.

I went home from the conference and shared how I was feeling with Ted. He encouraged me to come back to the conference in 2019 and volunteer.

So this year, I went to Colorado for a Volunteer Vacation! I came to assist, learn, and connect with my New Life friends!

When I first arrived in Colorado Springs – tears filled my eyes. This city has such a special place in my heart, and I was so happy to be back.

The morning of the conference, I drove over to New Life Church with my friend Holly, and helped with the last minute details. All morning I was greeted with love and hugs from friendly faces. It was pure joy.

Because my kids weren’t with me, I got to focus my whole week helping wherever needed … AND catching up with SO many dear people. I loved every minute of it.

In a season of all things new, spending several days in a place that holds so much familiarity & treasured relationships, felt like a well-timed gift.

Though I didn’t sleep much, I came home from my Volunteer Vacation refreshed and full.

If you have some vacation time coming up and aren’t sure what to do – consider a “Volunteer Vacation!” Take the opportunity to go somewhere and help with something. Every non-profit organizations can use an extra set of hands. And when you make time to bless someone or something, you always get blessed in return!

Here is an (affiliate) link to a book filled with ideas on short term adventures that will benefit you and others!

July 9, 2019 By Kathryn

5 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

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