Minneapolis Weekend No. 1

We just got back from a most amazing weekend in Minneapolis. Cole is doing so great there so I'm very happy. But I've got to say, I do miss the days of being able to drive down for the day to see a soccer game. Oh well. At least we get to stream them live. Anyhow, we told Cole when we would be arriving, but he and Zoe, who was also visiting, were out and about, so Brian and I wandered around his neighborhood a bit -- and got the paper airplane tattoos we have been wanting for awhile (our Hudson tattoos). So that worked. That night, the four of us walked to Quang for some delicious Vietnamese food. We called it an early night since Cole had a soccer game the next morning. On Saturday, we picked Zoe up and went to Macalaster for the game. Rosie, Finn's girlfriend, also met us there. It's so cute watching Finn (who produces incredible videos of the team) and Cole on the pitch and their interactions. The Auggies played well and won 3-1 (now 11-1). So happy to get to see a game in person! Cole went back with the team, while Zoe, Brian and I walked around. There were some really cute shops and most importantly, a Döner shop. I wish they were easier to come by, but they are one of my favorite foods. We found a patisserie before our sandwiches, which may have been a mistake since we could barely eat our lunch. But look at those desserts? How could you not? We met back up at Cole's, hit up a grocery store for our boy, then had a few minutes to change and rest at our hotel before picking them up again and meeting Finn and Rosie at Pizzaria Lola. Let's just say, we already have another reservation for our next trip to Minneapolis. The pizza was insane, and the soft serve vanilla ice cream with olive oil and sea salt, a total treat. We also all took advantage of the photo booth. So fun. Brian and I went back to Cole's for a little bit, then had to say our goodbyes. Cole had an early morning meeting the soccer team and cheering on the marathon runners at mile 19, and Brian and I had to get back for the dogs. A quick, but perfect weekend. 

Moments 10 25 :: Week 01

Last Friday night the gym met up at Oktoberfest. We always have so many great memories of the boys running around in their soccer gear here. Many September evenings have been spent here. 

They have the cutest little touches throughout. 

We had a table reserved, and people came and went throughout the evening. Here are some of my gym friends. 

Meanwhile, Cole sent this incredible photo of him at his happy place on a Friday night at Augsburg - the ceramics studio. He is loving this class so much. 

Saturday, Brian wanted to go to Harvest Fest at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was pretty fun! 

Painted hay barrels, lots of State Fair food (including pumpkin spice cream puffs), a beautiful day. We were only there a couple hours because we had a surprise 70th birthday party to go to. 

Here is the reason for our visit to Harvest Fest - Culver's is one of Brian's clients, and they had a big activation with live music, and root beer and cheese curd samples. It turned out really great. 

On Sunday, we celebrated Mel's birthday with dinner at Movida. It was actually earlier in the week, but we'll take whatever excuse we can to get together to celebrate. 

Another Monday Field Trip! This week I took Lola out. This sweet petite pittie was such a blast to hang out with. She was great in the car and loved being on an adventure. I usually take benchwarmers out (the dogs that have been there awhile), and she wasn't. But the really great news is, she was adopted the very next day! She was a ton of fun, that's for sure.

I hope her new owners find her tree climbing skills as hilarious as I did. The girl was seriously obsessed with squirrels, and went to all lengths to try to get them. I couldn't stop laughing. 

Moments 09 25 :: Week 04

Last weekend Brian and I built a shed! We are feeling very accomplished. It will be so nice to have. Maybe, just maybe, we'll actually be able to park a car in the garage this winter.

Maia went wedding dress shopping on Saturday, and she and Caleb invited the group over afterwards. We got to see their new house, and meet some of Caleb's family. Brian and I had to leave a little early to catch Old Wicked Songs at the Milwaukee Chamber Theater. For our anniversary this year, we bought season tickets. It was the first of 5 performances this season. So excited. 

Meanwhile, Hudson was able to join Natalie and her family in Buffalo for a family wedding. 

River Wildlife's member appreciation party was on Sunday. We took a walk by the river. It's so gorgeous. We need to take advantage of this more. 

On Monday, I walked Spiky. Just look at those adorable ears! He was the first dog I walked that was tricky getting into the car. I almost thought I was going to need to bring him back, but eventually he cooperated. We had a great walk along the lakefront. The good news is, it looks like he's been adopted! He was a very handsome, very sweet guy, that's for sure. 

Van's dream came true this week. Brian took the van and worked from the road one day. They even spent a night at Kohler Andrae State Park. This guy loves a little adventure. 

While Van and Brian camped, Gretel was an only child for a night. She loved our little walk. I usually only take Van since Gretel just can't go very long nowadays. Plus, she's terrible on a leash. She was so happy. 

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The other exciting thing this week, is that I was on call-in reserve jury duty and didn't need to go in. It was kind of nice not scheduling much just in case. Was really able to focus on some projects I needed to work on. 

Moments 09 25 :: Week 03

Hudson came for a visit. This one has been planned for awhile, and it was so good getting to see him again. We took him to Zocalo -- been loving this place. It was perfect.

The next day, Augsburg played had the closest game of the season, as they played UW Whitewater. Once again, we had a great group cheering Cole on. 

The starting lineup. He knows a bunch of players on the other team. Always fun. 

Great photo our friend, the mom of #9 on UWW, sent. A Cole sandwich. Aidan and Cole played together from U14-U17 at FC Wisconsin.

With our guy. The Auggies won 2-1, giving up their first goal of the season. They also played Wednesday against Gustavus Adolphus and won 1-0 in their first conference game of the season. Right now they are 8-0. Killing it!

Gretel and the disco ball reflections. 

Brian and I rode our bikes around the area and down to the lake. It was absolutely stunning. I love that we live so close to the water. 

Monday I took Barbus out again. I first took him out for a field trip at the beginning of July and the poor guy is still there. I'm not going to lie, he's a little quirky. But he's also such a sweet, funny guy. He's also really cute with his scruffy fur. I don't understand why he keeps getting passed by. We had the best day. 

If you look close, you can see the adorable fawn Van and I saw on our walk the other day.

Moments 09 25 :: Week 02

Last Saturday it was my 56th birthday. What a crazy age to say, but thankful for this journey. After a busy few weeks, I got to sleep in and woke up to my favorite breakfast, bagels & lox, made by Brian. 

That night, we met up with Leif + Mel, and Andrew + Shelly at Zocalo food trucks. It wasn't the beautiful end of summer night I envisioned, but was still so much fun. 

Cole's soccer team always links the best photos on the game schedule page. Love this one. 

He's having an absolutely great time with this team. This photo of his teammate scoring his 4th goal of the game or something just makes me smile so much. So much joy, and I couldn't be happier.

On Monday I took this adorable dog, Laney, out on a field trip. As soon as I saw her I asked why she was there. Seriously, she was amazing. And at 29#, so different from the others I usually take out. She didn't stop smiling the entire afternoon. I just loved her. 

9-10-25 was our 26th wedding anniversary! Had to pull up some blast from the past photos. 

Such a beautiful day. Also, I don't remember so many bald heads there. Haha. 

Another good one. Time sure has flown by. I love getting to share my life with this guy.

To celebrate, we went to Bavette for lunch. 

Had to take a recent photo. I keep thinking we haven't aged, but I might be a little wrong about that. 

That night, we ordered sushi in and watched the Auggies play UW Eau Claire. Another great game. It's a really fun team to watch.

Our pretty girl. She's 11.5 years old now. Definitely slowing down, and needs to be carried down the stone stairs in our house, but overall doing great. 

This guy was excited to get a visit from Hudson, who is here for the weekend. This visit has been planned for awhile, unlike last week when he just happened to have overnights for work here. We are all excited to have him home, that's for sure.