Minneapolis :: Days 03 + 04

Our last full day in Minneapolis was another great one — and it was my birthday!

Brian and I walked to Brit’s Pub to watch the Manchester United match and meet up with Mel, Leif, and Finn. Later, we went to Dumpling Eatery, which Cole recommended, for a little lunch before heading over to Augsburg to watch the first home soccer game of the season. Honestly, this whole thing is so bittersweet. I get so excited to watch, but I’m also nervous at the same time. I love seeing Cole play, but also beyond sad that this is his last college season. Such a whirlwind of emotions. Anyhow, the team played well and ended with another tie against a strong team. We loved seeing our Auggie parents from last season and having Leif, Mel, Finn, and Rosie in the stands with us, cheering the team on. It was Finn’s first time not being on the pitch himself, filming it all, so that had to be strange for him too — although probably pretty refreshing after doing it for so many years. (We sure do miss his incredible videos, though!)

After a little rest, Cole met us at our hotel, and then we went to Diane’s Place to celebrate BOTH of our birthdays. What a special place -- it was absolutely delicious. I had the sticky rice Old Fashioned, and then we split the rest of the meal. Everything was fantastic, but honestly, I could have made a meal out of just the appetizers. The beef laab carpaccio was out of this world. So were the scallion croissants. It was all just so good. We ordered the Castella Cake with coconut sorbet, oven-roasted pineapple, and basil seeds, and we were each surprised with a scoop of red bean birthday ice cream. It was such a special night.

 
The next morning, we picked Cole up for coffee and breakfast before heading back to Wisconsin. Sad to leave our boy, but so thankful for such a great weekend.

Minneapolis :: Day 02

 
 

Buckle up for a crazy fun day! 

 Last week, Cole moved into his new house that he’s sharing with 8–9 other guys, depending on the day. Most of them are on the soccer team, too. After living on his own for a year—and loving it—this is going to be quite the change. But I have a feeling he’s going to have a blast. The team had soccer practice in the morning, so we dropped Cole off at training and walked around campus while we waited for him before continuing on with our day. 

After practice, we dropped our car off at the hotel and took a Lyft to the Minnesota State Fair, where we met Mel + Leif, who were in town visiting Finn for the weekend! Rosie joined us later, too. I don’t know anyone who enjoys a fair quite like they do, and they were the best guides, which was very much appreciated. This fair is like no other I’ve ever been to. It’s MASSIVE! There were so many little things I probably would have passed right by if it weren’t for them. Like the Space Tower, where we got to see just how huge the fair really is. And the Butterfly House. And Ye Ole Tunnel—the original Tunnel of Love and the oldest attraction at the fair—which they insisted we do before we left. It ended up being quite hilarious. “Take a relaxing boat ride in a dark tunnel—and see some kitschy vignettes while you do.” 

We also got to watch the parade, which included the University of Minnesota Marching Band, and ate some really yummy food. We started with a pork chop on a stick -- a smart protein choice and absolutely delicious. The best bite for me, though, was the Hmong corndog! But we really only had one dud. The rest of our fair food choices were really good.

And, of course, there are the animals! We didn’t make it into every barn, but the goats are some of my favorites. We also saw the Miracle of Birth Center, which was something I’d never experienced before. Baby animals are too adorable. The fair was SO much fun. I really hope we make our way back there someday! 

 That night, we all surprised ourselves by rallying and heading out for a pre-birthday celebration! We went to Tullibee for some delicious cocktails and aquavit—a first for me. Seriously, the day couldn't have been any better.

Minneapolis :: Day 01

It's been a minute since we've visited Cole in Minneapolis. But his senior year soccer has begun, so we'll be making a few visits. Brian and I drove up Friday night. Unfortunately, Cole had his first game that night and it was 3.5 hours away. We made the most of our night by having dinner at the Chef's Counter at Estelle. It was fun being a part of the action, and the food was delicious. The stand out, however, was my cocktail! It might have been the best margarita I've ever had. The "Starts with Ricky, Ends with Jail" was a milk punch clarified margarita with blue salt foam. I'll be thinking about this one for awhile. After dinner, we went back to the hotel to stream Cole's game and go early to bed after a long week. So happy to be back in Minneapolis. 

Moments 09 26 :: Week 01

Busy, fun day at the Pulse Outdoor Fitness and Wellness event with a great team. Our coaches did an incredible job leading our group classes and it was so fun meeting people curious about CrossFit. As a bonus, my parents stopped by at the end of the day!

For my 50th (!!!) field trip, I took 9 year old Jake out. Such a handsome guy, who was sweet and fun. He was a very good boy. I have such a soft spot for the seniors and absolutely loved hanging out with this easy guy. 

Beautiful flowers from my early birthday celebration at the gym. My friends spoil me. 

She's stuck. Gretel actually doesn't go down stairs anymore -- we need to carry her. But her preferred spot during storms is the basement, and she must have forgotten then got confused. Even going up is tricky at night. Our girl is 12.5 years old!

Last first day of school photo. Can't tell you how happy getting this made me. Both Hudson and Cole never sent first day of school photos in college, but did their senior years. Time sure has flown by. So proud of this kid. 

Two of our members at the gym (a couple) grow beautiful flowers. They also both are professional skydiver. Yep, a very fun, cool couple. They used to do arrangements for weddings, but now they focus on selling the bulbs. It's always a good day when Steve shows up with bouquets for everyone at class. 

Moments 08 26 :: Week 04

This guy loves the van so much. Anytime the door opens, this is his spot. 

Friday night Brian and I went downtown to the riverwalk for Afterlight. 

It was a bunch of pop-up installations, dance parties, and so on. Kind of fun!

These ladybugs have been on the side of the building for as long as I can remember. 

Sunday morning we drove to Appleton for brunch with Leif + Mel ... and Hudson! He's been having a few layovers there, and this one happened to be a longer one. They completely spoiled him with a nice dinner, comfortable bed and relaxing night. Brunch was pretty awesome too. 

Friends that treat your kids like their own are the best. Hudson had been looking forward to this for awhile. 

Brian and I drove Hudson to the airport to catch his next flight. It's just so fun seeing him do his thing. 

On Monday, I took Sir Pierre out on a field trip. He's been there awhile and keeps getting overlooked. I have a feeling his doesn't present himself well in his kennel because he does have some barrier reactivity. But this guy was pretty awesome. 

Our friends Jim and Jennie were visiting Milwaukee as a little getaway, and we were so glad to be able to meet them out for dinner. It's been a couple years since we've seen them and was so great. 

Another hawk. This one probably young.

Sleepy Gretel.

Van and I went to visit the goats again. This time a bunch were out in the field but came to greet us. Van is not sure what to think of them. 

Sleepy Van. So glad we bought a king size bed for him!