Minneapolis, MN

Another great weekend in Minneapolis. This warm summer weather in October is throwing me off, but no complaints, even from this colder weather lover. On Friday, Brian and drove to Minneapolis and hit up some stores I've been wanting to check out. Umei is a Japanese home good shop, The Foundry Home Goods is a beautiful space and unique items, and we were lucky enough to be able to take advantage of the Mini Print machine featuring State Fair pictures when we stopped by Madge. Good stuff. Next, we drove to Cole's place, picked him up, and checked into our hotel. We all wanted a mellow evening, so decided to go to Cossettas. Funny story. On our way out of the hotel, the Houston Dynamo was coming in. Of course Cole and Brian wanted to hang out and see if they recognized anyone. We didn't know any of the players, but when the coaches arrived, all of a sudden they realized they know Preston, the goalie coach. Both were at the World Cup game with him. Brian's also met him in LA when he played for Chivas and in Salzburg when he went to watch the Red Bulls play a number of years ago. Now Minneapolis. So random and very fun. I love small world stories like that. 

The next morning, Brian and I got up and walked along Mill Ruins Park. We weren't staying at our normal hotel, and it was really nice to get to explore a different area. One that was super cool, to be honest. A little later that morning, Hudson flew in to join us! To say I was excited to have us all reunited is an understatement. The last time we were all together was Mexico in March. Too long. We stopped by Cole's place again so Hudson could see it, then left Cole and the three of us went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art for the Paris Couture exhibit. It really is such a gem of a museum, and the exhibit was very interesting. Even Hudson did not hate it. Next up was lunch at Dumpling Eatery before heading over to Augsburg for the soccer game! Hudson likes to catch at least one, so I'm glad this weekend worked out. The game ended up 0-0. Yet another tie for th Auggies. Cole had a great game. It was fun to watch. 

That night, we had dinner reservations at Indigena by Owamni, a restaurant that highlights products indigenous to the Americas. No beef, pork, chicken, dairy, wheat flour or cane sugar. A very interesting concept, for sure and such a special treat. We shared a bunch of delicious plates:

Tepary Bean + Smoked Whitefish

Game Thalo (Venison)

Bison Bone Marrow

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Venison with Chocolate and New Mexico Green Chile Relish

Scallops

Rice Pudding with Cocoa

It was such a beautiful night, so we walked around after dinner for a bit, following the sounds of a marching band. Turns out, it was the Youth in Music Marching Band Championship. University of Wisconsin Eau Claire was one of the exhibition bands and were warming up in the park acros from the U.S Bank Stadium.

Hudson had to catch a flight the next morning already. I'm just so thankful he was able to come and made this work. Brian and I had to head back to pick up the dogs, but first, a quick stop by Brits to see Cole at work. We had such a fun, full weekend. It was incredible. 

Moments 10 26 :: Week 02

Oktoberfest with the gym! Can't believe it's the final weekend. It's always a good time, and always brings back so many great memories when the kid's played soccer there. 

Part of the gang. There were more people, but we forgot to take photos, of course. 

A weekend at home meant a weekend in the yard. Weeding and trimming bushes is not my favorite thing, but it felt good to take a step back an notice some of the beautiful bits of our yard. 

The moss is everywhere and I love it. 

The best helpers. 

Even Van needed and list resting after a busy day. 

Brian painting the porch railings reminds me of Vincent Van Gogh. 

On Monday, I took Baja out for a field trip. He's such a unique looking guy! Fortunately, my foster friend met us out at the park and took photos and made a video for him, because Baja is a big strong guy. 95# of love, this guy is. 

I think it's safe to say, he didn't want me to drop him off again. I sat down to wait for someone to bring him to the back and before I knew it, he was climbing on my lap! Such an affectionate guy. He also constantly rolled over for belly rubs. He just wants some love. Baja has been at the shelter for awhile, but is a staff and volunteer favorite because he's just such a sweet guy. 

Cole's bedroom has a ton of prisms he collected when he was young. Love it when the light catches them. 

Moments 10 26 :: Week 01

Loved having Hudson home and getting to spend time with him last weekend. Plus, he got to join Van and me on a couple of walks. 

A terrible photo of a good book I finished. 

This week's field trip was with Sada. She's a petite little hippo who loves frolicking in the water. 

Look how good Van is doing hanging out with his urban adventure friends! It started with one dog, then two and three. He still prefers to keep to himself, but I love seeing him all social. 

Maia + Caleb Wedding

We just got to be part of the most amazing wedding weekend—Maia + Caleb got married! They are such a great couple, and we are just so excited for them and the life they are starting together.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner, with pizza and popsicles at the community space where my sister lives. It was such a fun and relaxed way to kick off the weekend and get everyone together before the big day.

Then came 9-26-26—the wedding! And honestly, it was pretty much perfect in every single way. The weather was incredible, the wedding venue was charming and gorgeous, and Jacob did an excellent job officiating the ceremony. Everything felt so special.

The reception was at the country club, and they did such a great job. It was a fun evening filled with lots of celebrating, good food, and, of course, plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful couple. Maia looked absolutely stunning, and Caleb looked very handsome. They were both so happy, and it was a really special day.

We were especially thrilled that Hudson was able to make his schedule work and be there to celebrate with us. The one bummer was that Cole wasn't able to attend. The timing couldn't have been worse for him, and he was really crushed to miss it. Unfortunately, sometimes those things happen. 

After the wedding, we spent the night at my parents' house, which was fun in itself. And the next morning, they hosted a post-wedding brunch to wrap up the weekend before we all parted ways and the bride and groom got to take off for their honeymoon. 

It was such a wonderful weekend celebrating Maia and Caleb, and we couldn't be happier to welcome Caleb to the family. We are so excited for these two and everything ahead of them!