Farewell Minnesota

After an amazing 10 days in Minnesota, it is actually going to be very hard to say goodbye, I feel like not only did we get to spend amazing time with my whole family, but I loved every minute of the Minnesota summer. Our last day in Minnesota was spent enjoying the lake. 

First my friend Michelle and I met up at the beach at Grandview resort, although it is a private and very expensive resort, she had discovered that they share the beach with the public, and it was amazing. Not only did we have a beautiful sand beach to play on, but an umbrella to sit under, margaritas delivered to us, and we even shared some amazing walleye tacos. For not spending the big bucks to stay there, we sure got to enjoy the perks!!!

We also had to make a final trip out on the boat.

But this boat trip involved swimming! I love the refreshing feeling of jumping in the cold lake on a hot day.

Brian the "Cannonball King" was home for the weekend and had to get in on the swimming!

Mase was not too sure about the water.

Eventually he got in and LOVED it!

Then our final day in Minnesota was finished off by some hanging out on the deck.

Trying to teach Harry to walk (unsuccessfully!)

And of course Brittaney and I's favorite summer drink!

and then our final farewell to Minnesota with a lakeside bonfire. 

 We definitely got our fill of summer fun in Minnesota, and already can't wait for our next trip!

Paul Bunyan Land

A few weeks ago, my mom sent this newspaper insert from the Brainerd paper, all about "Paul Bunyan Land".

Jackson and Mason studied it like crazy and mapped out their entire trip!

This last week my parents took the boys while I was meeting up with my friend Rachel in St. Cloud. Because my Aunt and Uncle still had their grandson Jaia he went too, and my grandma joined in the fun! I too went to Paul Bunyan as a kid, and remember LOVING how when you walked up to Paul he would say, "Well Hello there Jessica", and I could never figure out how he knew my name! It was great to hear Jack tell me, "Paul Bunyan knew my name"!!!

Paul's Blue Ox Babe

See my dad watching from the top of the slide?

Grandma and Grandpa on the train!

 Even Great Grandma Verna rode!

Do you think my dad was excited about the roller coaster???

I love this one of Jaia holding on to Jackson tight on the roller coaster... clearly because Grandma Jan was not willing to go!

I think Paul Bunyan Land will be a new Minnesota tradition for the boys! I love seeing them have just as much fun doing all the things I loved as a kid!

Nisswa Turtle Races!

Also while staying with my parents in Minnesota, we had to hit up the, "Nisswa Turtle Races"! I actually remember going to the turtle races even when I was little! One year my cousin Matt's turtle even one! This year my aunt, uncle brought their grandson Jaia, my grandma came, my sister brought Harry, and I had the boys.

Everything started out bright and sunny, all of us heading to the awning for shade. There was some trivia going on and although I hate to brag, I was definitely the family winner answering questions correct such as:

-What is the name of the world renowned racetrack in the Brainerd Lakes Area?? The Nisswa Turtle Track of course (everyone else answered Brainerd International Speedway)

-How were all of the 10,000 lakes created??? Paul Bunyan's footsteps of course! (Not Glaciers like everyone answered)

-What state consumes the most Spam? Hawaii! (which I knew from Target trivia), everyone else was sure it would be Minnesota!

All three boys raced turtles, Jaia's and Jack's turtles were right in the middle of the pack, Mason's turtle didn't even take a foot off the starting line.

 Then as a few rain drops started to fall they called all toddlers out for the special toddler race. Then as they started the turtles the rain started to fall hard and fast. Mase hated the rain, but his turtle was in first! By the time his turtle hit the finish line it was a torrential downpour, but Mason's turtle won!!! He must have been saving up all of his energy for the toddler race!

Mason's turtle in the final stretch!

As you can see Mason was not too happy!

Since the rain brought us all in, we headed to Rafferty's for Nisswa's finest pizza! It was awesome to be able to hang out all together and enjoy the best parts of small town Minnesota!

Day Trip to Duluth

One day last week, the boys and I loaded up first thing in the morning for a day trip to Duluth. The trip took about three hours and once we got there our trip was loaded with fun. We met up with my grandpa Orien and headed to my childhood favorite restaurant, Bridgemans.

Then we drove down to Park Point where we got to walk in the water, throw some sticks, and play in the sand. Then we took a drive along the shore and took a look at a lot of the flood damage.

Then we had to head back to my Grandpa's for a game of cards, since the whole drive to Duluth Mason kept saying, "Play Cards, Play Cards, Play Cards". (He remembers this with my Grandpa Orien)

Then we finished our day in Duluth hanging out with my friend Meghann and her boyfriend Roy, otherwise known as "Meggie and Ro" to Jackson. Then we headed back on our way on the 3 hour trip back to my parents house! We are so grateful to have wonderful family and friends to visit all throughout the great state of Minnesota!