Minnesota: Part 1

The part where we were really mostly in Wisconsin.

During Brad's break we made a trip to see Brad's family in Minnesota.  Alissa and the girls, and Grandma also made the trip out.  And while we were there we took a trip to the family cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  It doesn't get much better than a cabin right on the lake. Oh sweet relaxation.

I just so happened to have my birthday during this trip.  Maybe it was because it was such a momentous birthday (I did turn 25, you know), but I am pleased to say that I had probably my best birthday ever on this trip.  We went to a little Norwegian place for breakfast, which I particularly love.  This was followed by a trip down Main St Hayward which included Tremblay's Olde Tyme Candies (aka, the coolest candy shop ever.)  The best part was having Ella show me around the shop.  There's nothing like having a 4 year old take you to the candy store.

Later that evening we went to the original Famous Dave's for dinner.  Complete with a birthday firework.  This was followed by my first time go-carting.  I loved driving with Anna because she would get so excited to see people on the track.  Then to top this birthday off we watched a beautiful sunset on the dock.  I couldn't ask for much more than that.  My 25th birthday was more than I expected.

The rest of our time at the cabin was filled with jet skiing, smores, Coop's pizza, mini golfing, puzzles, lots of delicious food, and amazing sunsets.

But this wasn't all of our time in Minnesota. . .

Gettysburg

Did you know it is the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg?  That's a 150 years.  We took a day trip across the great state of Pennsylvania to go see the battlegrounds.  It's quite a humbling place.  There isn't a lot there, just big open fields, a few wooded hills, and lots of monuments to the men who fought there.  We borrowed an audio tour and read "The Killer Angels" before going to see Gettysburg.  Even though we were seeing empty fields, we were able to imagine what it looked like 150 years ago during the battle.  It's incomprehensible to me how many men sacrificed their lives during the battle of Gettysburg.  51,000 casualties in 3 days. It makes you appreciate your freedoms a little bit more.  If you ever get the chance to go, I'd recommend going to see this hallowed ground.

Start of Summer Break

Brad has had a month off school.  No clinic, no patients, no classes.  We've had so much fun!  I love when Brad is off and we can do stuff as a family. There is in fact 5 more blog posts almost ready to be put on the blog from all of the fun we've had.  But for today, you get to see our trip to Longwood Gardens, which kicked off our summer break.

River Drive

While on our way to our family photo shoot last month we passed by the most beautiful spot.  Unfortunately, we had places to be so we couldn't stop.  We were telling our friends, the Murphy's, that it made us want to go take photos, but we weren't sure where to go.  They said they knew where some beautiful photography spots were and that they would show us around.  We stopped by Boathouse Row (#53) and a couple cool bridges that cross the Schuyllkill River.  It was the perfect night out.  Thanks Murphy's!

I Love All of Them

Since Nathan just turned a year old, we I decided it was time for a family photo of the three of us.  I love the job Sarah did!  Thank you Sarah!

4th of July

Next year we have big plans to do all of the big Philadelphia Fourth of July Festivities.  Like the parade in front of Independence Hall and all of the great firework shows.  But for this year, festivities around our house were pretty low key.  We may have blamed this on Nathan's being "too little," but really Brad had his board exam looming 4 days away.  We still celebrated with a red, white, and blue breakfast of pancakes with strawberries and blueberries.  And we did go to a BBQ at a friend's house which was a lot of fun.  I made a fruit pizza decorated with "fireworks."

Happy Independence Day!

Visiting the Fitzgeralds

One of my best friends and old roommates lives just down in DC.  Not that far, but I have never gone to see her.  She came up to Phillie to see me last summer, but since then she's had her baby Jeremy and it was time for the two boys to meet. Brad's been busy studying for his board exam so to give him some good study time I packed up Nathan and went on a little road trip to see them.

Nathan loved their sliding glass door and vertical blinds.

It was the perfect little getaway.  All we did was hang out together.  Talked.  Ate.  Worked on projects. We even ripped off the old wallpaper in their bathroom.  The boys played together so well.  No poked eyes or scratches so it was a success in my eyes.  Except for Nathan being possessive of Jeremy's toys.  Nathan would pick up a toy Jeremy was interested in and hold it up over his head which was not necessary at all seeing Jeremy isn't crawling or pulling to sit on his own yet.  But the boys had a great time together.  They watched cars drive by and tried to pull down the blinds.  It was so cute seeing the two of them together and talking back and forth.  Jeremy is just 4 months younger than Nathan, but Nathan looked huge next to little Jeremy.  It's amazing how much growing they do in so little time.

My little road trip buddy

Unfortunately, the weekend trip ended too quickly, but hopefully we can see them again soon!