Out-of-Minneapolis-Adventures

Sometimes you just have to look really close at the record sleeve to see if there are hidden liner notes there.

SQWARSHES from the yard.

Last weekend, we went on an impromptu trip to Des Moines. Turned out, the Beaverdale Fall Fest was going on! Oh, the many, many memories.

This year, we were lucky enough to be there for the first ever Dog Parade

We did quite a lot of squealing. I loved that the tiniest dog followed the hugest. Reminded me of Go, Dog, Go.

I don’t remember going to the parade much as a kid, but it was fun enjoying it with my boys, and telling them about the relevance of each passing group to me–not that they cared, of course, but it’s hard not to share anyway.

This was something I didn’t even have to explain. They have their own wonderful relationship with Snookie’s Malt Shop. The announcer’s tribute to Jim and Marilyn, the recently-passed owners, definitely made me cry.

Northwest Soccer!

Charlie waving to the Perkins Elementary Penguin

Henry was thrilled to see the Magic School Bus.

We also got to see my brother and his family, including the one and only… Chrysanthemum

Who knows what kind of shenanigans these guys were all up to

Back in Minnesota, we met up with Tony and Laura for my first trip to what is commonly referred to as Pizza Farm. It took about an hour and a half to get there, but was definitely worth it.

It’s a farm in Wisconsin that, on summer Tuesday nights, turns what they grow into delicious delicious pizza.

While I was swooning over the food, Charlie was having way more fun feeding the cows than himself.

Henry wanted to try, too, but was much more hesitant

We found the composting outhouse pretty cool

After a potty break, we were ready to explore the farm

Eggplant plants

munchies for the sheep

One of the best things about farms is that there’s always random contraption bits lying about.

After a few days of recovery, we were invited to go to the Tamarack Nature Center with Henry’s friend, Phoebe.

This place is so perfect for him. It has all of the things. Sand, water, big sticks, logs, and a garden.

The garden was my personal favorite (surprise!). They have signs on any plants that need water, so kids know where to dump their watering cans.

And, of course, a pump to fill the cans. What could possibly be better?

Oh. Maybe this turtle. Henry reeeeally loved this turtle.

Wow, so we have spent a LOT of time out of the city recently.

My, how we’ve grown!

Laura and I always hit an apple orchard/pumpkin patch in the fall, so this year, we went to Applewood upon Em & O’s recommendation. It was so lovely.

I mean…why don’t all orchards have this???

There were raspberries as well

It was insanely hot, though, and they had nowhere to refill our water bottles. Unfortunately, therefore, we had to buy bottled. Dehydration was not an option!

I mean, there was climbing to do.

And hedge maze chases to be had

Sassin’ up the maze

A basket of joy

Even though we have our own apple tree, we just couldn’t resist a walk through the pick-your-own. And then we couldn’t resist filling our basket. Zestar and Sweet Sixteen don’t grow in my yard!

Henry was so hot and tired from all the exertion (he was SO active here, and seriously…HOT), so he took a ride in my arms on the walk back to the farmhouse. He’s getting to the point where it’s tough to carry him for a long walk, but I also love the opportunity to snuggle him close for that long.