Happy Campers

Though Ashish and I have camped, and we have a tent, this was the first time the boys actually stayed over-night in the tent. The best part was being with our special friends, the J's! They volunteered their home as "base." Once the sleeping bags, pillows, suits, clothes, bug spray, toothbrushes, tent, cantaloupe that moonlights as a watermelon, and kids were packed in the car, we set out on our journey-- ready to rough it in a suburb of Minneapolis. With the mind-set that there wasn't a store for miles, I'm pretty sure the kitchen sink was in fact included in our bags. Such is life with a 2 year old and a 4 year old...life happens, so be prepared, right?

In order to document the experience, I've constructed a time line:

5p.m. Arrive at the Best Little Camp-site in The Burbs (it's like a well-kept secret!). Upon arrival, "bon-fire" snack is served consisting of cheese, pretzels, and grapes that was as appealing to the eyes as it was the palate! After, Nishad's bestie put on a little John Denver show for us by special arrangement of his agent. ;) The house seats-- best eva!

5:30p.m. The boys discover the hidden toy store that the J's have within their home and play with their buddies, a little gabbing, and some swatting mosquitoes- the national bird of Minnesota.

6p.m. Mr. J is manning the grill, while Mrs. J and I are (wo)manning the kitchen. Ashish sets up the tent...upon realizing this, Ashish has four little helpers.

6:15p.m. Turkey sliders hot off the grill served up with lemonade Alfresco!

6:45p.m. The Garden Tour. [Swat, Swat] Built on rolling hills, the garden has something to offer every gardener! A natural setting that backs up to mature trees and greenery eliminates the "fish bowl" backyard that so many people seem to have. Don't get me wrong, I love my neighbors, but I love the essence of privacy and serenity. Our trees has some years to grow before they develop the screen the J's garden provides-- yes, I am filled with tree envy! The people that use to own the house use to be a photographer, so she would use the backyard for photography... It is lovely.

7:30p.m. The Bon-fire begins! We shared stories...and Ashish even entertained all 4 boys as they chased after frogs. Ashish is such a natural with kids-- if we met when we were in our 20's maybe we could have had 4 kids. Mr. J carved the perfect marshmallow roasting sticks, and Mrs. J assembled the s'mores (although Tiger and little J were all about the simplicity of chocolate). At this point, I resorted to the "Family Off" aerosol spray because the mosquitoes crashed the party-- in a Titans kind of way.

9p.m. Bed-time...already? [Swat, Swat, SWAT!] After putting on our PJ's and being lovingly teased by the J's about our 8 person tent, it was time to say goodnight. Immediately, Tiger started crying because he wanted to go outside of the tent and play with his friends (frogs included).

9:30p.m. We finally got the kids calmed down and a series of fire and police sirens ramped up. Mrs. J yelled something like, "You're not in Otsego anymore!" I yelled back, "I was thinking you orchestrated this because of our love for firetrucks?" ha,ha.

10p.m. Neighbor's Dog. Bark. Woof. Arrrrrrgph! Scratch. Scratch. WOOF!

10:30p.m. Tiger is UP again. He was fine laying on me...but was not a fan of the ground.

11p.m. Toot. Ashish: "Oh my gosh, aim to the window!"

11:30p.m. I attempt to lay Tiger back down in his sleeping bag, but fail. He is up again. I quickly put him in my "birdie nest" (as he calls it).

11:45p.m. "Honey, I forgot my phone in the chair by the bon-fire. Can you get it?" Ashish makes a sliver opening to slide out of the tent so no blood suckers get in.

Midnight. A large animal is outside of our tent...better be a dear!

2AM My final attempt to get Tiger to sleep on his own and then I threw in the towel. Trying not to disturn the J's (who's babes didn't make a sound all night!) Ashish helped me bring him in on the sofa. That little pumpkin! As soon as we laid him down on the nice, soft cushion...let out a sigh and smiled and drifted happily to sleep. He must be royalty! Finally Sleep. I'm sure I looked frightening sprawled out on the sofa when Mrs. J and Mr. J came inside in the morning.

7AM I opened one eye and the cutest little curly haired boy yelled from the stairs, "They're up!" haha. The boys were happy to help up greet Nishad and Ashsih, who were still in the tent.

We visited a bit while Ashish packed up... Mrs. J made the most wonderful whole wheat banana chocolate waffles and scrambled eggs for everyone. What GREAT hosts the J's are! This was a fun test run as well... They are more than welcome to borrow our tent at anytime...as I think it will be another year until we'll be roughing it any other place besides our backyard-- or theirs! Thanks, J's!

Home of the Brave

Tiger didn't like it when the police k-9's started barking
A few of the 60 K-9's on hand.

All smiles!

Proud "future" fireman!

There were no 5 alarm fires, only smiles a glow! Most of you know that Mr. Nishad has raved about wanting to be a fireman since he was 3 (He was a fireman for Halloween that year- too cute to boot!). So, whenever there is an opportunity to learn about them or see on up close, we do our best to accommodate his inner....burning....desires. Since then, he's added "doctor" to fireman...all good in my book! His overall message, "he wants to help people." I think that's pretty inspirational from a 4 year old. There was recently a Statewide safety display of fire, police and county departments held at the St Michael-Albertville middle school (free to the public). There was also a K-9 show which features 60 dogs-- pretty impressive. However, the "star" of the show were the firetrucks. The boys wore there "Home of the Brave" shirts as we feel all those that are in the line of service to protect others are very brave and deserve acknowledgment, respect and appreciation. A reporter from the Crow River News took a picture of Nishad "driving" the firetruck. Yes, Mr. Nishad made the paper! Overall, hands on fun for all! Thanks, Wright County!

Auntie K

Everyone needs that special friend-- and that special Auntie. My boys simply adore their Auntie K. They insist holding her hand, having her buckle them into their car seats and eating next to her when she is in town. She's the fun Aunt to my boys that I have a special childhood connection with that once began as a mutual interest in theatre (once upon a time in Chicagoland), but can only now be defined as a sisterhood. We spent the time relaxing at the Lake, going to Bunker Beach Water park, and doing some shopping and dining in St. Paul on Grand Avenue. We even got caught in the path of a tornadic storm (perhaps, a little too much adventure for one visit!). We're so excited to share that Auntie K will be a mere 3 hours away in Ames, Iowa as she just accepted a position at Iowa State University teaching! Congrats, Auntie K! We love you and can't wait to see you more often!

KC Visit

Beautiful Mommy and handsome C

The boys and K- owning the house.

Time for friends. Friendships are like gardens, if you don't tend to them, they just don't do well. However unintentional, it is hard for a new Mommy and a Mommy of a 2 year old and a 4 year to 'find that special time' to take a break for friendship in the midst of daily routines, nap times and domestic happenings (nicely phrased for chores). This is one friendship that we never want to die off...so we do our best to tend to it, even if it's just a weekly note or "check-in." It's all relative, but life as we know it is busy... And though we live only 30 minutes apart, it's the pre-visit prep that sometimes tire you out before you even get out the door. With that being said, KC and Crew are never far from our thoughts. We're so happy that they came over for a playdate-- We're already looking forward to seeing them all again soon!

Water Show!

The Prior Lake Water Ski Team
Nishad and M enjoying a picnic by the lake while watching the show.

Summer is our shortest season in Minnesota, so you can't help but embrace it and soak it up for all it's worth! In addition to embracing summer, we've made a conscious effort to embrace our friends that, during the school year, time just doesn't allow us to see them enough. My friend S invited us to go to a water ski show with her family. S's arms are like the suns rays that envelope you with warmth, her smile is the essence of daybreak on a dark stormy night, and her calm is only fitting to the deep red and pink hues of color present in a sunset. While our children attend the same school, I'm fortunate to say that this is not where our interest ends.

This was the first water show that we've ever attended. It was held at Parkers Lake is right off 94 and County 6 in Plymouth. Parkers Park/Lake has a small beach area, life guard, grassy area with mature trees for shade as well as a park, picnic tables, sand volleyball court and ample parking. Their are various shows and activities held there through the summer. In the winter, you can ice skate there.

Art...As You Like It

Mommy IS Art!

My little lefty- concentrating s-s-s-s-so much.

Paint as you like it!

Spider...almost ready for red spots!

Art-Fun!

It's wonderful when you come across a place that helps you (and your kids) be an active participant in the process of art-work. Being that I love all forms of art (and so do my kiddos), we think it's more appropriate to call it art-fun! Their exposure to Montessori has instilled in them a love for the process. This is demonstrated as they take their time and have uninterrupted concentration while focusing on one piece of pottery- with such contentment and joy- for an hour. Nishad picked out a little spider to paint ($6.95) and Tiger picked out a snake ($9.95). I went for a small vase ($11.95) in which I painted and then added each of the boys thumb prints around the bottom base of the piece. In total, there were about 7 of us there. K's sister and her kiddos met up with us. Her girls are pros now! One will be in 1st and the other in 2nd grade, and they were so into the color scheme and patient with their pieces. Both the L's clearly love art too- so much, Little L made his Mommy a living art exhibit! ha! It's fun to go as a group, but this is one place that you don't want to lose track of your kids as the pottery here isn't cheap. In one week, we'll go back and pick up our "art-fun!" Nishad is already talking about what he is going to paint there next!

Though this was pottery pre-made, there is a place where you make your own pottery and paint it near Red Wing, Minnesota. I went there on a staff development day while working at a Montessori School--and still have my "art-fun" from the day! The rate for the staff development day was $25 a teacher- and I believe there were about 30 people in attendance. You should have seen all the sorters being created on that day!

Makin' a Splash!

Water bucket fun at the Splash Pad

(Great idea, K!)

Little Water-Buds

The funky climber that the kids loved.
(Yes, K is just like me, she likes to match her boys too!)

This smile is the essence of summer as a kid!


Sunscreen, suits, towels, buckets...no shoes required! These are the days in which my children's giggles repeat in my head like a sweet lullaby that rocks me to sleep at night. With the best of company, any climber can be conquered, laughter can be extended and a bucket or two...reclaimed from "strangers."

Yes, buckets! My friend K turned me on to one of the coolest things to bring to a splash pad- BUCKETS OF FUN! Ha. Be sure to label yours, as they do become popular. (There were some daycare kiddos that lacked some manners or guidance.) There are 3 free splash pads made available through the park and recreational department of St. Cloud, Minnesota. We visited "Lake George." Nestled in a residential area, this splash pad is adjacent the park and rec. building, positioned in front of 4 playground structures (something sure for everyone!). There is amble parking and mature trees to provide shade picnics- minus the UV. This playground is complete with bathroom facilitates, that are quite modern and fairly clean (a big plus for us Mom's!). If you don't pack a lunch, there are a plethora of places to dine or carry-out in the St. Cloud area. Only a short 35-minute, traffic free ride on 94, it's a great daytime adventure that is stress free.

4 Golden Tickets!

Oompa, Loompa....doom-pa-dee-do! Off to Stages Theatre in Hopkins, Minnesota to see the production of Roald Dahl's, Willy Wonka. Though we were tempted to chew on the endless chewing gum, take a sip from the bubble drink, snag a squirrel to take home as a pet and transport ourselves into TV-Land...we survived the show without turning ANY shade of purple, are not any more flexible, or taller than when we first entered the theatre, we don't float and haven't been called a "bad nut" (at least not in the past few hours!).

This kid friendly (1 hour run-time) theatrical version is filled with color, creative Oompa, Loompa costumes that keep dancing even with the actors pause, and lots of light fun moments. Of course, many of us 30-somethings recall growing up with Gene Wilder starring in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Not "bad" but definetly some dark, creepy moments. (Or, maybe that is just my adult perspective on the way Wilder portrayed his character.) Stages production focuses on the spirit of the valuable morals instilled by characteristics of honesty, integrity and compassion.

The production runs until August 1st and is appropriate for all ages. After the show, you'll be delighted with the friendly cast that happily signs autographs, poses for pictures, engages in conversation and though you them them for a wonderful experience, they are sure to thank you for attending.

Batter-Up!

Nishad and his best friend.
Tiger shows off his loot.

Lil J: Swing-batter-batter!


"Sweet" ...In Every Sense!


Tiger: "You've got a date with a bat, Mr. Ball."
Some more pre-game fun!


The Man that makes amazing balloon creations!
"Sting like a bee!"



S-s-s-s-super cute painting.

GO SAINT PAUL SAINTS!

Nishad finally got his wish: to go with his friend J to a baseball game! Ashish was actually invited by one of the vendors he works with to attend a Saint Paul Saints game party, complete with tix, BBQ, games, prizes, face-painting, balloon creations...and good old fashion fun! Of course, this experience wouldn't be complete without good company! So the J's and Ashish's friend from work joined us.

Tiger was not in the mood to sing "take me out to the ball game." No, Sir. He didn't last very long into the actual game. I actually turned to Joogie and said, "Can't they have a kid-friendly game like theatres have shows (45-1 hour productions)?" Yes, I've become one of those Moms-- You should alter the e-n-t-i-r-e game of baseball to accommodate my children...thank you. Ha! We actually made a home run before everyone else left...I wouldn't say we struck out...but rather, Tiger was burnt out for the day!

Midway Stadium has a unique feeling reminiscent of days long past. The atmosphere is fun and the fans are friendly. There's plenty of snacks to go round and more substantial grub can be found under the "Pig Tent."

I'll forever fondly recall the Butter Kernel section were my boys experienced their first baseball game. Does summer get any better than friends, cotton candy and a baseball game? I think not. Well, ok, maybe the fact that it was all free did make it an even sweeter deal! ....Sssswiiiing!

Superior Views

A "Superior" Bonfire on the Lake shore.

S'more kisses, please!

Photogenic ships and the lift bridge.

After we checked out of the Tree Houses, we checked in to the Inn of Lake Superior in Canal Park. This is one of our favorite Minnesota hotels. Every time we stay here, we know that there is a consistent level of expectations and comfort. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. The lake view rooms not only have a great view where the vibe of Canal Park seeps into your room, but they are spacious. There are two pools on site: one indoor and one roof top pool that is kept at 102-degrees. You can even swim on the roof top in the Winter, just as long as the temperature doesn't dip below 0. Every evening at 8p.m., the hotel staff invites everyone to a bonfire where all the gooey-delicious ingredients to create your own s'mores can be found. Upon waking up, you can meander down the hallway to the hotels self-proclaimed, "Breakfast of Champions" (complimentary as a guest). Simply park your car and say goodbye to your keys, as the best way to get around in Canal Park is with your own two feet. Visit the Marine museum, greet vessels as they come to port, take a bike ride (another complimentary feature of the Inn), a carriage ride, shop in some cute eclectic shops, or dine at some of the tastiest places to eat around. Speaking of which, for the first time, we went to Hell Burgers. Amazing! I feel in love with their "Rachel" and I've made it three times since...Is that bad? Oh the sauerkraut, pumpernickel bread, turkey....Yum-O. Ashish had the veggie version of the hot and spicy jalapeno burger. Nishad had the veggie cheese burger and Tiger dined on pasta. Yes, pasta. If you visit Duluth, stop in the Inn and Hells Kitchen and tell them Beverly sent you. :)

Great Lakes

Masters of Disguise!

Divers Feeding the Fish

My little engineers, mastering the locks

Tiger and I in a Mud Hut

"Gone Fishin'!"

Quite the View!

So, it's not the Shed Aquarium in Chicago, but the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth does have a lot to offer-- and at $40 for the three of us (Tiger was free) it was a budget friendly activity. The kids most enjoyed the hands-on manipulative's and "toys." They were excited to see many "big" fish and snakes up close, but they felt disappointed to not see any fresh water sharks. However, being that the emphasis here is on "the Great Lakes," I think they are forgiven.