Skip to main content

We Almost Didn't Make It to Doors Open Minneapolis



Theo thinks its okay to stand on tables.

It's not.

We had errands to run in the morning. I wanted to get to Costco right when it opened but we made it a half hour later.

After we spent too much money at Costco we returned some bulbs to Menards. They were a tad too bright. Ok, they were blindingly bright.

Since we were in the area we stopped at Once Upon a Child to get new hiking shoes for Meadow and walking shoes for Theo.

We had planned on biking around today, but it was cold and rainy.

Meadow and I prepared our lunch.

You knew we were going to have leftovers, right?

Theo got new rain boots.

Hey marshmallow man.

His rain suit is a bit large, but it does the job, especially with the new rain boots.

He'll grow into it.

This weekend was Doors Open Minneapolis. Like the Minneapolis St Paul Home Tour but for businesses.

Buildings of all kinds. Big and bigger.

Our first stop was the Van Dusen Mansion. Meadow couldn't believe you could have your wedding here.


Could you imagine living in a place like this. The Gilded Age, man.

Our next stop was JB Hudsons. They are the oldest continuously running business in Minneapolis, opening in 1885. 

Though they have moved around downtown a few times.

They still use the original cases and had vintage Coco Chanel jewelry. They also gave Meadow a light up ring for visiting.

Meadow eyes also lit up looking at the opulent jewelry.

Then we went to the Foshay Tower and up to the gusty observation deck.

I didn't think they'd let us on the observation deck. It was a nice surprise.

Views for days. Too bad the wind was freaking me out.

We ended our little adventure at the Orpheum Theater where we got to stand on the stage. So many greats have played here.

What did you do to your legs Theo?

Don't worry, he's just joking around.

For dinner we had a meal that even G.G. would approve of. Swedish Meatballs, egg noodles and smashed potatoes. Meadow loved it.

Before going to bed Meadow made a fort in the bottom bunk.

Party time.

Excellent.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Brooke Turns 40, We Return to the Riverside Cabin at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

This year is my 40th birthday. We originally thought we'd go to Mackinac Island and also played with the idea of going to Montreal. With a spring break trip coming up we settled on a cabin on the Gunflint Trail. The Gunflint Trail is one of our favorite spots in Minnesota. So, why not? We'd also decided to go on another campervan/RV relocation adventure at the end of the month. So don't act like I don't treat my honey. On our drive up we stopped at Tobie's to get cinnamon bread for french toast.  Just like a few years back we stopped at Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth. I feel like we have to document whenever these kids get along as it's a rarity these days.  We got the frybread tacos, but the kids stuck with the corn tortilla options. We brought along our projector and stopped at Blake's house to steal his internet to download videos. Once we got to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and unloaded our stuff, we crossed the river to explore the trails briefly. Our feet ...

A 39th Birthday Cottage Visit and Ice Skating "The Glide" in Boulder Junction

Back at the cottage for my (early) birthday weekend. Where else would I go for my birthday? I'm a simple man. Grandpa cleared a rink and a little loop for us. Theo just wanted dig in the snow. Meanwhile Meadow and I went cross country skiing on the Anvil Ski Trail. Meadow said she would only go with me if we did a trail with hills. We hiked this a few years ago and it was quite hilly.  She was an old pro on the hills while I wiped out.  We didn't make it too far as Meadow complained her boots were too tight. I made her check the fit a few weeks ago and she claimed they were fine... Was a beautiful trail in the Nicolet National Forest.

Backcountry Camping with Kids in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Day 1  Back in May I stumbled upon Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I had no idea there was a National Park in North Dakota and that it was the northern end of the Badlands. Usually our summer vacations coincide with Scott's work trips. Since he didn't have any this summer I thought we should take advantage of actually taking a vacation. What, my workcations are always classics? I suppose a second real vacation this year wouldn't hurt. We definitely have more time than normal. As long as we took Covid-19  precautions and avoided people. We finally settled on a time to go. Blake joined us so we borrowed our dad's van so we could ride together. Scott had just driven from Michigan the day before. Blake had met my parents in Wisconsin to get the van and then drove from Duluth to pick us up. I offered to drive since I literally only drive twice a month.  I was still pretty tired from a long drive home. Since we were near Fergus Falls we had to stop by the abandoned state ho...