I spent the majority of my time with my Grandma Dolores. The two of us had a fun time at the General Store in Minnetonka, where we had lunch and shopped around.
Grandma & I also played many games of Scrabble & UpWords together. I think the funniest moment of all was when my grandma played "sexy." She couldn't figure out why my mom & I were laughing so hard! When we explained that it's funny for an 89 year-old to play that word, she said, "I always play 'sex' or 'sexy' whenever I get the 'x.' " Hilarious!! Also...it's amazing how GOOD she is at these games! I was only able to beat her one time during my whole trip! In addition to playing Scrabble & UpWords, Grandma & I also visited my grandpa's grave & looked at a LOT of picture albums. My favorite thing to do with Grandma is to hear about "the olden days." I love the stories that she shares with me! 
My cousin Anna & I also spent a fun day together! We "celebrated" our Swedish heritage at the American Swedish Institute in downtown Minneapolis. I was 8 years old the last time I visited this museum, so it was a lot of fun to go there again! 
We toured around the museum and saw the life-size picture of our great-grandpa which is displayed on the third floor. We also took pictures on the "life-size" Dala horse...where else, but in Minnesota, could you ride one of these? 
My sister is working at Covenant Pines, the Bible camp that we both attended when we were growing up and the camp where I also worked for 2 summers. It was such a blast to be back at camp and remember all the fun memories that I made there! Emily is the Activities Director on staff, so I got a first-hand view of what is involved with being the AD...which mostly involved screaming directions into a megaphone, wearing crazy costumes, and managing groups of chaotic campers! Seriously though, she is doing an awesome job, and I am so glad that she's able to be at camp this summer. When I wasn't assisting her in her AD duties, I spent most of my time reading by the edge of the lake...while wearing a sweatshirt! The sunsets were absolutely gorgeous, and it felt SO good to feel the cool Minnesota breeze--something we definitely don't have in Texas right now where our heat index is 110!!
Another big event that I was able to attend in Minnesota was the wedding of my high school friend, Molly! Molly & I played basketball together, and she's definitely one of the craziest people I've ever known. My sweet friend Audra & I were able to go to Molly's wedding together. It was so fun to catch up with friends & teachers from high school that I don't get to see very often! 
Lastly...what would a trip to Minnesota be without Caribou Coffee? (or, more specifically...six trips to Caribou?) ;) Besides friends, family, all things Swedish, & the changing of seasons, I think I miss Mint Conditions more than anything from Minnesota! If you've never tried one, you are missing out! So...in a nutshell, this sums up my wonderful week back in my "homeland." I'm so excited that I'll be able to introduce our sweet little boy to all my Minnesota friends & family the next time I'm up there!
Your trip looks like it was so much fun! I really miss caribou too... yummm, it sounds so good right now!
ReplyDeleteHi! I found you through my blog friend Amanda (who I guess goes to the same church as you), and on Facebook I saw that you are friends with a bunch of people from Fourth in Minneapolis (or I guess, Plymouth now). I now get it that you went to school at Fourth. What a small world because I only know Amanda through her blog!
ReplyDeleteI actually used to go to Fourth when I was little, though I don't think I remember you. What brought you guys to Texas?
My cousins are Jason and Amy Johnson. Our moms are sisters. Doesn't Jason and Janelle have the sweetest kids??? I hope they get to keep Amos forever like the other four.
I'm living in West Virginia (after meeting my husband in Maryland - long story), so I totally relate to all the fun tidbits of traveling to Minnesota you write on your blog! Especially Caribou. The closest Caribou for us is Pittsburgh, which is still a 2 hour drive! Oddly enough my favorite used to be Mint Condition, but now it's tied with Lite White Raspberry. They just always make their drinks good and consistent. Starbucks doesn't hold a candle to Caribou in taste, environment, everything. Every trip to MN includes a stop (or two or ten!) to Caribou, and most often it's first thing out of MSP! I've even made my hubby a fan and now we only buy Caribou beans, from Target.
Anyway, congrats on the little one who has already filled your heart and soon your home with joy! It's good to "meet" you!
Hi Bethany! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! I love how connecting with others who have lived in Gerig over the years always feels like an encounter with a long-lost family member.
ReplyDeleteI read your latest post and it seems we have some things in common!
(a) I LOVE Scrabble and Upwords. In fact, my bridesmaids are throwing me a Scrabble-themed bridal shower in a couple weeks! :)
(b) I'm Swedish, too (though I've never been to that museum...will have to add that to the "someday" list)
(c) I'm a big fan of Caribou Coffee. Being in Chicagoland, I am fortunate enough to work within 2 blocks of one and have two others within 2 miles of my home. A Lite White Raspberry Mocha is my usual beverage of choice. :)
Congrats on the coming addition to your family!