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MN State Fair 2024

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Last Sunday, G and I ventured into St Paul, and did a little exploring. We drove through part of the St Kate's campus, went to Cecil's Deli for some sweet desserts, checked out the Ford Dam (I cannot believe how much Highland Park has changed since I lived there 25+ years ago), and then finally made our way into Minneapolis to Minnehaha Falls Park. It had been a really long time since I had been to Minnehaha, and every time that G went recently with the Y, either they didn't make it out to the Falls, or, we were in a drought, so there was no falling water. But this weekend was perfect! It was really rushing, and it was so neat to see it. In all of my time while at college, I never realized that they were such a short drive from campus. I'm glad we took the time to see them!

Cecil's!


Ford Dam



At the top of the falls








The rest of the week was a blur with work, work, work, and activities. On Thursday, we headed out to the opening day of the MN State Fair, mostly to see the RHSMB march. They are generally the first band in the parade on the first day (I think because they are state champions), but the rain started about 30 min before the parade was supposed to begin, and then it rained for an hour. The parade was cancelled, but we tried to make the best of it. My parents, Scott, G, and I ate and drank our way around the fair, did some shopping, and generally enjoyed being outside. It wasn't too crowded, and the rain really kept things cooler on the first day. I'm sure the kids were A-OK not marching...more time for them to spend at the fair, as well!





Very happy to run into these two while walking around


Yummy drinks!






Finally heading back home (I think I napped for a bit on the bus...)


It was weird taking a Thursday off, and then having to go back to work on Friday. Luckily, my work is encouraging Focus Fridays, which means no meetings on Fridays. I was able to catch up from being out on Thursday, and left things in a good place to pick up on Monday morning. 

As a bonus, G and I went out with some book club friends on Tuesday night, I went out for dinner with a friend on Wednesday night, and then on Thursday night (after we got back from the fair), G and I met up with some of the book club, and while the kids played outside, the adults watched the DNC together. We now have plans to watch the debates, as well as the election results. It's fun to have friends in the neighborhood to do these kinds of things with. A few of us are also taking a cooking lesson together (eggrolls and samosas), and a fall painting class at the local winery. Fun stuff to look forward to!

We took it easy on Friday (well, Ava worked 8am-6pm, had dinner with us, and then went to an end-of-summer party with some friends from a different high school.) I love that she has branched out and has friends in neighboring towns! G, Scott, and I stayed at home and took it easy. This busy week wiped us out.

Our neighbors are doing an end-of-summer pizza party tonight, so we're going to head over there to wrap up the last weekend of the summer. I can't believe that the older kids head back to school on Wednesday! 

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