Northern Minnesota Fun!

I posted a few weeks ago about our 4^thof July traditions (see post HERE) and we had a blast. My sister and her family came up and we couldn’t have asked for better weather!  We spent a lot of time in the pool, lake, BBQed our hearts out, and the kids were constantly running around living their best life!

Some of you have DM’ed me asking where my husband is and what I’m doing up in Northern Minnesota, so wanted to explain!  I’m currently on maternity leave, I go back to work September – October.  I wanted to capitalize on the summer and time by bringing my toddler and newborn to my hometown, Bemidji, MN.  This is a very special place for me.  My parents live right on a lake and I can’t get enough of the fresh air, lake time, and laid-back life style. I don’t get to see my side of the family that often and it will be nice to spend quality time with everyone.  Plus, I love the extra set of hands and help!  My parents work but they are flexible and have had a blast getting to know their grandkids… temper tantrums and all!

My husband was able to spend a week with us over the forth and will join us for a long weekend at the end of the month but in between, he’ll be working like a dog. We miss him like crazy but talk/facetime every day.

I just wanted to post some pictures of the first half of our northern Minnesota fun!

‘MERICA.

Every year, Eric buys an insane amount of fireworks to blast off.  I think he is a pyromaniac.

Also, on the 4^th, we take the boat to watch Bemidji’s fireworks.  We had to put our toddler down for a 2^ndnap at 7:30 and woke him up at 9:30 so we could take him to watch the fireworks.

Parade.

Jax had a blast!  He didn’t get the concept that the candy thrown at him was his until the last few groups of the parade, but once he figured it out, he was chipmunking candy anywhere he could.  Next year, we’ll bring a bucket for him to carry (novice mom here).  My grandpa and grandma were the highlight of the parade, my grandpa gave my husband and toddler a big hug but had to make it quick because the parade was moving too fast. Bless him.

Strawberry Picking.

I loved doing this.  My mom is such a trooper, helping me with the kids and helping me take photos!  I forgot to feed Parker before we went into the field to go picking and he was not happy.  He was screaming bloody murder in the middle of the field and no Paci or bouncing would save him.  I ended up plopping down in the middle of the field to feed him.

Lake time.

My husband and I love to swim, water ski, wake board, fish, basically anything that involves playing on the lake. Not going to lie, the water sports are getting harder for me and going skiing 7 weeks post-partum – every muscle of my body could feel it!  I was sore for days but it was such a good pain… and exercise.

That’s it for now. I’ll be posting my second half of the trip at the end of the month!  Hope you are all having a great summer!

Xoxo, Rachael

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