Scenic Byway

Heading from one place to another--a stop along the beautiful Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway. We try not to miss any chances to soak up the Minnesota scenery or sunshine before we head off to our next post.

Summer work

The girls wanted iPods this summer, so we provided them with the means of earning the necessary funds (the little guy just liked being out where the action was). They worked hard throughout the summer and both reached their goals: one iPod Shuffle and one Nano (and two very proud parents). 

At the lake

Summer wouldn't be complete without our annual day trip to Lake Minnetonka with family.

Taylors Falls

We have a long family history with Taylors Falls on the St. Croix River. My great great grandfather came to MN in 1878 to teach at settlements located along the river and settled himself nearby in Lindstrom, MN. His daughter, my great grandmother, tells a story that one night while walking from Taylors Falls to Lindstrom, her father was trailed by a large cougar. My grandfather recalls riding a sled to school in wintertime in Taylors Falls during the Depression, and walking it back uphill at the end of each day. My father camped, hiked, and motorcycled all through the area. 

As a child I remember visiting regularly to explore the huge potholes with my cousins. In high school I came with carloads of friends to go cliff jumping into the river, which is now illegal. This summer I took my own children to Taylors Falls to go rock climbing.

My brother is an experienced climber and he coached my girls, who were in the club d'escalade at school this year and chomping at the bit to climb.

Summer pace

When we signed up for life abroad, it marked the end of slow-paced summers. Now it's the only time we have to reconnect with stateside family and friends, so we have a lot of ground to cover. It is rare that we sleep in one place for more than 7 nights in a row.

For the first few years I tried, unsuccessfully, to simplify and slow things down; but I have come to accept it for what it is. We run it like a marathon, taking in every moment so that it will sustain us for the year ahead.

Happy reunions