#8 Take a mini road trip to a new destination

We had a hard time deciding on a location for our family vacation this summer. Initially we were going to meet some friends in Chicago but when that didn't work out, we decided to pick a place a little closer to home so we decided on Minneapolis. While we were there we visited the Build-a-Bear store, Nickelodeon Universe, Lego Land and Underwater World at the Mall of America as well as the MN Zoo and Dave & Busters. Ironically, one of the best parts of the weekend (for the boys) was the fact that they had their own room, complete with bunk beds, a television and video games (and of course, a pool to swim in at the hotel). The best part for us was seeing all the smiles and excitement on their little faces!

At Build-a-Bear, they got to each pick out a bear. Then they brought it over to get the stuffing put in and picked out a special heart for their bear. After that, they gave their bears an air bath, dressed them in their clothes and decided on a name. Joey picked a Karate Bear and named him Buddy. Sam picked a Basketball Bear and named him Basketball Bear. I was not a bit surprised with either of their choices.

Underwater World was very cool. There were sharks and other fish swimming in the tunnel all around us. 

Sam was SO excited to see Nemo. He could've cared less about the sharks,  stingrays and sea turtles. To him, it was all about Nemo.

Crocodile 

Look who we ran into on the way out!

Next we were off to Nickelodeon Land. Sam gave Dora a high-five and a big hug.

Joey loved Lego Land! 

Sam introducing Basketball Bear to his taggie.

Joey snuggled up with Buddy, ready to take a snooze on the way back to our hotel.

At Dave & Busters, Joey hit the jackpot on the first game he played.

Playing games with Daddy.

Swimming!!

Fun in the water!

Playing their race car game before bed.

Joey was SO excited about the Dinosaurs. This picture makes me laugh because the whole way there he kept stopping, looking around and saying "Did you hear that?".

Sam was a little nervous about the dinosaurs. He stayed in his stroller (holding onto his blankie tight) the whole time until the very end of the exhibit. When he was safely past the animated dinosaurs, he decided to get out so I could snap a few pictures.

Cooling off at the splash pad.

My silly boy.

Anyone who knows Joey, knows how much he loves monkeys. Well, on our way out, he spotted a baby monkey and he and I spent a good 10 minutes watching the baby monkey interacting with the other monkeys. So cute! 

#14 Visit a Farmer's Market

Our 1st Farmer's Market of the summer.

The boys picked out some potatoes, cucumber, zucchini & a giant bag of sugar snap peas.

#1 Attend a Parade

This morning we took the boys to the ND State Fair Parade. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny with a slight breeze and a few clouds. Sam loved all the tractors and trucks but didn't quite care for them sounding their horns. Joey liked seeing the fire trucks and race cars. And of course, the highlight of any parade is the candy and there was no shortage of that. I realized Sam has no willpower when it comes to Frooties... much like his mother.

Joey and Khai waiting for the parade to begin. 

Sam... with a sugar high.

Joey enjoying an apple from the Applebee's float. 

Tractors & balloons... 2 of Sam's favorite things.

Too loud!

Sam and Little E waiting for more tootsie rolls to come their way.

#25 Go to the Fair

This past weekend we took the boys to the fair and they had an absolute blast!

Sam was JUST tall enough to go on the rides. 

Joey loved the pony ride.

Sam loved the pony rides too (although you wouldn't guess that from the expression on his face). 

The Swampmaster Show was Joey's favorite part of the day. He thought it was SO cool when this guy "caught" an 8 ft. alligator with his hands. He was still talking about it tonight. 

Sam's favorite was watching the bear exhibit. He could not believe that bears know how to play basketball. 

Sam won a huge inflatable TMNT bat and insisted on carrying it with him everywhere. 

Thanks for the cool toys Grandma Shayne! 

Sam LOVED the rides and Joey was the best big brother. He kept telling Sam not to be scared and that he would protect him. They can be so sweet when they want to be. 

#27 Pick Berries

Yesterday morning we took a drive to Red Barn & Berry Farms to pick some raspberries. I knew Joey would enjoy it because he really likes to help with our garden at home but I wasn't sure what Sam would think of the experience. As it turned out, he did better than expected and is a pretty good berry-picker too. The owners of the farm were great. They brought us out some ice cold water and snacks for the kids and even answered some of our gardening questions. We will definitely go back again but will probably choose a cooler day. 

Taking a break to count his berries.

Our official taste-tester

4 pints for smoothies and 2 for a yummy dessert.

#4 Make S'mores

One of our favorite summer treats are s'mores. While they are best made over a fire, we've learned to improvise. Josh and I were recently watching The Food Network and came across a recipe for Indoor S'mores Sundaes. They were super easy to make and really good.

Indoor S'mores Sundaes

Of course, we also like to make them the old fashioned way and lucky for us, we live next to some fun neighbors who like to have bonfires.

Patiently waiting... 

Delicioso!

#15 Visit a State Park

This past weekend was a hot one so we decided to take the kids to Buffalo River State Park on Saturday. The boys had a blast! Joey got to test out his new goggles and Sam was content "swimming" in the shallow end and building sand castles. When we got home, we filled up the boys' pool and our neighbors set up their inflatable water slide so we all had a full day of fun in the sun.   

I think Joey kept his new goggles on his head the whole day.

Getting ready to make a sand castle.

Joey and Grace

Smiles all around!

Just chillin'