15/52 & Twin Cities Trip

Last weekend we took a much-needed break from reality and headed to Minnesota to spend a long weekend in the Twin Cities. We've needed the breath of fresh air--some time with no deadlines, no expectations, no stressors...just us and three days with nothing but relaxation and a completely void agenda. We had no plans, no timeline, nothing. Just a handful of places we wanted to visit. Those trips are the best trips. We took the kids to the Mall of America despite our distaste for busy, crowd-filled shopping meccas, but it was so nice. We let Oliver ride on some rides in Nickelodeon Universe and spent a good chunk of time wandering around in the underwater Sea Life exhibit. Their faces were priceless as we travelled through the tunnels beneath the water, gazing upon the beautiful sea creatures.

We did our normal thing...coffee shop-hopped and hit up our favorite small restaurants and explored the city streets. We found the cutest donut shop I have ever seen in my life. We may have gone twice. And bought a half dozen donuts each time.

We treated ourselves to an over-the-top brunch at Parka, one of our favorite restaurants, and had ice cream, donuts, and twice as much coffee as usual.

Mom bought lipstick, Dad bought coffee, the little bought Legos. It was a wonderful "treat-yo-self" kind of weekend. It was so good for our soul and I can't wait until we can go on another family adventure. They're my absolute favorite. My heart can go through another long stretch of the occasional stressed-out husband, expectations, irritating family get-togethers, deadlines, and commitments.

And, let's just consider these photos as my week 15 installment of our 52 week project.

Cheers to family trips!