As my boys get older, it gets harder to buy them gifts. Either they can’t think of anything they want, they only want money or they ask for something super expensive or something I’m unwilling to buy. Enter the candy explosion gift box. It’s quickly becoming my go-to gift and it’s also a great way…
Andes Tower Hills
The weather was perfect for skiing the day we hit the slopes at Andes Tower Hills near Alexandria, MN. Our trip was the second hill we skied while using the Minnesota 4th Grade Ski Passport. Our fourth grader loved this hill and commented that it’s been one of his favorites. In all fairness, he’s only…
Peach of My Heart
My family has captured each peach of my heart. So the idea of crafting a peachy Valentine party was a natural fit and super fun to create. I stumbled upon a few peach themed decorations at a local craft store. It was then that I decided they would be perfect for a sweet and tasty…
Spirit Mountain
This winter we are fortunate enough to have a fourth grader in our house which means we get to take advantage of the Minnesota 4th Grade Ski Passport. With the passport, 4th graders typically get a free lift ticket to each of Minnesota’s 18 ski resorts. We decided to use this opportunity to try out…
Festive Ice Cream Floats
During the pandemic, we started planning special home based events and activities as a way to lessen our boredom. On Monday mornings we’d make muffins, on Tuesday’s we’d have tacos for dinner (obviously) and on Friday nights we’d make ice cream floats. These activities gave us something to look forward to and relieved lock down…
Oliver Kelley Farm
Credited with bringing United States farmers together, Oliver Kelley played an important role in Minnesota and national agriculture. A visit to his family’s historic 1860’s farm was the last summer visit on our 6th Grade Minnesota History Pass Tour. The Oliver Kelley Farm is located just outside Elk River, MN. and gives a glimpse into…
Split
Packed with stunning Roman ruins and a beautiful waterfront, Split was the final stop on our Western Balkan adventure. We spent our time meandering the marble streets while licking ice cream cones and souvenir shopping. Split is also a great location to use as a jumping off point for excursions to nearby Blue Cave and…
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik deserves its nickname, “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It’s gorgeous and dripping in Croatian culture and history. The delightful, traffic-free Old Town is jam packed with cafes and winding streets. We spent our two days in Dubrovnik walking the city’s walls, kayaking the waters near the city and riding the cable car to the top…
Kotor
Snuggled between a high cliff and the Adriatic, Kotor-Montenegro is often referred to as “little Dubrovnik.” This thick brick walled city with its labyrinth of tiny streets and alleys can be explored in a day. We spent an afternoon and the following morning meandering the Old Town; marveling at churches, climbing the steep wall behind…
Mostar
A mix of eastern and western Europe with a stunning bridge straddling the cultures and the Neretva River; Mostar is the gem of Bosnia Herzegovina. A stroll down the cobbled streets of Mostar in a compact Old Town area is a delight. In a day we were able to see the famous bridge jumpers, sip…