How many times in a row makes a tradition?

My husband, two dogs, and I hopped in the car two weeks ago and took a road-trip to Rochester Minnesota, where we celebrated 4th of July last year. We spent the long weekend with my best friend and her family, including her adorable son (my first nephew!). I never grew up around children so my weekends spent around him are the longest periods of times I’ve been around a baby before, and the biggest thing I’ve learned is that they grow so quickly. My mom always told me that she felt like she closed her eyes for a second when we were children, and she opened them and we were suddenly adults. Although I don’t have children of my own, I’m starting to understand where she’s coming from – they’re babies for such a short period of time! Although we were only there for a few days, watching his eyes light up when he picked up something new, or seeing him experience the little details in life was truly the highlight of my trip. A close second is the beer pong we played one night ;).
Now that I’m done being a sap (I just love that my best friends are having babies!), I’ll share a little of my trip. Best friends are truly defined by people you don’t have to do much with and still have the best time. It was so much fun hanging out with our husbands (and dogs!), drinking wine, eating ice cream, cooking, and watching trashy reality shows. We also made matching shirts for our 4th of July BBQ, because you’re never too old to match. On Saturday we headed to Four Daughter’s Winery and we couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather. The wine was delicious, the food was yummy, and it was a beautiful day to roam around the venue.
I also always wanted to see Mall of America, which we went to on Sunday. I could NOT believe how tremendous the mall is. Being the forever 15-year-olds we are, we decided to participate in the obstacle course they have set up at in the Nickelodeon area (YES, NICKELODEON). From there, we zip-lined through the top of the mall – my first time ever doing it.
The worst part of the weekend were the crocs I had to wear doing the obstacle course – and still, we got a few funny Instastories from them. I hope your fourth of July was as good… minus the crocs!




















x Jill