Minnesota & Chicago

Yesterday I posted about our time in Nebraska, the first half of our summer road trip. After we left Lincoln, we headed up north to Minneapolis. We always love Minnesota in the summer, and we wanted to see more family. I've never lived in Minnesota, but there's always a nostalgic feeling of "coming home".

The first afternoon (Monday), we visited the well-known Scandinavian shop, Ingebretsen's.

It was Swedish Mecca inside! Steve waited in the car with sleeping Ephraim, and I was in there a long time. A long time. I finally decided my souvenirs to be a Dala horse napkin holder and "Var sa god" salt and pepper shakers, which I'm super excited about.

Next, we visited my grandpa and grandma at their retirement home. The boys immediately gravitated to Grandpa's trains.

Grandpa and his Maggie dog :)

Grandma broke both legs earlier this year, but she seems to be doing well! 

Ephraim is my shy guy, so here he's checking Grandma out.

 

Grandpa took the boys on rides on his new scooter through the apartment and down the hall.

This was a big hit! :)

We were able to visit G&G two afternoons in a row, and it was really wonderful for all of us! 

Monday evening, we had hot dogs and hamburgers at my Aunt Karen and Uncle Roger's house. The boys had a blast playing with cousin Mackenzie, who is right in between their ages.

On Tuesday, we found where my grandma's parents are buried. Even though I never met them, I get my middle name Julia from this great-grandmother.

My cousin Lindsay had a sweet baby girl while we were in Minnesota! We were actually at their house when they brought a day-old Cozette home for the first time :)

She is beautiful!! I am so happy we were able to meet her, and spend a little time with her family.

We stayed with my cousin Jenna, and their dog Remy is the same age as Nolan. Remy was not too sure what to think of the boys!

We stopped in Chicago overnight on our way home. My Uncle Brian, Aunt Meg, and cousin Sam spoiled us with Lou Malnati's pizza and a beautiful evening in the backyard.

 Once a year is not enough!

The next morning, we took the boys on their first train ride - a quick round-trip on the L. They LOVED it!

We sat in the first car so they could see out the front window.

It was the perfect outing for two boys who are crazy about trains!

We had lunch at my favorite hot dog place, Wolfy's, a block away from where I grew up.

We didn't have much more time in Chicago before we got on the road to start the final leg back to Pennsylvania.

After spending the night in Toledo, we stopped at Lyn Marie's, my favorite coffee shop in small-town Monroeville, Ohio.

Lyn Marie's cuteness speaks for itself in these photos.

And this white chocolate raspberry mocha gave this pregnant girl enough energy to make it back home. After ten days away, we were ready to be back. But of course, now I miss everyone that we saw on our trip, and I wish we lived closer!

In other news, today is my BIRTHDAY!! Happy last day of August to all of you. :)