Summertime in Minnesota: Family, Food & A Change of Plans
Our journey back to Minnesota began with a couple of quick overnight stops—one in Salem, IL, another in Madison, WI—before arriving at our usual summer spot, Country Camping in Isanti. The moment we pulled in, Leo was beside himself with excitement, knowing he’d get to see his cousins again.
Minnesota Summers: Patios, Family, & Good Eats
Summertime in Minnesota means patios, sunshine, and catching up with old friends. I soaked up some much-needed girl time with my lifelong friend, Brenda, enjoying one of those perfect Minnesota summer evenings.
We also got to check out my brother Ronnie’s new place in Minneapolis and treated him to the best Vietnamese food at Que Viet—seriously, if you haven’t had it, put it on your list! Being in the Twin Cities for the 4th of July was extra special this year. We spent the day on Forest Lake with Nick’s family, rain and all. Nothing beats a lake day, even if the weather doesn’t fully cooperate.
Aitkin: Our Wooded Summer Retreat
Then, it was off to Aitkin, where we parked the RV in the woods—one of our favorite spots. The deer flies were as relentless as ever, but this year? Mice. So. Many. Mice. Nick spent the entire summer waging war against them, trying every strategy imaginable. Let’s just say, it was a battle.
Between mouse evictions, we indulged in all our favorite Aitkin traditions:
🥩 Monday night prime rib at Castaways
🍗 Wednesday night broasted chicken at the VFW
🌮 Poncho & Lefty’s in Brainerd
🍕 The Locker Room for some of the best pizza
🔥 Block North and Out of Place for the thinnest, crispiest pizza ever
Let’s be real—we gain about 10 pounds every summer in Minnesota. Totally worth it. 😂
We also soaked up the simple joys of being up north: relaxing in nature, shooting practice, and spending time with family.
Celebrating Life & Exploring Crosby
One of the most important moments of the summer was the celebration of life for Brenda, who we lost in January. It was a day filled with love, memories, and togetherness, reminding us of just how precious time with family and friends is.
We also took a fun day trip to Crosby with Bridget and her family. We wandered through quaint shops, sipped great wine, and enjoyed some delicious food—the perfect small-town adventure.
Lake Minnetonka, Thai Food & Volleyball Reunions
One of my favorite days this summer was cruising on Lake Minnetonka with Amanda. Nothing quite compares to a day on the water with a good friend, sunshine, and endless lake views. We capped it off with a Thai dinner reunion with the volleyball girls, catching up over spicy noodles and laughter.
A Change of Plans: Family & Health Come First
Our summer plans took an unexpected turn, but in the most meaningful way. We decided to stay in Minnesota through mid-September to help care for Nick’s dad. Family always comes first, and we were grateful our lifestyle allowed us the flexibility to be where we were needed most.
On top of that, I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease—something I never expected but was incredibly fortunate to be in Minnesota when it happened. Having access to my original Mayo Clinic care team from 2014 was an absolute blessing. We spent a few weeks in Rochester, where I underwent surgery and recovery.
Grateful for the Journey Ahead
As September rolled on, we were grateful for the extra warm weather, making the transition easier as we prepped for our next move. By October, we’d be heading back to Tennessee for continued recovery and planning for our homestead.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but this summer reminded us of what truly matters—family, health, and the ability to embrace change with gratitude.
Here’s to the next chapter. Tennessee, here we come!
