The Perfect Day on a Stick

Greetings from the Land of 10,000 lakes deep-fried foods. For the last 6 years, around this time, I have sunk into a minor depression thinking about all the cheese curds, Sweet Martha's cookies, roasted corn on the cob, pronto pups and other delicious goodies I have missed out on, but this year my slump is over! And to make it better, I'm eating for two! The Minnesota State Fair, aka, "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" prides itself on having every food under the sun "on a stick".

For example:

(that's right folks... mashed potatoes on a stick)

Adam and I went for doubles on the cheese curds:

Adam had two pronto-pups:

We got together with some family:

And even saw Andrew Zimmern! (That's him in the back behind my cousin):

Where else can you see a 90 pound block of butter carved into the likeness of someone's head?

An entire exhibit hall dedicated to corn?  (Ok, maybe Nebraska...)

A block-long row of John Deere tractors?

And get your picture taken with the Spam mascot?

Ahhhh.... so glad it won't be another 6 years before we get to do this all again.

Adam & John

If I could give only one bit of advice to any new home-owner-ladies out there it would be this: Let your man get WHATEVER lawn equipment he wants. Overlook the expense because you won't have to mow the lawn ever again. (Seems like this strategy works for snow-blowers too). Adam is really into his new John Deere. If only we could figure out how to grow some grass...

Nina & Pinta

Last Sunday it was sweltering in MN... about 91 degrees and a 70-something degree dew point. That almost kicks an AZ summer day's butt. It was also sweltering across the river in Hudson, Wisconsin however, I have been looking forward to August 8th for a few weeks now and what we saw was worth the "swass".

We went to Hudson to see the "Nina & Pinta". For those of you that are not nerds like Adam and I, those are two of Columbus' ships (the Santa Maria sunk halfway through the first voyage).  These were not the actual ships Columbus sailed, but the Nina we saw is believed to be the most accurate replica ever built. It was built entirely by hand with the same tools and techniques from Columbus' time. 

Enough of my ramblings, here are the pictures. 

Costa Rica

Two of our best friends got married last week in Costa Rica and we were lucky enough to be able to be there to celebrate with them.

We did so many fun things I don't even know where to start- I guess I should begin at the beginning.

Day 1 (Saturday): We started off at Hotel La Pradera near La Fortuna which is adjacent to Arenal Volcano.

Day 2 (Sunday): Canyoning and Rapelling tour

Day 3 (Monday): EcoGlide Zipline tour, Hiking at Arenal and Baldi Hot Springs

Day 4 (Tuesday): Made our way to Hotel La Finesterra at Playa Hermosa

Day 5 (Wednesday): Check in at Hilton Papagayo and relax

Day 6 (Thursday): Christina and Simon tie the knot!

Spicer Surprise Part Two from Anne Merrill on Vimeo.

Day 7 (Friday): Snorkeling and more relaxation

Day 8 (Saturday): Time to head back home. What a great trip!!!

Congratulations Jeff and Kati!

Rockwell 4th

Adam and I spent the 4th of July in Okoboji, Iowa this year with his family. Seems a little odd since Minnesota is supposed to be the "Land of 10,000 lakes". Why would we go to Iowa of all places? Okoboji is, hands down, the best place on the planet to spend this holiday. From boat rides, to spending time with the whole family, barbecuing, Arnold's Park and perfect fireworks over the lake it really feels like you just walked into a Norman Rockwell painting. I tried to take a few photos and videos this year to capture how awesome it is, but of course, nothing does it justice. So if you ever get a chance- go to Boji on the 4th and see it for yourself!

Fireflies and fireworks from Anne Merrill on Vimeo.

What happens in Vegas...

Christina Spicer is a very fun girl, so in order to celebrate her last month of single-ladihood her sister planned a very fun weekend in Las Vegas.

Highlights: