Memorial Day Weekend, Part 1

A few weeks ago, Andi and I were feeling like losers for having no big Memorial Day weekend plans. We never had to "make plans" with friends for Memorial Day at the cabin in past years. Since we shared the space with several couples, everyone was just there. Now the cabin is solely ours and it requires more planning ahead of time to congregate a gathering. Also, it seems like the older we get, the more people have their own plans with family or very grown-up weekend tasks moving or landscaping to tackle. Memorial Day weekend is no longer a three-day party with lawn games and beers by the fire pit. Not all of it, at least.

But, after two solid weeks of Andi traveling in Montana for work and living a solo parenting gig myself, I'm so thankful we don't have big holiday plans this weekend. Spending three relaxing days with my two favorite people in the world is oh, so wonderful.

Hello Memorial Day Weekend!

Andi, Tory and I left the Cities Friday afternoon and took our time driving to the cabin, stopping by our favorite places along the way. When Andi's working on photo shoots, we don't really talk much because he's working 20 hour days and usually staying in remote places with little or no phone service. Plus, by the time he's back to his room for the night, it's usually late and I'm already in bed. So, we had two weeks of stories to share on our 1 1/2 hour drive to the cabin. Andi filled me in on his adventures in Big Sky Country and I recapped Tory's funniest moments and stories from our time at home.

We stopped by Balsam Lake Brick Oven Breads, to buy a few fresh loaves of bread for the weekend. This time, Andi bought a Sweet Focaccia which we all devoured for breakfast this morning. We also stopped at the bait store and by Kepper's Pottery and Produce for farm fresh veggies. Kepper's is a fantastic farm about 10 minutes from the lake cabin which takes veggie orders every week. We've opted to buy produce and eggs here vs. signing up for a CSA crop share this year. I love how we can specify what veggies we want in our box each week (or not feel obligated to buy if we're not coming to the cabin one weekend) and it's awesome to see the exact fields in which our produce is grown.

Shortly after we arrived at the lake cabin, we went for our first pontoon boat ride of the season. This year was already a gazillion times more enjoyable since Tory can walk now and her life jacket is more comfortable to wear. She was in heaven peering over the sides of the pontoon at the water and helping Daddy drive the boat. "Beep! Beep!" she kept saying as she pushed all the buttons on the radio. I venture to guess we'll be able to make it for a full loop around the lake during boat rides this year! Something we never were able to accomplish last year due to the attack of the screaming baby. (We better enjoy it because next year, we'll have Baby #2 in the mix and likely another life jacket hater on our hands).

This makes me so, so excited for the summer we're about to embark on. Tory is going to have an absolute blast at the lake this summer, planing in the sand and swimming in the water. I can't wait for sunshine and boating ahead (even if I can't partake in any adult beverage drinking due to the baby growing in my belly).

In three years time, we've traded in Solo cups for sippy cups; late nights of partying for quiet evenings. If I'm being honest though, this is the life I've always wished for. I had a blast during Memorial Day weekends of years past and now I'm so glad to be where I am today with Andi, Tory and our pooch, Chloe. Pontoon rides, afternoon cat naps and gourmet dinners featuring fresh, local produce. Here's to the start of summer and many more relaxing weekends at the lake to come!