Erin and Paul's Fabulous Fall Wedding! Day One: Arrival at Maplelag

Good friends and natural Minnesotans Erin and Paul celebrated their wedding weekend at beautiful Maplelag Resort near Callaway, MN, not too far outside Detroit Lakes. As an added bonus for Adam and me, they selected the weekend of our own wedding anniversary. (Year Six for us, which is either iron, candy, or wood, depending on the source. At any rate, by the time you head this far north of the Cities, you're going to get all three.)

Just look at that view. I was literally jumping out of a moving car for those foliage shots.

These signs are very good signs that the weekend is going to be awesome.

Since Adam and I were among the first to arrive, we got the prime choice in accommodations. Of course, we selected the bed closest to, wait for it...

...the world's coolest trap door!

Once we discovered the trap door, we barely used the regular stairs, not even when wearing dress heels.

Checking out the main room...

...and the view.

We even got some solitary hoops in while we waited for others to arrive.

Check out that form!

Hitching a ride on the next train out of town.

Time to explore the main resort. Now you know you're deep in the heart of Minnesota.

We discovered an empty bottle of Crown in one of the Towers. Too bad for the superfan, but at least the coffee was endless and free (as were the delicious cookies)!

The resort had an astonishing collection of vintage signs. We were fortunate, especially here in Minnesota, to come across our surname. What are the odds!?

So many signs!

Minnesota's largest indoor hot tub, popular with the resort's
cross-country skiers and many wedding guests.

The ladder is slightly more difficult with a beer, but definitely not impossible. 

I have always wanted a half-door. I suppose they're not too difficult to make.

At the end of day one, the wedding guests gathered at a bonfire during one of Minnesota's coldest fall nights. Just add another layer, though. This is what autumn is all about.

 The rising moon over the lake.

Sports with Dads

Two weeks ago, my dad and Adam's dad made a quick trip to the Cities for a super sports weekend. That Friday night we watched the Twins lose badly to the White Sox, but we all got free winter hats. Then on Saturday afternoon we caught a winning Gophers game at TCF Bank Stadium. Not a bad way to spend a weekend!

I guess it's quite apparent that we are related.

Watching batting practice before the game.

Adam actually caught (or found?) this ball from batting practice, but somehow gave it away to a large-child/small-teenager. At least we got the photo, if not the souvenir.

There's not too much to say about the Twins this season, but we did watch them redeem themselves somewhat against Detroit this past Friday for their final home series of the season. Sitting in the Legends Club also helped. It's fun to feel fancy.

The Gophers, meanwhile, seem to be having a better season. At least, I know I had more fun than last year.

Dad and I forgot to wear our maroon and gold, but also, I don't own anything maroon or gold.
Christmas gift, maybe?

Garden Helpers

Even with our record-breaking lack of rain, the fall colors are coming in nicely. However, the yard would look a little better if TJ didn't love to help so much.

He's picked a new favorite nesting spot, just outside the back door, and right on top of my first season rose bush. Enjoy the video. It took forever to upload. 

He is just so proud of himself and his fine handiwork.

Check out the pollen on this guy!

Just so you don't think that TJ is having all the fun, Pickles has also been enjoying the sunshine. She's more of a regulator, though. Someone has to keep us on track with our chores.