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Good night for s’mores! 🔥

Marshmallows on roasting sticks held over a wood fire burning in a round metal fire pit on a gravel patio, with a fluffy dog nearby.
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Heather’s in South Minneapolis has quickly become a family favorite for dinner out on their large patio. Our food has all been great, and the space is relaxing and enjoyable. Recommended. 🍽

Busy outdoor patio restaurant at dusk with groups dining at metal tables amid flower garden borders and string lights overhead.
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Kayaking the Crow River

After our morning bike ride Tammy and I continued our day of fun and adventure with a late afternoon kayak down the Crow River. We met River Dragon Kayak Rental outside of Saint Michael and then drove upstream to Hanover and put in the river there.

Dark map showing a yellow GPS track of a 5-mile kayak route along the Crow River through Crow Hassan Park Reserve near Hanover and Saint Michael, Minnesota.

Here we are at the put in spot. If I look nervous it’s because I’m not very confident in kayaks still.

Two people standing on a rocky riverbank beside two loaded kayaks, ready to launch onto a calm tree-lined river.

After I settled in and navigated a few shallow water rock bumping occasions I got comfortable and we had a stellar paddle down the river. It took us about 90 minutes to go the 5 miles. After we finished we had a nice dinner outside at Main Street Farmer in St. Michael.

Man in sunglasses and baseball cap takes a selfie on a river while a woman paddles a green kayak behind him Yellow kayak bow pointing down a calm tree-lined river under a clear blue sky Person in a red life jacket paddling a dark kayak down a calm tree-lined river with fallen logs along the bank Woman paddling a green and blue kayak with an orange paddle on a calm tree-lined river on a sunny day Man wearing sunglasses and a backward cap takes a selfie on a calm river lined with green trees
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Ride the Dakota Rail Regional Trail

With the kids away with their cousin for a couple of days, I cleared my calendar and Tammy and I took a day to ourselves. We got started early with a big bike ride. We drove out to Wayzata and had a delicious breakfast outside at The Grocer’s Table. Then we went to the start of the start of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail and took off. The trail was great with wonderful views in all directions. When we got to Lake Waconia we turned around. We put 33 miles in on the out and back.

GPS route map showing a 33-mile out-and-back bike trail from Wayzata west to Lake Waconia through Mound and Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota.

In addition to breakfast we stopped on our ride back for a fun round of mini golf at Big Stone Mini Golf. This is the best mini golf place that I’ve been. You are surrounded by stone sculpture too. After we finished golfing we wandered through the sculpture garden. After the round of mini golf we stopped for lunch at Dakota Junction in Mound and then finished the last few miles back to Wayzata. What a great way to spend a morning!

Two cyclists wearing helmets take a selfie on a paved tree-lined bike trail on a sunny day. Two smiling people pose for a selfie in front of a large stone sculpture carved with the word love surrounded by trees Two rusty horseshoe-welded horse sculptures on grass beside a wooden bench and an oversized outdoor chess set, surrounded by trees. Large black metal sculpture of a wolf-like creature holding a staff, displayed outdoors near a pond fountain surrounded by trees.

After our great bike ride, we went for an afternoon kayak!

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Tammy and I finally watched A Star is Born. We both enjoyed it. Great acting. Music was of course great. 🍿

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Martina’s New Patio

Tonight Tammy and I went to one of our favorite restaurants in town, Martina. We were excited to see their new outdoor patio space. Patios have gone from being a nice summer option to one of the most important things a restaurant can have during the pandemic.

The space is amazing. It is well designed with different levels, trees, and lighting. It is one of our favorite patios in town now. The drinks and food were amazing as always.

The distancing precautions and changes to their processes were also very well done to minimize risks.

The Panqueque dessert is still amazing, and perfect to share for two. 🍌🤤

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Thumbs Cookies were a perfect snack at the end of a long bike ride. Their KIRBY mobile unit was in Linden Hills.

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Tammy and I had a perfect night for a gorgeous 15 mile ride around the the chain of lakes.

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Lucky is 8 months old today. She looks so small in her 3 month photos now. She also has this adorable habit of crossing her front legs.

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I took my Yama Cold Brew Tower out for the first time in a long time today and was reminded how delicious the coffee is from this process. Smooth and delicious. Patience required though.