They Tied The Knot!

After driving up to Duluth, it felt like the weekend went by in a wink of an eye. Of course with all the family, friends, and other activities going on there was minimal picture taking on my part. I tried to get a few shots and steal some off of some other people too :)

The first day we got to Duluth was a bit of a "wake-up call" when it came to the weather. We left Minneapolis and it was 95 out and got to Duluth and it was barely 60. I'm not complaining, just a shocker! The area our hotel was in was really nice and perfect for walking around. We took Aspen for a stroll to stretch her legs and for us to see what was around.

Making friends with the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Bear

Turning anything she can into a playscape--what a little monkey!

Thursday night wasn't to eventful. We went to a minor league baseball game, which lots of fun, although pretty cold for this Texan. Friday evening was the Open House/Groom's Dinner. It was nice to see all the family that had gathered together for Matt and Corry and catch up/meet their friends. I didn't know how Aspen would do, but she had a blast. She was the little social butterfly of the party! I don't think Jason and I had to do anything nearly the whole time. At the end of the night of I stole a picture with my brother, but Aspen was a little to exhausted at this point for any pictures.

Jason, myself, and the groom and bride!

Saturday morning we woke up and it was extremely warm that day in Duluth. So we decided to try to the beach on Lake Superior. We weren't planning on getting in the water since we didn't have a ton of time that day, but of course our little water baby had to put her toes in.

The dress eventually had to come off  once she really got into the water. The water was so cold so I surprised she was so willing to go in, but it was fun activity before taking a nap.

The wedding of course was beautiful and it was so great to see such a wonderful couple get married. I love going to weddings ever since my own because it takes me right back to the day I got married and all the emotions that go into it. I'm so happy for Matt and Corry and they threw an awesome party!

 

Corry and Matt during the ceremony

Their 1st dance which I got to give them some tips on a couple nights before ;)

My brother and I during the reception. So happy to share in this day with him!

Jason, myself, and Aspen at the reception

The next day we went over for a brunch at Corry's families house. Most of the day  was spent getting packed ready to leave. We did get one picture of the 4 generations that were at the wedding...My grandmother, my mom, myself, and Aspen. I think it's pretty awesome that Aspen has had the chance to spend some time with a great-grandparent. She did pretty well charming all of them too :)

We had a great time on this vacation and wedding celebration. I was surprised at how well Aspen was able to adapt to all the new places and people she encounter on the way. It did give Jason and I the feeling of, "We can do or go anywhere with her!". Congratulations again to the Duffy's!!

Slowly, but surely!

It's hard for me to find the time or energy to do blog posts. I feel like there are a million things I could write about everyday, but when it actually comes time to, well it doesn't always hit the top of the priority list. If we are blessed to have another child in our life the poor thing might never even make it to the DzubiDzubiDzu....haha!

To pick up where we left off...

 We arrived in Minneapolis on Monday late afternoon at my brother and (now) sister-in-law's house. They were nice enough to let us stay at their place with a toddler the week of their wedding. Thank Matt and Corry for being such amazing hosts!

On Tuesday Jason, Aspen, and I rode the lightrail to downtown Minneapolis while Corry was at work and Matt was squeezing in a golf game. Aspen was so excited to ride a "train". She was calling out "Choo-Choo!" while we waited.

Once we got on the train you didn't hear make a sound. She was so fixated on watching all the buildings speeding by. It was so exciting for her she was speechless. Although as soon as we got off it's all we heard about for the next 30 minutes or so!

Jason had never been to Minneapolis before and I haven't been to visit in quite awhile, so it was really fun enjoying the downtown area. Jason was especially impressed/interested/obessed with all the sky walks. Majority of the buildings downtown are connected by "sky walks" so that people don't have to travel outside during the winter. Jason was determined to see all of dowtown via sky walk. It was pretty hot that day and Aspen could run free, so I wasn't oppposed to it!

While on our sky walk tour we did come across a Wells Fargo. We needed to use the ATM so we wondered in, where we found Wells Fargo Museum. Now I wouldn't say it was interesting, but our daughter on the other hand loved the huge stuffed horses everyone. Each one got a hug.

That night we went to a restaurant that was located in the middle of a huge park called Minniehaha Park on the Mississippi River. It was beautiful and also had a huge falls. Aspen had a great view of it from her Uncle Matt's shoulders.

After dinner we went back to their place and put Aspen to bed. Corry was also tired, so she hit the sack early. Jason and I got to take Matt out for a couple of last "bachelorhood" drinks. It was nice to celebrate with my brother.

The next day was one of those days I wasn't so good with taking pictures. We went to the Minneapolis Zoo in the morning with Matt and Corry. The zoo was really fun and Aspen enjoyed herself, when she was awake. She unfortunately fell asleep during the best exhibits--the wolves and the caribou. They were at least the most active animals we saw that day.

That night all of us with some of my dad's side of the family--Uncle Jim, Aunt, and my cousins Jimmy and Emma all came over for dinner. It was nice to see them before heading to Duluth where all the "wedding buzz" would be going on. The next morning we woke up and got packed to head out to Duluth, Minnesota. More to come....

**Side note: I have to note that today was the first day that Aspen did not use any diapers, except at her nap and when she went to bed. We made it without any accidents and used a public restroom successfully! I am so proud of my little one. I know we aren't out of the clear with accidents, but it was a huge accomplishment and I had to make a note of it :)

Driving Across the Country...

I decided to break up our trip into a couple of posts or I probably would never get this done. My brother was getting married on July 2nd in Duluth, MN and somehow my husband convinced me to drive almost the entire length of I-35! Now that I've done it, I know we can and probably will do it again. All the fears I had about what would happen with Aspen were much worse in my head then they actual were.

We started our trip on June 25th. That morning we went to a birthday party which was great for Aspen to blow of some energy. The car was completely packed before and as soon as the party was over we hit the road. Our first day we only traveled to Fort Worth and spent the night with my sister-in-law and her family. It was nice for Aspen to have a short 1st day and have some playtime with her cousins Cameron and Trevor.

Blowing bubbles with Uncle Brian, Cameron, and Trevor.

TThe next two days were pretty uneventful. Lots of driving through the middle of America. Both days were easy with Aspen and we even got to spend some time in downtown Kansas City, which was really nice, although extremely hot! The second day we stopped in a town called Clear Lake, Iowa. It was such a cute little town with an awesome playground right in the middle. We ended up spending about a hour and a half because Aspen was having a such a great time. 

Enjoying the view in Clear Lake, Iowa

Stretching our legs.

We arrived on our 3rd day of driving in Minneapolis, MN around 3pm that day. It was so nice to be at Matt and Corry's house and finally start to relax. Aspen was awesome very happy to be out of the car and on top of that have their cat and dog keep her entertained.

More to come of the Dzubinski family vacation!