April Showers? In June? {Minnehaha Falls}

Minnesota had some amazing rainfall this year, especially in June. Bridges were closed due to high waters. A friend of mine paddled her kayak to work one morning. There's a golf course in Minneapolis that is still closed. Yikes!

Really, I'm writing this post with the sole purpose of sharing some pictures of one of Minneapolis' local waterfalls: Minnehaha Falls.

It's located in a beautiful park, that also boasts a wading pool, off-leash dog park, and outdoor concerts. Not to mention Sea Salt, a delicious seafood eatery that never, (I'll repeat) never has an empty table.

I know, I know. I'm not imparting any new ideas, awesome lists, or a DIY project. But this park has my heart. I've been there 3 times already this summer. And I would go three more.

(I didn't know there was a wading pool - just added that to my summer bucket list!)

Look at the water creeping up on that bench! They had to put yellow caution tape around this area.

Does anyone know what this sign says? Probably "Falls Ahead" for those in canoes and kayaks.

My Niece, the Model (Squishy Cheeks Designs)

You guys, my niece wants to be a model. She just doesn't know it yet.

I received a super-adorable headband from a wonderful woman I met at the MN Blog Meet this June. It's blue, and beautiful and perfect for my 3, almost 4-year-old niece.

I told her that it was all hers, I just wanted to take some pictures of her wearing it, and the girl's eyes got huge. She turned on her smile, and cocked her head to the side. "Can I wear a dress!?" she yelled. She was already wearing a dress, but she wanted a wardrobe change mid-photo shoot. She called it a photo shoot, not me. The girl is hooked on performing and being in front of the camera.

But, her modeling career is not the point of this post. The point of this post is the adorable little headband from Squishy Cheeks. My niece has had the headband for 3 weeks. Normally, her headbands are somehow falling apart and unusable. Or, she's lost it in her mess of a bedroom. But this one has become her prized possession. It's well made, and so adorable!

Look how cute she is!

Please, please, please. Go check out her shop on Etsy! I'm just about to order 2 headbands (for my preemie nieces!).

*I received this headband from Jenn at Squishy Cheeks Designs free of charge. The opinions are my own. And I think my niece's smile says it all - the headband's at Jenn's shop are amazing!*

Shore Lunch

The fish weren't readily biting on Friday. The walleye I caught were quickly released back into the Canadian waters of Lake of the Woods. The hubs caught 3 walleye that day - enough to fill our bellies. Enough to satisfy our hunger, without being wasteful.

We enjoy fishing, and eating fish. We do not enjoy wasting - catching to fill limits, instead of catching to fill bellies.

I packed our camp stove on the boat that day, along with some batter in hopes of having a shore lunch. I had oil and a frying pan, a few plates, and napkins.

We spent the morning fishing off a small Canadian island while Kid napped on the boat. Hubs navigated toward the north side of the island, where he promised calm waters. His eyes were set on the best landing place. A place that wasn't too rocky, but wasn't thick with trees and brush. He secured the boat, we unloaded. Hubs carried the basket of fish and stove. Me, the baby and a few other supplies. He cleaned the fish as he thanked them for being our lunch (never had I heard him do that before). Kid and I played in the water, examining crayfish and throwing sticks.

We ate quietly, listening to the lake, the trees, and the birds. Seagulls arrived shortly after cleaning the first fish. Before the fish were frying, six more had arrived, and one hungry pelican. We continued to eat, watching the birds circle closer and closer, each one landing in the water and watching us eat.

We heard distant thunder and decided it was time to pack up and head back to camp. We left fish scraps for our avian friends and reloaded the boat. Pushing off the rock, we moved slowly, watching the seagulls and pelican enjoy their lunch. Three turkey vultures arrived, looking for a small meal as well. Everyone had their fill.

We secured our canopy and suited up in rain gear. Hubs flipped on the GPS; we headed for home. Our shore lunch was, indeed, a success, and a tradition I'd like to continue throughout Kid's life.