Up to the Great North over the 4th of July

We had to stop and get pictures in front of  the welcome to signs!

And the one for Minnesota

I thought that by heading up north to Wisconsin and Minnesota for the 4th of July I would get a bit of relief from the unbearably hot weather that we were experiencing in Kansas City. Well I was wrong at least for the first day we were there. That Friday Neal showed be around the city of LaCrosse,WI, there we went and saw Lock 7 along the Mississippi River. Did I mention that it was the first time for me seeing the Mississippi River. It was pretty cool to see such a large river. So I just had to dip my toes in it. Later that evening we all went up to visit Neal's grandparents and have dinner with them.

My piggies in the Mississippi River

On Saturday we headed up to the Twin Cities so we could visit Neal's brother Luke and his wife Elise and meet their beautiful baby girl Vienna. We spent the day hanging out and we all went to the Mall of America. All I have to say is that is such a huge mall. Later that night Elise prepared us an amazing meal. Then we all just chatted the night away. My sister in law introduced me to The Pioneer Woman cookbook and now I think that I found a new favorite cook book.

This was taken inside the Mall of America

Cuddle Bugs

We then headed back to LaCrosse on Sunday morning. But not before we went through Wabasha where Grumpy Old Men was filmed.

Them we went over to Neal's mom's house and then we all weaded up to Hatfield, WI and hung out with Neal's family and went swimming in Arbutis Lake. Ne-J just loved the lake and had a great time swimming and splashing around. Later that evening we roasted hot dogs and made S'mores.

Then after a weekend that went by way too quickly we headed home.