End of Minnesota Summer Fun

Summer has come and gone again! It seems like as soon as the MN Fair is over, BAM! fall comes swooping in. I love the crisp fall air, being able to bake without steaming up the house, wearing hoodies, and so many other wonderful things about fall! BUT this cooler air also means that winter is on it's way. Bleegghhh! Here is a last look as some of the wonderful things of this summer. Good bye summertime!

Fun in the water

boating is exhausting!

 Garden Fresh Sun Ripened Tomatoes

Hours of Sliding in the Back Yard

We were given this monster pink & purple play set from a friend whose daughter has outgrown it. He loves it, but our house now looks like twin girls live here rather than a boy!

Trip to the Sculpture Garden

always running...

Hey look at me! I'm about to make a run for it!!

Ice Cream

The Como Zoo

Ice cream in December

checking out some snow

Usually at this time of year I swap out my Dairy Queen blizzards, Sebastian Joe's scoops of expensive deliciousness, and my homemade malts for more seasonally appropriate pumpkin spice lattes, tea, and hot chocolate (I was recently reminded of this fantastic chocolate store in San Francisco - if you go there, forget Ghiradelli Square and go to Bittersweet for the best hot chocolate you will ever experience!). 

Life is more delicious with your very own milk frother

HOWEVER! A true Minnesotan can enjoy ice cream even when it is below freezing outside. On a recent trip to Lund's grocery, I spotted something I never thought I'd see here. Wait for it...
GRAETER'S ICE CREAM
Yes, the ice cream gods were looking favorably on me that day!

I realize that most people will say "What the heck is that?". But, a true ice cream aficionado will know that this treat hails from Cincinnati Ohio and is one of the most wonderful ice creams in the world!! Being the food nerd that I am, I know too much about the French pot process used to make my favorite little pint of goodness, but I won't go into detail. I highly recommend finding a grocery store near to you (I have also now found it at Whole Foods) and picking up a pint of Graeter's ice cream. If you live in Ohio, then you won't be quite as excited about this as I am ;)

ButterBean shares in my excitement

It has been at least five years since I've had the decadent taste of black raspberry chip in my mouth and I have been savoring a bite or two every day in order to make it last...also because the calories per bite is steep! In fact, as I watch snow falling outside my window, I believe I will go snatch a wee spoonful...