I’m often conflicted when the end of summer rolls around and our schedule makes the inevitable switch from relaxed to structured. On the one hand, I know I thrive in routine and on the other, I crave excitement and flexibility. This year, though, I wish I could extend the season of fun a little longer. …
The Unexpected Ever Afters is taking a brief break to soak in the summer sunshine and will return shortly! In the meantime, enjoy some throwback posts from our 2025 Summer Destination Shoutouts: An aMOOsing North Dakota Stop Trolls in the Woods Spend the Day on the Water in North Dakota National Park Junior Ranger Program …
Several weeks ago, spring began its gradual, hesitant return to Minnesota. On a particularly warm day, the streets were filled with people walking dogs, parents pushing strollers, and kids riding bikes. It seemed as if the whole neighborhood was emerging from a long hibernation as we greeted one another with smiles, waves, and head nods, …
This is my first full-length post in over half a year and, unsurprisingly, coming up with ideas on what to write about and then sitting down to actually write has been an awkward process. In addition, life has felt heavy the past few weeks. Due to a variety of personal reasons, as well as local …
This piece features recommended outings around Minnesota's Twin Cities, including the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
We’re continuing our break from regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families. If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini-series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected …
Continue reading Destination Shoutout – National Park Junior Ranger Program
We’re continuing our break from regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families. If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini-series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected …
Continue reading Summer Destination Shoutout -Trolls in the Woods
Why, hello there, June! Although it feels like 2025 just started a couple weeks ago, the summer season is already almost officially here with the end of school in a couple days and the summer solstice a few weeks away. There’s something exciting about the longer summer days. Even though we don’t actually gain time, …
In February, I began my annual tradition of starting seeds indoors in preparation for my garden. This year I felt much more savvy and ambitious since I started the first round earlier than usual, providing plenty of time for any necessary replanting do-overs. As I waited, with some impatience, for the seedlings to sprout, it …
Several weeks ago, while visiting my parents in rural Minnesota, I braved the morning’s subzero temperatures with the goal of capturing a photo of the beautiful sun dogs that surrounded the sunrise. Despite the face-numbing cold, I enjoyed the peaceful outdoors and listening to the birds and squirrels moving audibly over the crisp, frozen leaves. …
the unexpected ever afters 