Scott had a shoot in Stillwater and we decided to tag along. After walking along the river we stopped at Teddy Bear Park.  Then Scott met up with us at Valley Bookseller where they had every Waldo book imaginable.  We got a couple of snacks at Candyland before exploring downtown Stillwater.

Brooke had us up bright and early to go blueberry picking: my favorite and least favorite berry to pick. We were all hungry so the kids and I got some donuts from KwikTrip. Plus an egg and sausage biscuit for me. We're such Wisconsinites at heart. The blueberry farm is only open until 12. If we left at our normal pace it would have been closed by the time we got there. She is right. The kids and I tried to go blueberry picking last week during Scott's surgery but they were closed due to short staffing.  Blueberry picking is so much work. And it was hot. I will never complain that it's hot again after camping in Texas in July while pregnant. Nothing can compare to how miserable that was.  Unlike last year, where we got so many blueberries on one bush, this year was more of a hunt.  At least Meadow is as into as I am.  I was hoping to get a whole bucket, but this amount would do.  Usually we save swimming for the end of the day but decided to do it right after....

Back in the cities I had a shoot in Stillwater to start the week. My client requested some drone shots and aerial 360s from the Wisconsin side. It was below zero and my hands nearly fell off.  

Since we'd actually be home this weekend it seemed like a good time to go berry picking. Usually we go at the end of July but with the hot, dry summer it was already nearing the end of the season. Our usual place The Berry Patch was already closed for the season. Luckily I found Blueberry Fields of Stillwater who had a few days left.  I also had to get a drone shot for Discover Stillwater. When we got out there I instantly noticed the haze. It's been the summer of fires to the west and the north. So, we get these lovely false overcast days. Honestly, I kind of liked this place better. They keep the plants covered to avoid bugs so the bushes have tons of berries. We stayed at the same bush the entire time we picked. And bonus they let you use stools. I prefer picking apples or evens strawberries, but nothing is better than fresh blueberries even if picking them is a pain.

  We're late this year but smoothie season is back. I had no idea there was a season. With the snow mostly melted that means the trails at the parks are open to hikers again. I figured the closer state parks would be busy so we settled on Wild River State Park.  

We had heard that the the Mississippi River was being drawn down in Downtown Minneapolis. So we picked up some pizza and headed down to the river. The other side of the river was packed so we stayed on the west side. I don't know why they don't take advantage of cleaning up all the garbage. Perhaps everyone could just take a piece of garbage to the trash. It could've been cleaned up in no time flat.

  Scott had to take some sunset photos in Stillwater.  A fall color aerial 360. I hadn't been there in awhile so we tagged along. We left as soon as Meadow was done for school and headed for the St Croix Boom Site. I had heard there was a hidden waterfall and wanted to check it out. There's not a specific trail to it. From what I read you go down the stairs and take a left following the river.  I think it's an old state trail that isn't maintained and has way too much graffiti. 

On Wednesday we picked up Meadow from school to go on a bike ride with friends. Theo was jealous of her banana.

Today is one my favorite summer traditions. Berry picking.  Ah, berry picking. It's kind of a big deal around here. In the mornings when Meadow sleeps in I will bring Theo to her to get her to wake up. Today backfired because he fell back asleep. Isn't this every parent's dream? Morning without kids. Yes, please. Not when we have places to be. Eventually we got on the road and headed to our usual berry picking spot. The Berry Patch.  The blueberries bushes were pretty full; normally we don't go until the end of the month.  Soon Theo will be able to help too. For now it's a three person job. I always get a little crabby picking berries. This is not a job I'd volunteer for.  It makes you appreciate the hard work that goes into the berries you buy at the store. Meadow mostly picks and eats anyway. After we got our bucketfull we headed to Marine On St. Croix for our picnic lunch. Theo ate some mommy milk ...