Day at the Zoo

Tom, Ian and I decided to add the Minnesota Zoo to our list of currently visited hotspots, and bought a season pass! This pass is great because we can bring a non-member guest with us whenever we go (sorry, no free IMAX passes!). Ian has had a recent fascination with animals, mostly stemming from the fact that he can finally enunciate their names, which makes them more appealing. He was all energy as we poked around the animal habitats. I especially liked the dolphin tank and the Minnesota outdoor exhibit (animals native to our state, such as coyote, wolf, badger, porcupine and bald eagle). Tom’s favorite part was probably watching the bald eagle rip a rat to shreds, but I was conveniently (and intentionally) onto the next exhibit and didn’t have a chance to witness the scene!

Easter Best

Easter was memorable, even though we weren’t able to keep up the tradition of kite flying since there was snow on the ground. We went to Saturday night church, which was very exciting since we’re breaking in our brand new facility!! I couldn’t resist including a photo of my handsome boys in their Easter best. For those who claim that daughters are the most fun to “dress up,” I beg to differ! On Easter morning, Ian found his basket and we had a delicious brunch. It is so precious to be with family on days like these (I miss you mom, dad and sisters!).

Kazolly's

Erin stayed with us at the Poch’s this past week for her Spring Break, and she, Ian and I took some time to visit one of Lakeville’s newest downtown businesses. It is a charming candy store called Kazolly’s, and Erin and I were especially eager to visit it since one of our favorite childhood past times was stopping by the candy store after school and spending our hard-earned money on sweets! This candy shop goes to great lengths to stock the nostalgic brands and candies that we remember from way back (you old timers included!). Ian was enjoying the Easter selection, as this picture displays. He also tried his first gummy bear. So next time you are in our neck of the woods, please stop by this place. You’ll love it!

Minnesota Swarm Game

Since Tom and I aren't especially known for our loyalty to and fondness of live sporting events, I thought it would be fun to throw him for a loop and plan a surprise date to a Minnesota Swarm game at the Xcel Energy Center. For those of you who aren't aware, the Minnesota Swarm are the area’s professional lacrosse team. I admit my ignorance of the sport (I wasn’t even sure if it took place on turf), which was mostly remedied by our visit. The game proved to be exciting, with a live fist fight or two and the Swarm taking the game 14-9. Both Tom and I would highly recommend lacrosse to any spectator (as well as the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with a Coke)!

Yes, dear reader, St. Patrick’s Day has not yet occurred... but at times celebratory modifications must be made to include all possible loved ones, as was the case for our family. We sought the Irish pub experience at O’Donovan’s in Minneapolis and ordered the likes of stout pie, fish and chips, and corned beef and cabbage. I love being able to experience another culture... especially when the pub itself was created in Ireland and shipped over to the States piece by piece for our own dining pleasure!! Hey, until I can go there myself, this will have to do! (and lucky Stephanie, who gets to bike around Ireland with the Venture team this June) The Irish garb was amusing, since the glittered hats left a ring of green glitter on our foreheads. Ian was the most adorable sight to behold with his oversized hat! We recently discovered that Carol, Tom and Katie have some Scotch-Irish blood in them as well, so the holiday was heartily enjoyed by all. But you know the saying, “On St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s Irish!”