So I think Josh would disagree with my top ten, but here it is:
TOP TEN REASONS I WILL MISS MINNESOTA
10. The Mall of America + Ikea (yes, right next to each other)—What? You didn't expect this to make my list? Come on! I lived in MINNESOTA...what else was there to do in the sub zero weather?
9. The Lakes—It's not called the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes for nothing! Michelle V., I'm totally going to miss being a Beach bum with you this summer!
8. Duluth & the Olcott House—Lake Superior was beautiful and the bed & breakfast a total treat!
7. CTC, University of Minnesota Student Housing—Yes, the management was unpredictable, but did you see our backyard playground? Not to mention the community! Miss you Alicia & Nick, Hun Woo, Lucia & Noelle, Lucy, Abby, Heather & Kyla, Lori, Smith family, Moss family, and the entire Gudmunssen clan!!!
6. The Children's Museum & the Minnesota Zoo—I couldn't choose one. I just couldn't. I loved them both so much!
5. The St. Anthony neighborhood strip—Muffeletta (yummy calamari!), library (within walking distance), Bibelot (my one-stop shop for gifts), and the Speedy Mart (Only one diaper left?)
4. Praire Home Companion—I will have to listen every Sunday to remind myself of the place where the women are strong, the men are good looking, and all the children are above average. PS If you ever get a chance to go to the live show, it is COMPLETELY worth it!
3. The State Fair—Yes, cheese curds and deep-fried candy bar on a stick, you will be missed! What other place in the world can I pay to eat a month's worth of calories and then get sick from them on the rides (I believe Michelle and Matt will never be forgiven!). Oh, and I have to include my favorite stuff for anyone going this year: the corn on the cob, deep fried cookies, Sweet Martha's Cookies, Australian potatoes, (of course, the cheese curds and deep fried candy bar), wild rice hamburger, corn dog, and mini donuts.
2. Our 4th of July Tradition—I actually have no idea how we are going to pull this one off in UT. Our fab tradition always included a day at Bunker Beach (swimming and sun bathing) then the fireworks in Stillwater, MN (which of course included dinner, a visit to the creamery for ice cream, and the bulk candy store). Oh, how I am going to miss those fireworks on the St. Croix coordinated to music!!!
1. All the friends we left behind—This was a no brainer. A bit sentimental, but the truth. We miss you all and will see you next summer when Josh and Steve go to boundary waters (Charis & Amy P., What do you think about house guests?)! And, darn it, I've got to figure out a reason to go to NYC so I can visit you guys in PA, Julie and Greg!
The number one reason I will not miss Minnesota? The weather—but I'm guessing this is at the top of every Minnesotan's list.