Red River Reunion

After flying back from Europe and picking the kids up in LA, we flew (twelve hours later) to the midwest (Fargo, ND), the hometown of my cousins Richard (my Dad's first cousin) and Amy for the wedding of their daughter Jacky (who sang at our wedding) and Kyle. 

Vanessa also flew in from D.C, although Marco couldn't make it, and the kids were ontop of her as soon as we arrived at our hotel!  My parents are in the UK and also couldn’t join us. 

While I had visited and stayed with Amy, Richard, Jacky, and Derek some while I was in medical school (Rochester is about 4.5-5 hours by car) and for some holidays as my family roots are truly in MN, Vanessa hadn't spent any time in downtown Fargo and on Saturday, we checked out the Red River Farmer's Market (the Red River separates Fargo from its "twin city" Moorhead, which is in MN). It was hot and sunny, and we enjoyed the sunshine and live music (and random objects) on the lawn by Broadway.

After lunch at a downtown noodle place, Drunken Noodle, we visited the local Red River Zoo.  It was a bit bigger than our local Sequoia Zoo and had some different animals (most better suited to the harsh winters) but (like ours) also boasted some bald eagles and even two red pandas!

Fargo is home to the NDSU "Bisons" (I had to explain to the kids that there is no actual tiger-bison hybrid animal).

Sichuan takins

Crane

Bactrian Camels do okay in sub-zero weather of the midwest (like they do in Mongolia).

Mississippi turtle

There were a pair of red pandas!

Bald eagles

Gray wolf

The prairie dogs were really cute.

Giant picnic table and farm...

... and giant Adirondack chair

As infrequently as we come to the midwest (it's been most recently my grandmother's funeral in 2018 and Derek's graduation in 2017), this area really feels so much like "home" for me, as my sister and I spent so many wonderful summers on my grandparents' farm when we were kids and with our closest (and not that big) Dad’s family.  It was so special to be reunited with both Vanessa and our Arness cousins at the wedding and beyond (post to come!).

Everyone Gets a Vacation!

We used to feel *guilty* leaving our kids with family to go on an out-of-town or international trip (especially if longer than a week). However, with our (and their) recent experience, this has become less and less of the case!  My sister and I were dropped off at my grandparents' farm for many a summer, which provided amazing bonding experiences for us, and I totally see the value for my kids to stay with their aunts/uncles/grandparents for summer time trips (sometimes while we parents escape)!  

Iver and Niall literally couldn't care that we were off to the airport for Europe (for a total of eight days) and experienced far less separation anxiety than previous trips. We FaceTimed them once (the nine-hour time difference made it tricky), but they were having such a good time, it didn't really serve anyone.  Iver joined Kingston at a local day camp and (while initially resistant to going), had a blast, doing arts, outdoor games, hanging with some older kids, and beating everyone (even counselors) at chess. 

Kenn & Lisa had the kids over most mornings and weekends, and "solo parented" the four boys over the weekend, including a sleepover.  They reported the kids were very well behaved (better than they seem with us!) and got along well with their "twin" cousins.

Iver really listens to auntie Lisa! 

Underwear-head dance party

Klian had a bit of a hard time sharing toys but Niall said "he told his mom about it."

Lisa was a saint and brushed all of their teeth

"Sleeping"

Kenn took them to see "Minions" in the theater...

... and to the Discovery Cube Science Museum (which we visited over the winter).

Iver bravely tried the "bed of nails" he was too nervous to do in the winter.

Klian went to preschool during the weekdays, and Niall enjoyed being an "only child," spoiled by grandparents, aunts, and uncle. He proved to be the "easiest" kid of the four-- polite, easygoing, and flexible. 

   He spent time gardening....

The best aunt Kat

We definitely owe Kenn & Lisa for caring so well for our boys (grandparents and Kat/Theresa, as well!). The boys were happy to see us but sad to leave OC and are looking forward to returning for more summertime fun, perhaps annually!  It really was a win-win (vacation) for everyone!