Heinz Family Part 2!

Our second summer side quest took us on another adventure to places none of us had explored before. This time, Bodhi, Leo, and I loaded up the car and headed toward Sica Hollow State Park, Nicollet Tower, and, of course, a very important final destination—the Purple Cow in Webster for ice cream.

Neither of the boys had ever been to Sica Hollow, so we were excited to explore somewhere new. We decided to hike the Trail of Spirits, and it did not disappoint. The trail felt like something out of a storybook as we wandered along the side of a hill completely covered by a canopy of trees. Of course, every good adventure needs a little excitement, and this one came in the form of a storm rolling in.

As the clouds started building, we decided we needed to move quickly to our next stop: Nicollet Tower. The goal was to beat the weather and make it to the top for the incredible view. The climb was definitely a challenge for us that are afraid of heights, but Bodhi and I made it all the way to the top! From there, we could see three states—South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota—all from one spot.

Leo made it about halfway up the tower this time, which was still a pretty impressive effort. With the storm getting closer, we decided it was time to head back down quickly and avoid getting caught in the weather.

After all that hiking and exploring, we had definitely earned our final side quest stop: The Purple Cow in Webster. No trip through Webster is complete without stopping for their hard-scooped ice cream and grabbing a classic photo opportunity.

One of my favorite things about this summer has been how full our yard has become.

At almost any given time, there are a few extra boys hanging around our house. The soccer net is almost never empty, and if they’re not kicking a ball around, they’re making up some new neighborhood game that somehow involves every kid within shouting distance.

Our kitchen has turned into a revolving door. It feels like we’re constantly making sandwiches, flipping pancakes, grabbing popsicles, or finding one more bag of chips to feed whoever happens to be here that day. The grocery bill has definitely noticed.

But honestly? I wouldn’t trade it.

I’m thankful our home has become a place where these boys feel comfortable. A place where they know they’re welcome.

If there was ever a weekend that perfectly captured summer at the lake, this was it.

The fun began on the 3rd of July, when we spent the day at the lake with the Cramonds and Will. It was one of those perfect summer days filled with sunshine, boat rides, swimming, and plenty of time simply enjoying each other’s company. Even though our jet ski had a little bit of a snafu, we still managed to have a great time!

Then came the Fourth of July, and the lake got even busier! We invited the entire Markovetz family to celebrate with us, and it was so special to have everyone together—including 101-year-old Grandma Ket!

There was something for everyone. Some gathered around card tables for friendly competition while others relaxed in lawn chairs, catching up between boat rides. The kids hardly stopped moving all day, hopping from one adventure to the next.

But without a doubt, the highlight of the weekend was the giant homemade slip-and-slide.

We stretched it down the hill, hooked up the sprinkler, and let the fun begin. The older cousins became the official “launch crew,” giving the younger kids an extra push down the hill with squeals of laughter echoing across the yard. Before long, even a few adults decided they couldn’t resist joining in.

Of course, the holiday wouldn’t have been complete without fireworks lighting up the lake both nights. We also took a break from the festivities to head over to the water ski show, adding one more favorite summer tradition to an already full weekend.

This summer, Bodhi, Leo, and I decided to do something a little different.

Instead of filling every day with plans, we created our own “Side Quest” series. The idea is simple: pick a place we’ve never been before that’s close enough for a day trip, hop in the car, and see where the adventure takes us. Our first side quest led us to Fort Sisseton State Park, and somehow we timed it perfectly.

When we arrived, the annual Fort Sisseton Rendezvous was in full swing. Visitors from all over the country had gathered to recreate life on the frontier in the early 1800s. Their camps filled the grounds, complete with canvas tents, cooking over open fires, period clothing, and demonstrations that made history feel surprisingly real.

One of the coolest parts was that the reenactors stayed completely in character. In fact, visitors weren’t even allowed into the roped-off camp area unless they were dressed in period clothing.

The boys had a clear favorite part of the park: the old jail!

Bodhi and Leo took turns locking each other inside the tiny jail cell, laughing the entire time.

Our first side quest turned out to be much more than just a drive. It was a chance to slow down, learn something new, and spend time together making memories.

The boys finally both played in the same town for a weekend of soccer! The weekend started a little earlier for Bodhi, who headed to Fargo ahead of the rest of us to meet up with friends for a downtown watch party to cheer on Team USA in their World Cup match. He had fun watching in the rain with Kyler and Stephy.

The rest of our crew made the trip later, and we settled into an Airbnb near the soccer complex with the Cramonds. Staying together made the weekend even more enjoyable!

This tournament brought an extra challenge, as both boys were playing up in age divisions. Bodhi and Sam teamed up together, while Noah competed with the U18+ boys. Both teams rose to the occasion, playing hard all weekend and proving they belonged. They each battled their way to the semi-finals before coming up just short.

Leo spent the weekend doing what little brothers often do best—being a “patient” spectator. He tagged along from game to game without many complaints, making the most of long days at the fields. To celebrate being such a great sport, we surprised him with a trip to the Fargo Air Museum between games. Watching his face light up as he explored the airplanes was the perfect way to end the weekend and give him a little adventure of his own.

This year’s dance recital looked a little different for Willow!

After recovering from an elbow injury and juggling an already packed schedule, Willow made the difficult decision to scale back her classes at Rachel Peterson Dance Studio this season. Instead of multiple routines, recital night featured just one dance. While it may have been shorter than years past, it reminded me that sometimes one performance is all it takes to leave a lasting impression.

Her acro routine was absolutely incredible. Watching her take the stage with confidence, strength, and grace after everything she’d worked through made me one proud mom. There is something so special about seeing your child doing exactly what they love.

One of my favorite parts of the evening wasn’t just the performance—it was the people who came to cheer her on. Family, friends, and her babysitting kids were so proud of her!

And if you know Willow, you know she doesn’t stay still for long.

Just days after recital, she traded her dance shoes for a Flomo and jumped headfirst into water ski season. Whether she’s on a stage under bright lights or gliding across the lake in front of a crowd, Willow has a way of shining wherever she goes. We can’t see where the rest of the summer goes!

After a week of preparation, Chris and Sara’s wedding day had finally arrived!

There was something especially meaningful about watching the day unfold after spending so much time helping prepare for it. The backyard had been transformed into a beautiful venue, with lights overhead, flowers everywhere you looked, and family and friends gathered to celebrate. It was the perfect setting for a wedding filled with love and joy.

One of my favorite memories from the entire trip was watching Leo embrace his role as ring bearer. From the moment he put on his outfit, he took his job very seriously. He kept tabs on his ring box and wouldn’t let it out of his sight. He spent much of the day admiring the musician and eagerly waiting for his big moment. When it was finally time to walk down the aisle, he absolutely nailed it. The pride on his face was priceless, and it was impossible not to smile watching him.

Chris and Sara both looked incredible. Sara was a beautiful bride, and Chris couldn’t stop smiling as he watched her walk toward him. The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, surrounded by the people who love them most.

As the sun set, the celebration continued with great food, laughter, heartfelt conversations, and plenty of dancing. The dance floor stayed busy, and it seemed like every corner of the yard held another happy memory being made. Our kids dominated the dance floor and Will and Bodhi really showed up with the Macarena. Even Leo dropped a few songs break-dancing.

It was a beautiful day from beginning to end and the perfect start to Chris and Sara’s next chapter. We feel so grateful to have been there to witness it, celebrate with them, and so many beautiful memories together!

As wedding week continued, our days became a mix of hard work and excitement as we helped Chris and Sara prepare for their big day.

Their backyard was already beautiful, but it took a lot of hands to transform it into a wedding venue. We spent hours pulling weeds, trimming, cleaning, hauling supplies, hanging what felt like miles of string lights, and arranging both faux and fresh flowers throughout the space. It was truly a family effort, with everyone pitching in wherever they could. Watching the vision come together made all the work worthwhile.

One of the highlights of the week was the rehearsal dinner at Miner’s Claim in Silt. Not only was it a fun evening of good food and celebrating the upcoming wedding, but it was also our first opportunity to meet Sara’s family. It’s always a little special when two families come together, and by the end of the evening it felt like everyone had known each other much longer than just a few hours.

The dinner was filled with laughter, stories, and excitement for the day ahead. As we looked around the room at all the people who had traveled to celebrate Chris and Sara, it was easy to see how loved they both are.

While the wedding was the reason for our trip, we packed plenty of fun into the days leading up to it.

Much of our time was spent helping Chris and Sara prepare their backyard for the big day. It truly became a family project as we tackled yard work, hung countless strands of lights, and played florist with both fresh and faux flowers. It was a lot of work, but it was also fun seeing the space transform little by little into a beautiful wedding venue.

Thankfully, we made sure to balance the work with plenty of adventure. We started several mornings with hikes, soaking in Colorado’s scenery before the day’s tasks began. We spent a day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, explored downtown shops, and enjoyed every minute of our Airbnb. The kids loved the ping pong tournaments, pinball games, and giant hot tub, which quickly became a favorite gathering spot after long days.

And, of course, no trip to Chris’s house would be complete without a visit to the alpaca farm. This time we got to bring Grandma and Grandpa along, making the experience even more special.

The days flew by as we worked, explored, laughed, and spent quality time together. Before we knew it, wedding day had arrived.

Our 10-day Colorado adventure kicked off with a soccer-filled weekend as Bodhi and his SDU soccer team traveled from South Dakota to compete in the Real Cup tournament in Aurora.

One of the highlights of the weekend was getting to stay with Chris and Erin. They opened their home to us and truly spoiled us from the moment we arrived. Between the comfortable beds, quiet neighborhood walks, delicious meals, and great company, it felt like a vacation before the vacation even began. Chris graciously chauffeured us around all weekend, allowing us to skip the stress of navigating city traffic and simply enjoy our time together.

When we weren’t at the soccer fields, we squeezed in some exploring. A trip to Pearl Street was a favorite, especially for Noah and Willow, who loved browsing the record and poster shops. It was fun watching them discover treasures and soak in the unique atmosphere of Boulder. The boys also got to attend the Colorado Rapids Soccer game with the rest of the team which was another highlight of the trip.

One evening, we enjoyed a memorable dinner at a beautiful cider brewery perched atop a bluff with incredible views of the Flatirons. While we waited for our food, the kids played hacky sack and admired the scenery, making for one of those simple family moments that ends up becoming a favorite memory.

Of course, the main reason for the trip was soccer, and Bodhi’s team did not disappoint. The SDU squad faced talented teams from New Mexico, Minnesota, and Colorado throughout the tournament. They played outstanding soccer all weekend and remained undefeated heading into the championship game. After a hard-fought match, the title came down to a shootout, where they ultimately fell just short. While the loss was disappointing in the moment, the team had an incredible tournament and should be proud of everything they accomplished.

Between great soccer, quality family time, and the generous hospitality of Chris and Erin, it was the perfect way to begin our Colorado getaway. If this weekend was any indication, we knew we were in for a wonderful trip ahead.