The Riley's took an extended vacation from blogging but I think it's time to start fresh, like a spring rain. It's the time of year for new beginnings and that sounds right up our alley.
Managing spring in Minnesota is a challenge. We get home from work at about 5:20, which is very reasonable and why we like living so close to work. But by that time we get home and make dinner there is little time for playing outside. If we switch it up and play outside right after work, then there is usually a meltdown as our 2 1/2 turns into a self proclaimed "grumpy old troll". I think this struggle is more pronounced in certain climates (like MN) where we know we only have a few short months to enjoy this amazing weather. The race is on... Planting the garden, eating healthy, exercising, camping, getting some much needed vitamin D, not to mention catching up with friends, family, barbecuing, and most of all making sure that Dylan is getting the most out of this short season.
So back to the dilemma of our after work routine: Our goal is to come up with some nutritious make ahead meals that we can take with us on evening bike rides. That way we've exercised, been outdoors, and we can stop along the way to eat a healthy meal. Now I guess the search is on for some of those magical meals. This weekend we pick up our veggies from our favorite local co-op http://www.eastsidefood.coop/ and I am so excited to get everything planted. I would have prefered to get them in sooner but this will do. We have also started planning out camping adventures. We are heading to the Boundry Waters over Ryan's birthday. It will be Dylan's first time :-) We love camping but this will be Dylan's first summer camping. Again I wish we had gone when he was a baby but it's better late than never. This summer is our 5 year wedding anniversary and we are planning a motorcycle getaway while Dylan gets to have a sleepover at Grandma Nina's (VeNita) and Grandpa Paul's.
