Minnesota Arboretum Adventure | Arboretum Photography | Personal

One of my goals for this year is to go somewhere new or go somewhere just because I want to at least once a month.

I was sad that I lived in such a beautiful state and haven't taken the time to really explore and enjoy it which is so silly since i have lived here my whole life. So I am making that change. 

Marcus decided to join me and we made our way to Minnesota Arboretum. When we got in we found parking right away but from there were a little lost. We circled around the entrance twice before hoping back into the car and driving the 3 mile drive because we really didn't know where else to go! We were pleasantly surprised that this was the trail we were supposed to go on in the first place! We stopped at all the spots that looked interesting. They had sculpture gardens, Hedge Maze, Flower Gardens. Our favorite was the Hedge Maze. We took time to go through and we both agreed that this course would be a blast at night with a version of Tag for adults. 

All in all it was a fun time to get out of the house and go see something new! I have to say that I understand they put a lot of time and effort into this Arboretum and it really shows,buuuutttt for $15 per adult I don't think I will be back. I am a sucker for any place free so I will have to enjoy the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens and Como Conservatory instead!

Fourth Of July Weekend | Sanchez Adventures | Personal

A four day weekend really suites me! At least this is what I found out of the fourth of July weekend. The Waits family is a family of many annual traditions; I think it was more things that worked so well we just kept doing them throughout the years.  Some of my favorites are religiously attending the Minnesota State Fair, boating on the Fourth of July, apple picking in the fall, running to the Christmas tree. ( I wrote a whole blog post with a couple of others which you can click HERE to read)

My family had plans to lay low for the fourth of July this year. Everyone in Minnesota was out and about all weekend! We were able to stretch a couple of events over the last couple of days making for an epic weekend.

Sunday - Every Independence Day weekend our church has the service outside on the front lawn! And I am pretty sure half of the congregation would leave the church is there was not picnic to follow. After we got home we packed up and headed to the boat. The Saint Croix was bustling with boats, flamingo floaties, jetskiis, and kayaks. Sunburn and filled with pizza, we sat on Hudson beach and watched the fireworks for Booster Days.

Monday - My sister Summer was having her makeup done at Sepora in the morning for her shooting in the afternoon. So I got a little window shopping  done ad when we got home we started shooting her! Once that was all done as a family we drove over to the Lake Harriott Band-shell to listen to the Minnesota Orchestra for some patriotic music!

Tuesday morning Marcus and I picked up dad and spent the morning in Afton for the annual parade they have there! One of the floats was a wedding one where several couple volunteered and you got married right in the middle of the parade! What a cool idea!! 
in the evening we headed home sat around the table and just enjoyed each others company!

It was a breathe of fresh air to step away from normal business and explore Minnesota. 

10 Random Facts About Your Photographer

10) I come from a large family of 7 including my parents; even though we are all loud and a little bit crazy, I can't imagine my life without them.
9) I met my husband while we both worked at our college's Museum and Gallery. I remember it perfectly because he was supposed to take over my shift but ended up horribly lost through the rooms.
8) Marcus and I both love watching a variety of movies. We have a growing DVD collection in our house, which will most likely be obsolete in 5 years.
7) One of my favorite places in the Twin Cities is Como Conservatory. My family would visit it every year and little did I know growing up, it was also the place I would marry my best friend.
6) My lucky numbers are 10 & 13.
5) I played many sports throughout high school and college, including volleyball, basketball, softball, track, and soccer. But by far my favorite is volleyball, which I still make time to play occasionally.
4) One of my crowning accomplishments is having graduated from college; never being book smart made college one of the most trying periods of my life. It was only through God's grace that it happened. 
3) I will almost always choose to sit in the sun.
2) I love baking cakes. Not only does it help me relax, but it also fuels my cupcake addiction. My favorite cupcakes I have baked recently have been Almond Cherry Cupcakes. Game changers.
1) My latest personal project has been starting a small garden in my tiny backyard. Last year, I began with a row of raspberry bushes with much success. This year I am experimenting with cucumbers, which I hope to build up to eventually grown asparagus.