Lakes, Games & Family Bonds: Mom's Minnesota Birthday Bash

From charity dog walks to cutthroat Catan competitions, Mom's birthday celebration brought together generations of family against the backdrop of Minnesota's stunning landscapes! Kristen's grandparents and the Visser parents hit it off immediately, trading stories and laughter as if they'd known each other for decades. The 5k fundraiser for the local horse rescue had everyone and their four-legged companions trotting through picturesque trails, though the dogs seemed more interested in making new friends than setting any speed records. Our Duluth exploration revealed Lake Superior's majestic power and beauty, with state parks offering breathtaking vistas that had everyone reaching for their cameras simultaneously. Evening game nights quickly exposed Kristen's surprising competitive streak—her innocent smile transforming into strategic calculation the moment Catan resources were distributed. Meanwhile, lumber discussions with Dave turned surprisingly fascinating, with his expertise prompting Bruce to contemplate a career change into 'whatever Dave does with wood' until Mom's knowing glance reminded him of his complete lack of carpentry skills.