Overnight in Minneapolis. JUST US.

Last weekend, we finally did it!

We got away...just the two of us...ALONE. We haven't gone overnight anywhere since we started answering to the names "Mom" and "Dad", so we figured it was about time...with only a short window before we are cuddling a newborn again!

We left the boys with trusted (and so willingly awesome!) friends and drove up to Minneapolis for the night. We used Trevor's hotel points (a perk of his frequent travel, yes it is!) and stayed in an awesome hotel not far from the heart of downtown. Here are a few pics of our room with a view:

View from our hotel room...including a rally of protestors...

 On Friday night, we enjoyed a leisurely walk around...with no plans or solid destinations. We had dinner at one stop, a hot chocolate for me at another, some sweet treats at a little shop called Candyland, more hot drinks (Pumpkin Spiced Steamed Milk), down time at Barnes & Noble, and a fun time finding our way back to the hotel.

On Saturday, we were excited for some day time exploring.

  Minneapolis is such a fabulous city!

This really cool wall was completely painted to look like sheet music. LOVE!

 The sun was shining, our jackets and hand holding kept us warm, and the city sounds were energizing!

Following a friend's suggestion, we went to Hell's Kitchen for brunch. The place did NOT disappoint. Bustling with people, delicious food, funky decor, and a live jazz band--it was the perfect place to start our day!

 We explored more of the streets & sights before heading down to the river front area...

 This part of the city holds fascinating history of the city's days as a top dog in the Mill industry...complete with ruins and a museum. 

The lighting was great and the brick/rock patterns were fabulous...we had to do some vanity photo shooting. Here are my favorites from Trevor's photog genius:

...and I convinced him to let me take a few of him.

I have the hottest husband in the world.

Trevor 10.29.11

 We weren't sure what this sign meant, 

so Trevor took it literally:

It actually refers to the WALKING path as opposed to the BIKING path. 

 After enjoying the Mill District, the museum, the ruins, some photo shooting, and checking out the Mississippi River, we headed to another part of the city for the Midtown Global Market.

At the Global Market, we were charmed by vendors providing sweets, breads, meals, clothes, crafts, and other awesomeness from all over the world! We tried to see it all and wanted to try a dish from each of the food vendors...but alas...not enough time! We did eat our late lunch there, but will have to go again to experience more of the international faire.

With our bellies full and a new perspective on what Minneapolis has to offer, we headed back to our boys. They barely noticed that we had left, and we are grateful that they had such a fun time with our friends.

We really enjoyed the quiet time JUST TOGETHER. No strollers, diapers, or time outs. I definitely think we need to keep these kinds of trips on our TO DO list for a regular getaway.

 At least once a year, maybe? 

Can't wait 'till our next one!