Social Butterflies *

I LOVE my friends and don’t always get to see them enough.  Well, this weekend things took a little twist from the norm.  The fun began on Thursday afternoon and lasted all the way through Sunday evening.  

Laura and Rich invaded the Mini Apple around 3:00 on Thursday.  We started the evening at the Lyndale Tap House and caught up over delicious appetizers and cocktails. After that we all went back to our apartment where we cooked one of mine and Chad’s favorite meals, asparagus and pistachio risotto with mixed greens and warm bread.  We all crammed into out mini kitchen to prepare out feast.

The fun continued on Friday (after work) with another one of my long lost lady loves, Sarah Mraz, paying me a visit.   I have not yet mentioned that this weekend was the Pride Festival, which was packed with awesome events.  Sarah, Chad, Rich and I ventured out to the block party right down the street from our apartment.



Vodka infused gummy worms!



We met up with our friend Claire and were entertained for hours by bands full of drag queens, dancers, photo booths and the crowd of pride goers.   Eventually Laura, Jolien and Ty graced us with their presence as well.

Friends and Pride continued on Saturday with a gathering at our apartment.  We had planned a party in the park at Lake, but Mother Nature had other plans for us.  The afternoon rain kept everyone inside until the clouds finally parted and we ventured to our neighborhood park where we got a huge Frisbee circle going.  Soon after, we all hoped on our bikes and headed to Loring Park where the main Pride Festival festivities take place.

our silly men

yes, we are very classy :)

Chesther and Jolien looking captivated by someone's story

 

Taela even got to join in the fun!



As most of you know, biffies at festivals usually have no toilet paper....well, I really wanted some and stuck my head out the door to request assistance with this.  Chad brought me some leaves and grass, Laura brought me Kleenex.  I think this shot captures my excitement :)  Thanks Laura!



Prideful Pup



Beth and Laura, so pretty :)



Find Jamie and Jolien...



Here we are!

We ended with some late night appetizers at Chambers Kitchen

By Sunday morning we were all a little tired, but it was not yet time to rest.  The pride parade started at 11:00 and ran through downtown Minneapolis.  If you live in Minneapolis and have never been to this parade, put it on your to-do list for next summer.  If is tons of fun for everyone… young, old, gay, straight and everyone in between J

After the parade Laura and I rushed off to meet up with a few college roomies/pals at The French Meadow.  Again, if you have never been here, GO!  You will find a large menu packed with delicious, organic and local ingredients.  The four of us let the afternoon float away as we ate and visited.  Before we realized it, 3 hours had gone by and it was time to head to our next stops… Laura and Rich back to Madison and me and Chad to Buca to celebrate our step-sisters graduation from grad school (yay Kris!).

It was an epic and memorable weekend that made me once again realize how in love I am with Minneapolis and all of the people and places in itJ