Today we fly away to new lands. Well, new-to-me lands. I've never been to Minnesota. That's where we're headed.
I'm attending the Eat & Greet blog event hosted by General Mills, and I would like to give you some back story.
I had already unofficially decided that I wouldn't go on any more blogger trips unless it involved my whole family. I've turned down some really tempting invitations recently, but I know without a doubt that right now I need to be at home. For both me and my family.
However, my childhood has deep roots in General Mills. My grandparents retired from there, and all growing up we lived and breathed General Mills. Went to the company picnics every summer. Were spoiled with all the prizes we could ever want out of the cereal boxes (if they dropped on the floor, they had to be "thrown out") -so we had a zillion super balls, packs of Carefree gum, and little bags of Skittles and Starburst.
I'll never forget the smell of the plant where my grandparents made cereal for 36 years. It smelled like you were inside a giant box of Cheerios.
When my Poppal found out I was invited to visit the General Mills headquarters, he jumped out of his chair. And I know he'd give anything to be able to come with us.
So, for my family, I feel like this trip is extremely appropriate. I also get to travel with my bestie Beth, and we're staying an extra night to hang out with Heather & Jennifer since we'll practically be in their backyard.
I'll admit that I am looking forward to Ivy falling asleep and having quiet time all to myself in the hotel room. Maybe I'll get caught up on emails and work and maybe I'll just take time for myself. I like having options.
It will be a nice, much-needed break. Because when I get back, I'm back for good.
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41 comments:
love childhood memories. =)
enjoy your time, steph!
Have a good time Steph! And those photos of Ivy are cute!
Oooh. I wish we still lived in MN (moved to WI this past february). Would have loved to meet you and your sweet girl! Have fun!
-Bri
Have fun! That photo is too cute! :)
Is she wearing 'tea' clothes in these pics?
Hi there! I read your blog daily but don't think I've ever commented before. Just had to tell you today how adorable Ivy is, like you didn't know, and say amen to your post. A few years ago I was caught up in a whirlwind of girlfriends saying 'we deserve time away' and 'it's good for hubby and kids if mom gets away to recharge her batteries'. That may be true for some people, but I have discovered that it's not for me. At least not now. I applaud your decision to say thanks but no thanks. Obviously this particular trip is one that you really want to do and that's great. It's also neat that Ivy will always have that connection to her great grandparents. Have a wonderful time!
what a great story! Have a great time and enjoy a little girl time with your besties.
I love the connection and the Ivy photos! Have a great time with Beth... hopefully she doesn't overdo the Fiber One items.
Sounds like a fun trip! I have 4 boxs of GM cereal on my counter right now as it was on sale at the store and the kids are loving it lol(i normally dont buy the sugary cereals). I hope you have fun!
Ivy just makes me want to squeal at those chuncky baby legs!!!!
The weather is beautiful here Steph - we've had so much rain lately that I'm glad you'll be able to enjoy some Minnesota Sunshine. Unfortunately that comes with a heaping helping of mosquitoes.
Have a great time!
Have a good trip! Hope you get that quiet time.
Have fun. This sounds like a great event and I love the family connection. I often find myself setting bloggin boundaries...and then breaking them. It's good to be open to new possibilities, right?
Enjoy!
I am in MN! I am certain my Jessica would say Ivy if she saw her in person...she does on the computer. You are coming to some glorious weather...mid 70's and the MN statefair if you have time! Enjoy!
Hey Stephanie. I am doing the GM Table Talks event directly after your event (Sun/MOn). I so wish we could have been at the same event and I, too, am having lunch with Heather. Bummer that it couldn't all happen at the same time. I know only one other blogger going to my event, and I only know of her blog, I don't know her, kwim? Anyway, have a great time!
Hope you have a great trip! LOVE the photos btw!
enjoy your trip! Enjoy it for your Poppa, and come back and write something nice to seal that connection between the 3 generations so each generation can treasure it.
:-)
Have a ton of fun for me, sweetie! It was back-to-school craziness for us so I am sitting this one out. I don't blame you for jumping on the opportunity. Have a fantastic time!! Give Beth a squeeze from me- my sweet Indiana sistas! :)
Have fun with your baby girl, making brand new memories!
have a lovely time!
What a wonderful opportunity to work with a company who is so engrained in your childhood memories.
What a great time you'll have. Give Heather a big fat stinky hug for me. I miss that girl.
And seriously, WALKING!?!?! These girls are getting too big too fast.
Hope you have fun and can snatch those few quiet moments to yourself. Ivy is darling, as always!
How sweet is your story? This is almost like 'coming home' to you, isn't it?
And icing on the cake, to go with Beth, and hang out with Heather and Jennifer. Luuucky!
I don't think I ever knew that your grandparents worked there. Sounds like such a wonderful thing to experience, especially given the connection. It's so sweet that your grandpa is so excited about it. Hope you have a wonderful, and even relaxing, trip!
Wow, that is so cool that it's a company your grandparents worked for.
And even cooler that you get to hang with those fabulous ladies! Have a great time!!
See you soon! :)
Have Fun
Well, if you come down to Rochester, let me know! :) Have fun here in MN, it's a great state.
Love these action shots -so cute!
Those are AWESOME photos of Ivy!
rebecca- why yes she is wearing Tea Colletion here!
Steph
Oh, my gosh! Walking already! She is growing up so fast.
i saw their clothes in the store recently and fell in love...may have to make a purchase soon!
This is the just Sweet!
Steph, was so interested to read this... Jon and I have been wrestling with this very topic this week in the wake of some potential back to back fall travel for me. I still need to sit down and make a final decision... Do you have a sense, in the span of a year, how many events you would be willing to go to?
xo Christine
I looooooove that 2nd photo so much.
Frame!!
Hope you're having a great time on your trip! Love those photos of Ivy walking!
Just LOVE the first photo of Ivy toddling along!! What precious moments you are capturing!
I totally wish I had been there with you. I was supposed to go but a family situation made me unable to be there last week.
I would love to see you again soon! You are such an awesome person! I love talking to you!!
That first picture is awesome. She looks like she is dancing.
P.S. I was invited to that Eat & Greet event too, but I declined (I'm sorry I missed you, but I'm happy I stayed home - here with my two sweet girls). Events can be enticing, but being home is super special in this season of life...
P.P.S. I hope more brands will plan events that involve bloggers' families too.
stephanie@metropolitanmama.net
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