PoundSignSOUNDSET

Here's the thing: I thought # meant number or pound sign. Like, please enter the last four digits of your social security number followed by the pound key. Or, please answer question #5 for full credit. It's actually a very hip deal called hashtag. Until last Sunday I had never hashtagged a thing in my life. Some folks hashtag the crap out of things- #ilovehippies #whenismyturn #steprightup etc. Did you know you can click on said hashtag to see what all is trendering (NumberSignNEWWORD) on that topic? But, do you really think people are going to check into the hashtag #icantbelieveitsnotbutter? Get real. It's a bit overused. However, I learned all about hashtags when I posted a pic to Instagram and wrote #soundset. Several strange people "liked" my pic because they must have found it under the hashtag. Hence, anyone could see my post, not just those "following" me because I used a dang hashtag. I'm never gonna do that again. PoundSignTHATSBONKERS

That is all I have to say on the hashtag topic. Now to get down to the task at hand- Soundset. 

Soundset is an annual hip hop festival that falls on the Sunday before Memorial Day. Your ticket provides you with the opportunity to spend 10 hours consuming the music of 20+ artists. You get the chance to see Lizzo and Atmosphere as well as Cypress Hill and Nas. It's dope. Nick's sister, Steph and brother in law, Ed come into town each year and Ed and I head to the festival. This was our third year to attend. Ed purchased VIP tickets for us this year and it was a real game changer. We received a little backpack full of gear including a snack and festival tee, bleacher seating, separate bathrooms and food/liquor vendors, and meet and greets. Again, it was dope. The weather was great, the music was unforgettable, and Ed's company was priceless. I'm already looking forward to NumberSignSOUNDSET2015. 

We had a great Memorial Day weekend with our guests and accomplished a lot of fun: backyard pool time, outdoor drinks listening to the Current's rock block weekend, Mill City Farmer's Market, a maiden voyage to Psyco Suzy's, dinner at Salut, Stillwater, Soundset, fingernail painting, grilling, Twins Game, laughter. 

Henry was eager to impress Steph and Ed with his division skillz and would ask for math problems every chance he had. While he also showed off his crazy temper, Henry was sweet to Isabelle all weekend (even when she was not deserving) and content just playing ball in the backyard. 

Isabelle contributed a lot of spunk and laughter to the weekend. She is a definite lover of life and you'd better not be in a hurry when you take her anywhere. She has to talk about and touch everything. Just taking it all in. Isabelle was also quick to provide sass when she felt it was necessary. For example:

Me- Isabelle, take off your shoes. You're inside. You can put them back on when you're ready to go outside again.

Isabelle- Your shoes are on, mom. Are YOU going outside???

In conclusion, the weekend was a great reminder of how important family and relationships are for all of us. The kids need to know their relatives, Nick and I crave connection to our family members, and when you are gifted with the chance to enjoy one another, enjoy it. NumberSignFORREAL PoundSignLOVEYOUEDANDSTEPH