My children are 14.5 months apart in age, and when they were little, I took them everywhere in a tandem double stroller. One of my favorite memories is from when they were 1 and 2 years old. I had just corralled them back into the stroller after they danced all over an interactive mat at Eden Prairie Center. And what happened to be right next to it in 2011? An ice cream kiosk, of course.
I decided it was time for both of them to have some vanilla ice cream. I was nanny-less that day, so each child had to patiently wait their turn for a spoonful of deliciousness. Aidan would say quietly and sweetly, “Ice cream?” while waiting for his next bite. Ava, on the other hand, would shout and squeal with delight, dancing in her seat: “ICE QUEAM!!!! ICE QUEEEEEEEAAAAAM.”
I took a video on my now-ancient iPhone 3, and I still watch it on repeat whenever I need to smile. Even now, every time I open the freezer or suggest going out for ice cream, I ask Ava, “Ice queam?” I’m usually rewarded with a slight grin, a playful eyeroll and, “Mooooommm! Not funny anymore.” Followed, of course, by: “Do we have caramel?” or “Can we get caramel swirl?”
Needless to say, ice cream is a tradition in our family, especially during the summer. We make it a point to end every outing at a local ice cream parlor, and over the last 15 years, we’ve found our favorites. For this year’s Editor’s Pick feature, I will share those spots with you, dear Readers. I hope you create delicious memories with your family, just as I have with mine.
And our Best of Edina issue wouldn’t be complete without a comprehensive list of all your favorite businesses, services and shops. This is always one of my favorite issues of the year, because we get to celebrate the very best of our beloved city. Did your favorites make the list? Let us know by messaging us on Instagram, @edinamag.
I hope this issue brings you joy and inspiration.
