Grand Marais Trip - Day 3

For our third day we started with a drive up the Gunflint Trail. We stopped to take a short hike then continued on to the Gunflint Lodge. The kids fed the ducks on Gunflint Lake and we drove back to town. We were surprised that we didn't see any wildlife on our drive. We got back to town for lunch and I made a trip to a chiropractor since my back went out on me. After naps we went back to the harbor for more rock throwing and then to Hughie's Tacos for dinner. We thought the tacos were delicious. We went to get jammies on and back to see if we could catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

 

 

Birch Lake

 

Feeding the ducks at Gunflint Lake

 

Another beautiful sunset at the Grand Marais overlook

 

We got smart when waiting for the northern lights on night two.

We did not see any, but the peace and quiet while watching the sunset was worth it.

Grand Marais Trip - Day 2

Day two began with a required stop at the World's Best Donut Shop (and we agree). There was a little chill in the air but it was still nice enough to be outside. We spent the day wandering around town, we checked out Artist's Point and spent time by the lake. It was a pretty relaxing day.

 

 

After Mommy could get herself out of bed, we made it for donuts!

 

Leo could throw rocks into the water for hours

 

Headed to Artist's Point where we saw some people painting on canvas

 

On Artist's Point

Though the fall colors were past peak, there were still some pretty trees around

 



 

Watching the sunset in town

 

Waiting "patiently" to see if there would be northern lights at the overlook (no such luck)

 

The moon rose over the horizon while we waited.

Grand Marais Trip - Day 1

We just got back from a 4 day trip to Grand Marais, MN. Before we left we had to clear up the confusion of Grand Marais vs. Grandma Ray. Dru wasn't sure who that was. Hilarious! We drove up on Sunday with a stop in Hinckley for lunch, next to Duluth where saw boats going under the lift bridge, then on to see Gooseberry Falls and finally into Grand Marais. Here are some photos from our trip up the north shore.

 

 

 

The fog rolled in just as we got to the Lift Bridge

 

 

Enjoying the rocks

 

Cheese :)

 

Gooseberry Falls

Extremely Busy Weekend!

This weekend was a whirlwind of activities. I am still exhausted. It began with dinner at Tinucci's in Newport to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Julie's parents. Dinner was delicious and having dinner with the Roboles is a rare occasion so it was nice to catch up. Saturday began with swimming lessons for the kids which was followed by the Bloomington Heritage Day parade. It was a little long but was a nice parade. We were amazed to see people throw candy onto the blanket even though the kids weren't even sitting there. We had to even tell them NOT to add anymore to the pile!

 

 

 

I was able to convince Curious George for a quick photo

 

 

Our spot near the beginning of the parade 

 

Yvonne!? What are you doing with all that candy!?

 

Sirens... and suckers

After the parade we ate a quick lunch and made our way to Applewood Orchard in Lakeville. We love this tradition and it was a quick visit. It realized that with both kids wanting to pick apples it was going to hurt my pocketbook in a hurry. We were only in the orchard for the tractor to go around once! It was such a beautiful day to be outside and the apples were very yummy.

 

And lastly, on Sunday Julie and I took my parents, my sister and brother in law to see Xanadu at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. It is a spoof on the movie with Olivia Newton-John. I know I wasn't the only one at the table laughing. This was our Christmas outing from last year and this year, since we dropped the ball last year. I think everyone had a good time.

 

 

Iowa's Oldest Labor Day Celebration

Graettinger, Iowa boasts this claim. There is a street dance, carnival rides and games and a parade. The kids and I went down for just two days but sure seemed to get a lot in.  We even fit in a trip to the ER with Leo after eat decided to swallow a penny. Though it was a whirlwind trip it was still lots of fun.

 

L-squared giving some love

 

Sisters all grown up

 

ER visit: of course he felt fine

 

watching the parade where the kids hauled in a truck load of candy

 

Dru: "This is SO fun!!" as she went by :)

 

Rocket ride

I Hate Goodbyes

The director of the daycare the kids attend is leaving us. Annette has become part of our extended family and was one of the reasons we decided to entrust them with the care of our children. Because she is so good, her boss has moved her to help turn around a failing center. We know she is the perfect choice but she will be deeply missed. We said goodbye to Ms Annette last Saturday with some bowling and beverages. Julie and I thank you for keeping our kids safe, teaching them, and most of all for loving them.

 

Me, Ms Becky and Ms Annette

Nicollet Commons

Last Saturday the kids and I met up with Heather, Reed and Grandma Sue. We checked out the Nicollet Commons water feature. It was really neat. It featured "dancing" fountains and water falls and squiring statues. It seems they made it look like a serene park so if there aren't kids there it still is a nice place to visit. The kids enjoyed all of the areas to play in. We brought a picnic lunch so we were able to hang out for a few hours.