We decided to take a smaller trip since Lauren wasn't at the ideal age to be traveling a far distance. We originally had planned to visit the southeast corner of the state but due to the bike trail being closed in the area we wanted to stay we decided to go up north to one of our favorite places instead- Duluth. The girls just love being outdoors, climbing the rocks and enjoying nature. The first stop we made was...
Duluth - Canal Park - Park Point Beach
I thought I had packed the umbrella for Lauren to lay under but I didn't. I hate that when I do that! But being married to the man that I am, I am lucky that he is handy, he went searching for sticks and made a little shelter for her so that she wouldn't get fried in the sun. She was a happy girl just hanging out while her sister's played in the ice cold water and played in the sand.
I'm always amazed at the amount of time the kids can spend playing by the water. It's just a simple thing to do...no screen...no noise...no gadgets...just water and sand. And they LOVE it! And I love watching them. It makes me happy when they just enjoy each other and don't fight. Ahhhh...sisterly love.
I knew there would be a point I would have to nurse Lauren. I thought I would be able to hide under the umbrella (the one I forgot to pack) but instead we made due and at least I had my hooter hider. It was a little cumbersome especially when she's batting the fabric away, I'm trying not to flash the guys that are on both sides of us. Granted there isn't much to see, it's still stressful. We did just fine though and laugh about all the fun places I've had to nurse in public. I should really start making a list!
Brian helped Natalie build a sand pool. She wanted to be the only one to play in it though. She wasn't about sharing this time.
We even managed to get all our fee in this photo. Look at all the toes...70 in case you can't do the math!
Lauren's first dip in Lake Superior...brrrr...pretty sure we had to change her diaper afterward!
Me and my ladies...Look! We are all smiling and looking at the camera!
At the lighthouse...we added one person since the last picture taken here. :)
While I was nursing Lauren..this time in the van...Brian took the girls down the street to check out the water feature and let the girls walk around before we headed to our cabin in Lutsen. For some reason natalie felt that she needed to hold her shorts up even though she wasn't in the water. :) Funny girl! She did this almost everywhere we went.
See! They love eachother!
After getting unpacked in our cute little cabin in Lutsen, having a good nights sleep, a yummy breakfast and packing our lunch we headed out on a new adventure to.....
Cascade State Park
this was a beautiful park and my favorite day of vacation. We had beautiful weather for hiking and Lauren was awesome in her baby bjorn. We saw the waterfalls, went on a pretty hefty hike (a few miles) had a picnic and saw the top of the world (i will explain...)
The girls named this tree the "Butt" tree and of course it wouldn't be right if they didn't show theirs as well!
At the end of a smaller hike from the water falls to where the river meets lake superior.
Our first sighting of our state flower, the Ladyslipper
The girls thought this was cool too, the tree roots exposed. It was pretty cool!
The Hikers
Finally we made it to the top! Natalie asked me "Momma, is this the top of the world?" Me: "Yes, Natalie this is the top of the world!" It's all about perspective right? Gotta love kids. It ended up being a long hike and Natalie for being her age, did very well and there really wasn't any complaining. After getting off the trail a bit, and me thinking we were lost, we did find our way back to the car. It was an awesome day!
Fun day number 3, staying close to home (our cabin) we spent some fun time going down the alpine slide and riding the gandala to the top of moose mountain. The girls didn't feel like hiking much today-can't imagine why! :) We got lots of comments too on the shirts the girls wore. They were pretty cute and Brian and I were proud as peacocks!
Lutsen - Alpine Slide
Our Home Away from Home
This was our cute little cabin we stayed at in Lutsen. It was a VRBO and worth the money! It had a hot tub the girls loved sitting in and HGTV for our tv fix.
This was our cute little cabin we stayed at in Lutsen. It was a VRBO and worth the money! It had a hot tub the girls loved sitting in and HGTV for our tv fix.
Our last stop was one of our all time favorite places....
Gooseberry Falls
These were some cool trees the girls found to climb on and were having fun until one bit Emily's leg....
Good thing we packed lots of neosporin and band-aids. :)
We had such a fun time and so glad we took this mini vacation. It makes me smile knowing we're making fun memories with the girls. Very grateful and blessed beyond measure.
