Honeymoon But With Kids: Cottage for the Labor Day Weekend

As we did 10 years ago, we ended this trip at the cottage. We cleaned out our car and shared stories from all of our adventures with mom and dad.

The kids were excited to show them their souvenirs.

They got some really cool stuff.

We were excited to see Daniel come along with Blake this time, even if he doesn't like getting his picture taken.

Since playing checkers the kids are obsessed with bored games. Theo was beating everyone in Snakes and Ladders.

Or is it board games?

Day 16

Scott and I were still in the hiking mood. We convinced Blake and Daniel to join us at Franklin Lake.

Well that was after Blake and Brooke couldn't come up with a place to hike. We hadn't been on this trail even though we've hiked in the area before.

Well that's because the guys had a long kayak adventure the day before and didn't want to do another big adventure today.

The trail had numbered markers but there wasn't anything explaining what they meant.

Blake and Brooke wanted to hike 10 more miles. Daniel and I were OK with a nice short hike.

I could have done the whole Butternut Lake loop but Daniel was done adventuring.

Later I read it's 12 miles, so I guess maybe not.

Team Daniel for the win.

We couldn't figure out what this random stone building was for. We might have to go the ranger station to see if they have a booklet.

Back at the car the informational display called it a mystery building. That did not solve the question.

Back at the cottage the kiddos were enjoying a lazy day by the lake.

Then we went for a pontoon ride. This is my, "I'm pretty sure you need to check your focus," out of focus face.

I really want to canoe here.

Like, do we get towed here first?

No silly, you get in at the boating landing on Lower Ninemile Lake.

I was happy to hand the reigns back to Mr. Mike. I didn't realize we were going all the way to the dam.

We added a bunch of stickers to our car on this trip.

Looking better than ever.

We'll see if the stickers in the forbidden spot last.

Day 17

The lake was covered in a fog when I woke up. I guess we also missed the Northern Lights last night here, too.

Before we headed back to Minneapolis the kids played on the new cottage playground.

G.G. spoiling her grandchildren.

We were pleasantly surprised to come home to green grass and lush gardens. Everything was dried out when we left.

Apparently the two weeks we were gone were the only time it rained all summer (and fall).

Comments

A 39th Birthday Cottage Visit and Ice Skating "The Glide" in Boulder Junction

Back at the cottage for my (early) birthday weekend. Where else would I go for my birthday? I'm a simple man. Grandpa cleared a rink and a little loop for us. Theo just wanted dig in the snow. Meanwhile Meadow and I went cross country skiing on the Anvil Ski Trail. Meadow said she would only go with me if we did a trail with hills. We hiked this a few years ago and it was quite hilly. She was an old pro on the hills while I wiped out. We didn't make it too far as Meadow complained her boots were too tight. I made her check the fit a few weeks ago and she claimed they were fine... Was a beautiful trail in the Nicolet National Forest.

Brooke Turns 40, We Return to the Riverside Cabin at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

This year is my 40th birthday. We originally thought we'd go to Mackinac Island and also played with the idea of going to Montreal. With a spring break trip coming up we settled on a cabin on the Gunflint Trail. The Gunflint Trail is one of our favorite spots in Minnesota. So, why not? We'd also decided to go on another campervan/RV relocation adventure at the end of the month. So don't act like I don't treat my honey. On our drive up we stopped at Tobie's to get cinnamon bread for french toast. Just like a few years back we stopped at Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth. I feel like we have to document whenever these kids get along as it's a rarity these days. We got the frybread tacos, but the kids stuck with the corn tortilla options. We brought along our projector and stopped at Blake's house to steal his internet to download videos. Once we got to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and unloaded our stuff, we crossed the river to explore the trails briefly. Our feet ...

Backcountry Camping with Kids in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Day 1 Back in May I stumbled upon Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I had no idea there was a National Park in North Dakota and that it was the northern end of the Badlands. Usually our summer vacations coincide with Scott's work trips. Since he didn't have any this summer I thought we should take advantage of actually taking a vacation. What, my workcations are always classics? I suppose a second real vacation this year wouldn't hurt. We definitely have more time than normal. As long as we took Covid-19 precautions and avoided people. We finally settled on a time to go. Blake joined us so we borrowed our dad's van so we could ride together. Scott had just driven from Michigan the day before. Blake had met my parents in Wisconsin to get the van and then drove from Duluth to pick us up. I offered to drive since I literally only drive twice a month. I was still pretty tired from a long drive home. Since we were near Fergus Falls we had to stop by the abandoned state ho...

Search This Blog