First of all: get a load of Jesse’s beard. I think he looks like a completely different person with it. I don’t know how I’m going to feel when he shaves it off. If he ever shaves it off.
We took a family get away in October that I’ve been meaning to share but things get busy!!! This is the first vacation that we’ve taken that was 1) just the four of us and 2) not piggy backed on a work trip for Jesse. I can’t even believe that.
Location:
We rented a house just outside of Duluth. Our hosts were wonderful and the place was simple and cute – perfect for our little family of four. Outside there was plenty of land to hike, a fire pit with plenty of wood, and lawn games. Inside had a quirky and cute collection of art, a “cow pouf” that the kids fought to use, a cupboard full of games and another with movies. We played lots of games of Life and watched a movie every night before bed. (The 1970’s Benji was a hoot.)
Activities:
We hiked Gooseberry Falls. It was quite pretty, but they’d had a great deal of rain so it was wet and sloppy. Jesse left his hiking boots in the car thinking he wouldn’t need them and came home with wet feet (and very muddy shoes).
In Duluth, we visited the Great Lakes Aquarium. It was crowded due a trick or treat event going on but we did get to touch some jellies, an alligator (I don’t know how they relate to the Great Lakes, but still cool) and some different species of sturgeon. After viewing lots of Great Lakes fish, we headed to Vertical Endeavors where Abram did some rock climbing. I thought Violet would really enjoy it but after a crowded aquarium, she requested introvert time. She and I relaxed in the car with some books and then browsed a couple of art studios nearby. I made stop to the local yarn store and picked up a few skeins – one for a hat I want to make and a couple more for socks. (Of course.)
Eats:
If you happen to be in the area – Betty’s Pies was a big favorite. We waited 40 minutes on a Sunday morning for a table at Duluth Grill (should have made a reservation) and it was worth every second. Amazing service. We didn’t really plan for eats really well. Lots of times we just ended up eating PB&J at the house.
It felt good to get away for a long weekend and has me thinking about where we can next adventure. Snow has been falling so it might have to be skiing. (The kids have been going to a smaller local hill with Jesse for years but I haven’t been on a pair of skis in over a decade. I don’t know if I’ve got the stuff to do it again.)
