Headin' Up North

Before the start of the school year, we took a quick family vacation up north to Duluth.  We spent our first day in town at our hotel. The kids were super excited to spend some time swimming - they all love the water!  We stayed at the Edgewater Hotel which has a huge indoor water park, outside swimming pool, arcade, and mini-golf.  The kids swam and swam!

After swimming outside on the beautiful sunny day, we ventured inside for, you guessed it, more swimming!!  We went around and around on the lazy river, warmed up in the hot tub, and waded around in the shallow kiddy pool (perfect for Rose!)

On the way to the pool, Cole had caught a glimpse of the arcade and what would turn out to be his favorite part of the trip - the Motorcycle game!  Once he had his fill of swimming, he was eager to get cleaned up and head to the arcade.  He loved driving the motorcycle and played the game over and over.  Instead of attempting to drive on the road, he thought it was hilarious to crash the bike right into the wall!

That evening, we walked a block down the road to the restaurant Black Woods for dinner.  Everyone loved the food and Rose especially liked the statue of the dog that greeted you as you entered.

Unfortunately, leaving the restaurant was a bit disorganized and my less-than-two-year-old camera was left behind.  I didn't realize until the next morning so Shane walked back over but there was no sign of it.  He left his contact info behind and we ventured off north bound to enjoy some beautiful scenery.  Oh how I wished I had my camera!!  But Shane's iPhone would have to do.

Some of the kids fell asleep on the drive, so instead of stopping at Gooseberry Falls like we had planned to, we decided to try a new adventure and continued up the road to Tettegouche State Park.  There are some awesome trails at Tettegouche, but they aren't quite the easy stroll that Gooseberry is.  So with Rose in our arms and the boys in tow, we set off on our 1 1/2 mile hike (3 miles round trip, GULP!!) to the High Falls.

Now, a 1 1/2 mile hike might not seem that far, but add steep steps, rocks to stumble on, branches to duck under and an uneven walking path while carrying a 23 pound toddler and you are in store for a heck of a work out!

Our legs were about to give out when we finally arrived at the falls!!

By the time we were ready to leave, most of us were pretty wet.  We sloshed off in our wet shoes on our 1 1/2 mile journey back to the car.  Rose was so beat she fell asleep on the way.

Before heading home, we made a detour to the Black Beach to relax in the sand and the sun.

While we were driving to dinner that night, Shane got a call that they had found my camera!!  Woo hoo!  So after dinner we picked it up!  I was so happy to have it back (along with all my photos!!)

Our third and final day in Duluth was spent in Canal Park.  We grabbed lunch at Grandma's Restaurant and purchased some chocolate goodies to go.

After all the kids were a sticky mess, we spent some time walking along Lake Superior.

Our final destination was the William A. Irvin - the giant freight ship that carried iron ore and coal for the U.S. Steel company from 1938 until it was retired in 1978.  (It was around this point that my camera flash went kaputt.  Such a bummer!  Guess I'll be getting a new one after all.)

Owen was intrigued by all the interesting history about the giant vessel.  He asked the tour guide question after question.  The highlight of the tour was the pilot's house where the kids each got a turn "steering" the massive ship.

And with that, we bid farewell to Duluth and headed on our journey home.