kids
It isn't officially summer in Minnesota until you go strawberry picking. I think they actually spend more time feeding the animals than they do picking strawberries. Of course we can't leave until we enjoy the strawberry milkshakes and strawberry donuts.
family
Today was our final full day at the campground, and I have to admit we are all ready to go home. Olivia said tonight she can't wait to take a bath and sleep in her bed tomorrow. I can't blame her. We've been going
family
Yesterday (Friday) was such a craptastic day that meant I started this morning (Saturday) off with a very large mimosa. Let's rewind... yesterday it was rainy all morning. We made pancakes and spent pretty much all morning and afternoon in the bus. Once it cleared up Emma did
family
Another day... another activity (or two) checked off our list. First up, the Itasca Lake boat tour. We learned a lot of interesting information about the state park and the lake. Later in the afternoon our friends rented a pontoon boat, so we tagged along. Braden had to head home
family
We've been busy every day since we've been here doing just about everything here at the park. But, pretty sure Chip the red squirrel is going to be the highlight of this trip. Someone at the store found him as a baby so he is used
family
family
Today was another busy day... first up this morning was the fire tower. Several people recommended we do this, and today was the first day all week that it wasn't over 90 degrees outside. I'm really proud of Olivia. She has become a lot more fearless
family
We try to visit a Minnesota State Park every summer. This summer we chose Itasca State Park which is popular for the Mississippi River headwaters. We're here all week and have a whole list of things we want to do. First up on our agenda was exploring and
kids
kids
A rainy summer day means a trip to the safari. The parakeets are always one of their favorite things. They especially love when they land on their heads. The girls were very excited about holding a baby kangaroo. Emma also got to feed a porcupine, and Olivia held a snake.
family
Our first trip down the river this summer and our kayak was way lighter. Both girls are a lot bigger and we were a little concerned it would be a really tight fit with all four of us in our kayak. Last summer we towed the inner tube. It worked
family
Somehow everyone got to their recitals on time and we all got to watch both girls dance. First up was Olivia. She had two recitals today, so we skipped watching the first one because Emma's was in between. As soon as Olivia was done with her second dance