Memorial Weekend - Waterpark in Duluth

Lazy River Time - Greta, Carrie, Damon, Mikko, Bobby, Grandpa

David being David!

Finally getting big enough to do the big kid stuff! With some help from Daddy still : )

Enjoying our balcony.

Watching for ships.

The seagulls knew with all the kids playing in our room there would be a feast tonight! Even though the sign said don't feed them. Bobby commented that we break a lot of rules - uh oh!

Pillow Fight!

Enjoying their Party Cups. David wanted the pink one of course!

Feeding the seagulls.

Dance Party - they pretty much trashed our hotel room!

There was a spectacular lightniing show from the big thunderstorm on the other side of Lake Superior.
We oooh'd and aaahhh's like it was fireworks.

A fun filled day ends this way! In David fashion - only one sock on as usual!

Video of Dance Party!

Video of the kids singing Happy Birthday to Grandma Marlene. We bought her a pie from Betty's Pies.

We really couldn't have had a more fun night with all the kids. They were wild wild wild but had so much fun together playing in the hotel room. We laughed so hard. It was a night to remember.

Memorial Weekend - Trains at Blackwoods

We met up with Grandma and Grandpa and the Fraser's in Duluth for the night. We had lunch at Blackwoods before heading to the waterpark.

The Blackwoods in Duluth has an Electric Train that runs throughout the restaurant. I knew Mikko would like it, but I didn't know how much. He was completely overcome with pure joy watching the train go by, everytime.
It was one of my most joyous memories so far being a Mom, watching my little boy so excited! He entertained our table, as well as anyone who saw him shreiking with glee.

Here is a video of him watching it go by. He was so excited that he couldn't even look at the tran!

Memorial Day Weekend - Split Rock Lighthouse

Sunday morning we ventured to Split Rock Lighthouse. A guided tour was starting just as we arrived so we decided to join the tour. Notice the rest of the tour going up the stairs in the background. I don't think I heard a word of the tour - just chasing Independent Mikko all over the place!
Playing with dirt during the tour - typical Mikkers!

Mikko w/ a juice pouch - shortly after we got busted for having it - we didn't know that you can't have food or any drinks on the grounds.

Up in the Lighthouse.

I walked with David down to the shore so we could see the lighthouse. Here he is holding his Treasure Map he got in the giftshop.

Here are all the stairs we had to climb back up! Yikes! Notice David is WAY ahead of me. He kept me moving though as I didn't know where he'd end up if I didn't catch up with him.

Taking a break from our climb.

Memorial Day Weekend - Train Hotel

We stayed at a Train hotel near Two Harbors. The hotel is made out of box cars. Thought it would be the perfect place to bring two boys!
Here is one end of the hotel so you can see how it was constructed.

Hoarder #2 in our house, walking down the hall.

Exploring the platform/hallway.

Another exterior shot.

Inside you wouldn't even know you were in a boxcar!

There was going to be a bonfire but it started to rain. David was super disappointed so we "roasted" marshmellows in front of the electric fireplace in our room. They got hot - it was really fun. David thought it was great.

The hotel was right near Betty's Pies so we headed there for dinner.

Enjoying pie!

Memorial Weekend - Gooseberry Falls

Going for a walk to Gooseberry Falls
At the Falls

Attempting to get a picture of Daddy with the boys. No cooperation.

That's better!

Dipping our toes in the COLD water.

Mr. Independent did NOT want to hold anyone's hand.

We started our trip to the North Shore/Duluth on Saturday. Before heading to the hotel we ventured to Gooseberry Falls.

Zoo Trip #2

We ventured to the MN Zoo again on Sunday, this time with Daddy.

Checking out the Sea Otters.
Mikko kept "roaring" at the Leopard.

We packed a picnic lunch.

Feeding Goats.

Mikko makes crazy faces when you tell him to "make a funny face".

Through the tunnel again, and again, and again, and again, and again...

Playing in the awesome play area - I think we'll spend lots of time here this summer.

Mikko is ready for Rainy Lake.

Zonked out after a full day.