Up North

It was an interesting start of the week when we woke up Monday morning to snow. Mommy realized I didn't have any boots for outside, so we headed to the mall to find a new pair. Luckily we found some and by the next day, the snow was gone! Oh well, at least we will be prepared the next time it snows.

We have been working hard around the house to prepare for fall. We decorated the front porch with pumpkins and gourds and we harvested our apples from the apple trees. We didn't get as many good ones since Mommy thought we should go "organic" and not spray the trees... not a good idea! Too many of our apples had holes in them and will be fed to the deer at the hunting shack. As you can see, I not only love to eat apples but they have become a new toy for me in the house. Whatever keeps me busy, right!?!?

I was enrolled in Kindermusik again this fall with Jillian. We meet every Monday night to sing songs, dance and I enjoy running around and socializing with everyone. Daddy just laughs the whole time at my silly dancing and Mommy tries to make sure that I behave myself. I love the shakers and the drums that we take out each week. We also get silly scarves and play peek-a-boo with them.

On Saturday, we headed to northern MN for Great-Grandpa's 80th birthday! It was a LONG drive (about 3 1/2 hours). There isn't much to see on the "Iron Range!" I was checking out the view (or lack there of) from our hotel room.When we got to the hotel, I was able to hit the pool with Daddy. Mommy said the water was way too cold for her, so Dad was on pool duty! Cousins Lexi and Sam also played in the pool with me.

On Sunday, we had many family members from all over MN and SD join us at the hotel for the birthday party. It was nice to see many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents there. By the time we took this family photo, I had enough with the party and it was time to head home. It's too bad that I was the one to ruin the picture (sniff, sniff).

I had lots of attention from family at the hotel which was a nice break for Mommy and Daddy. My fascination with the elevator kept everyone very busy!

Great-aunt Karen hasn't seen me since last summer. She think I look like Papa (Mommy's Dad) and Daddy.
I am always excited to see Sam! We gave each other a big hug, but Mommy only could get the tail end of it.... ahhhhh!
Gotta love when grandparents give you pop! Here is the birthday boy.... he sure doesn't look 80 to me! This 80 year old still flips his 4-wheeler for the fun of it at the shack!

To break up the long drive back, we stopped in Duluth to get some pictures of the bridge and to stretch our legs in Canal Park. I liked the many sea gulls although Mommy was a bit nervous around these poopy creatures!

After a short visit in Duluth, we headed home for good. I slept an entire 45 minutes of the drive, but kept myself busy talking, reading, and playing with toys. I was happy to be back home on Sunday night!