The girls and I flew in to MSP in a thunderstorm and had the wildest turbulence I've ever experienced. It really wasn't all that bumpy or shakey, but we had a couple big drops where everyone's butts came out of their seats. Ruby and Ada had the iPad on the seat between them and it flew straight up to the ceiling and dropped to the floor. Yikes! After circling around the storm, waiting forever for luggage, and driving to RF in a downpour, we finally got in and to bed a bit before midnight.
Auntie Sam and Logan came the next day and were able to stay the same days we were there! They just finished an epic summer living out of their truck/backpacking/hiking through a bunch of our nation's National Parks. Check out "twohappycampas" on Instagram for lots of beautiful pics of their trip.
We thoroughly enjoyed the cooler weather, beautiful green scenery, and family time in Wisconsin. We went berry picking one morning and spent the rest of the weekend eating fresh berries and cream for every meal!
Gaga planned and organized her annual treasure hunt. Ruby and Ada had to solve the clues to find puzzle pieces around the yard. After putting the puzzle together they found their prize; a fun fishy game, cute owl coin purses, and money!
We decided to check out the waterfalls and Willow River State park. My mom read a review online before we left saying, "there were hundreds of people splashing in the falls" which I completely mocked. Hundreds??!! I remember hiking there (and to the dam) when I was younger and no one was ever there. Sure enough, we walked up to the falls and saw about 200 people in and around the water. It was cold but fun to splash around. Ruby was determined to get to the top so she convinced Auntie Sam to go up all the way up and touch it.
One thing Ruby and Ada were looking forward to was camping out in the tent again. Grandpa made a bonfire and we roasted marshmallows, ate s'mores, and even popped popcorn on the fire. Gaga and Auntie Sam braved the night in the tent with the littles. They all survived, even though it was only 54 degrees when they woke up the next morning. Grrrrr!
We spent one day at Como Zoo. The highlight was their butterfly house! And we couldn't pass up free rides on the 100+ year old carousal.
Our time in River Falls coincided with Grandpa Steve's birthday and we were happy to eat his buster bar dessert celebrate with him!
After a few days in Wisconsin it was time to head down to Winona. This time Auntie Jen and Charley planned to be there the same days we were too! Always fun to see sweet little cousins playing together and we enjoyed more beautiful landscapes and weather.
Lots of walks and playing outside.
We discovered an amazing pizza farm place last summer and Jen and I planned months ago to go back. I'm pretty sure both of us had been dreaming about the fresh Thai pizza we had last year! The girls had a blast running around and feeding the goats. We all gobbled up the yummy pizza and made s'mores over the bonfire before we left. If you are ever in the area (Cochrane, WI) check out Suncrest Gardens Farm.
Auntie Jen was generous enough to Ada, Ruby and I all haircuts on her days off. We love our personal stylist!
Grandpa Bill was brave enough to take three little girlies fishing one morning. Since neither Nancy, Jen nor I wanted to touch the worms or fish, he basically just put on worm after worm and took off fish after fish nonstop! There's a nice little dock on Lake Winona were you just drop your line and within seconds you'll hook a little sunny. That's the perfect kind of fishing for little attention spans!
The 3 little grands had fun matching and styling all week! Gaga spoiled us with some back-to-school clothes shopping again and Auntie Jen bought everyone matching "cousin necklaces"!
We all enjoyed ice cream trips, a visit to the donut shop, swimming pool, and Despicable Me 3 one afternoon.
Back on Lake Winona we had a Nelson Family Paddling Adventure! It turned out the only boat available that would work for us was a 12-seater that we all paddled together! It was pretty fun, but I can't say it was without whining, crying, or gnashing of teeth. The girls cheered up when we let them jump off the side and swim around for awhile. After the family excursion, Ruby really wanted to try kayaking by herself. I went out next to her on a SUP, but she did great! The worker helping us out was giving her directions; "If you want to turn left, I think you paddle on the right...." and Ruby gave me a "uh, yeah, I know look". So beautiful! I could stay out there all day!
Jen always has good ideas for adventure and she took us to a hibachi restaurant in La Crosse our last night there. Ada (and Ruby) were pretty leery at first, but they decided it was pretty fun and we need to take Daddy to a restaurant like that when we get home!
Ruby asked to go up on the bluffs so we drove up to Garvin Heights one morning since none of the girls remembered ever being up there. I have photographic evidence to the contrary, but it was a long time ago. Always a beautiful view and we are thankful for fun times with family in Winona!
I guess it WAS a while ago! (2012)
We headed back to RF for a day before flying back home. We did a quick little hike to the Kinnikinnic falls before heading to the airport. The three of us were ready to get back to our own house and see Steve. Some of us may have been more ready!!!
Dinner and Caribou at the airport and then a late (for kids) flight back to DFW. We finally pulled into our garage after midnight.
Best time ever! Lots of wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteI love it! You know, as many times as I've been up there visiting (and growing up in MSP) I've never been to Willow River! And, OMG, I love your shirt! Where did you get it?
ReplyDeleteMy mom got the shirts at a little shop in Hudson!
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