We planned a Fall Getaway on the North shore for the whole family over the long MEA weekend, and what a great time we had! Jenna, Phebe, Corey, Heidi, Maddox, and I took off at about 11:00 on Thursday morning, and our first stop (other than lunch at Hinkley) was Canal Park in Duluth. The air was a bit brisk, but that didn't stop Phebe and Maddox from checking out the big break-water rocks!
I think I was focusing more on the kids than the horizon line, or else my camera is taking crooked pictures. I'd guess it's the photographer. Oh well...
We decided Phebe is part mountain goat as she scampered over the rocks.
They were both too tired to walk out to the lighthouse.
Someone gave Phebe some bread to feed the birds, and they loved it!
We saw the real lift bridge, too, but this one was more Maddox's size.
After hanging out at Canal Park, we went a bit further up the shore to Two Harbors to visit Great Grandma Flo (Chuck's mom). Neither one of the kids had met her before, so she was very excited for our visit, and had lots of goodies ready. Maddox decided his nose was a good place for frosting.
Monkey see, monkey do....
Phebe thought Maddox's hair would look good with a pony. He was very patient as she worked on his hair. It didn't last long, though.
We finally made it to our lodging for the weekend. We had a two-bedroom suite rented just north of Gooseberry Falls, and it worked out great as our "home away from home" for a few days. I brought along a coloring book, markers, and crayons to help keep Phebe occupied.
However, she wasn't the only one who used them. Thursday night entertainment - coloring, anyone? I'll have to admit, I even colored a picture or two myself!
On Friday, we headed north from our suite and did some hiking along the lake at Tettagouche State Park. Family picture - pretty cute, huh?
Maddox loved throwing rocks into the lake. He didn't quite get the idea of skipping them yet!
Phebe loved climbing all over the rocks. It was hard to get her to sit still for a picture!
She followed Corey all over the place, and even made it out to this big rock without falling in!
We brought along a picnic lunch, and found this great table beside the trail at Tettagouche. We were even joined by a little chipmunk.
We did some more hiking after lunch. Phebe found some giant leaves, and also a comfortable ride on Corey's shoulders.
We hiked up to an outlook at Shovel Point.
Diapers need to be changed even along the trail.
Maddox was so patient!
Later in the afternoon, we headed to Palisade Head, a huge cliff area over-looking Lake Superior. Heidi and Maddox opted out and went back to the suite for naptime. We grilled brats and hot dogs for dinner, and then played UNO with both kids until bedtime. Chuck, Kyle, and Andy arrived about 9:00 (they all had to work on Friday- poor babies!).
We headed to Gooseberry Falls on Saturday morning, and since the parking lot near the Visitor Center was full, we ended up parking down by the lake and hiking up to the falls. It was a beautiful day to be outside!
Kyle and Phebe enjoyed the rocks near the mouth of the Gooseberry River - quite a difference from Florida's sandy beaches!
Corey, Maddox, Phebe, and Kyle wandered the rocky beach near the river.
The hike to the Lower Falls is about a mile long, so needless to say, Maddox had a ride the whole way. We took turns, though, and we all discovered muscles we didn't know we had!
There was a lot of water going over the falls, and also a lot of people! It's really fun to jump around the rocks above the falls, and Andy and Corey didn't always set the best example for the kids. Phebe wanted to go out there, too, but.... no way!
We flagged down a passer-by to take a picture of us all in front of the Upper Falls. After hiking all the way back to the lake, we headed to Betty's Pies for lunch, but the wait was way too long. We ended up at the Rustic Inn for a great lunch. Maddox was exhausted and almost fell asleep on the table, so they went back to the suite for a nap while the rest of us returned to Grandma Flo's for the afternoon project - setting up Chuck's deer stand.
It's off to the woods behind the Two Harbors house. Chuck and I had already scoped out the woods in the morning and found what Chuck thinks is the perfect spot for the deer stand. Time will tell.....Of course, it was a group project to get all the parts into the woods, assemble it, and attach it to the tree.
Andy tried to balance the whole thing while Chuck secured the ratchet strap to the tree. Only one near fall!
Then it was time for four generation pictures. Here's Chuck, Flo, Maddox, and Corey.
And here's Flo, Chuck, Kyle, and Phebe.
And finally, a picture of everyone! What a crew!
Kyle and I left Saturday night to return to the Cities (we both had to work on Sunday), and the rest came home the next day.
It was a great weekend, and we left many sites unexplored for future trips!
The cat caught the mouse!
Phebe was the cutest little cat!
Maddox loved his Happy Feet card, and all of his presents! 
Elmo, alias Grandma Michelle, even came to the party.
Here are all the parents with the little munchkins.
Maddox was much neater with his cake than last year. He just kept poking his finger into the frosting.
Phebe was more interested in the little gift box full of goodies! 
