End of Summer

Summer wound down really quickly once August rolled around. I can't believe school is back in session, and fall has arrived! These summers go by faster and faster every year!

Here's our little guy, Charlie, enjoying a beautiful summer day at the Skrien's cabin near Pequot Lakes. Jenna and I went north for a few days before we both got back "at it" with workshops at the end of August.

Charlie wasn't quite ready for a boat ride, but he sure loved hanging out in the grass...

and down by the water. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't quite warm enough for swimming - maybe next year!

Chuck and I took a quick trip to the North Shore over the long Labor Day weekend, leaving early Thursday morning. We spent a night with his mom, and then headed up the shore on Friday for some hiking and outdoor activities. However...

it was cold, windy, and rainy all day! Fortunately, there are LOTS of good restaurants along the way, so we basically ate our way up north (Sven and Ole's Pizza and The Crooked Spoon in Grand Marais - mmmmmmmm!). We ended up driving all the way to Grand Portage near the Canadian border. We probably would have gone all the way to Thunder Bay if we had our passports with us.

It was only 48 degrees on our car thermometer, but what a difference a day makes!

Saturday dawned clear and cool!

We set out right after breakfast on a great hiking trail near Cascade Lodge, where we had spent the night.

After hiking along the river and the lake for several hours, we returned to Grand Marais for an outdoor concert by Michael Monroe.

We have been following him for years, and really enjoy his music. He lives north of Grand Marais, and often gives free concerts in the area.

We had to head home on Saturday afternoon, but not before checking out another favorite restaurant for lunch - the Coho Cafe in Tofte.

Kyle's 33rd birthday fell on Labor Day this year, and his choice for a family celebration was a trip to the State Fair. We met at 8:00 am at a Park n'Ride so we could get an early start and beat all the crowds.

See how empty it is early in the morning??

First stop - mini donuts! So good (and all gone)!

While waiting for Jenna and Andy, we hung out at O'Gara's, and the boys got out their phones for a little texting. Maddox had his own in his pocket, too (Corey's old one).

They are actually texting each other. Why not?

The Big Slide.
Maddox wanted to ride with Melissa.

Andy and Charlie were both pretty bored with the Grandstand stuff.

Charlie is teething, and loves to chew on his fingers!

Here's some creative finger sucking!

Maddox: "So what should we eat next, Grandpa?"

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

The whole family.

Right after we took this picture, it started sprinkling so we all split up and went our separate ways. We headed home, since Chuck was afraid he would melt if he got wet, and I needed to rest up because....
I started my 40th year of teaching the next day!

I can't believe I've greeted more than 900 little first graders on their first day of school, and I've taught them ALL how to read! I actually survived the week in great shape. My class is good, although my schedule is pretty goofy. Oh well, we'll carry on and have a good year!

I was definitely ready for the weekend, and since today was a banner day, we headed to Frontenac State Park for some exploring and hiking. No way could we stay inside!

The view of Lake Pepin was beautiful!

We found some great hiking trails that followed the bluff line and offered lots of scenic overlooks. As we were walking along through the woods, I heard a noise off to our left, turned and saw...

two deer! They weren't spooked by us at all. We stood and watched them for quite a while, and when they finally took off, they met up with two more and continued to graze beside the trail. We spent about 15 minutes watching all four of them.

Of course, Chuck was wishing it was deer season, but I just thought it was so cool to share the woods with these beautiful creatures!

Coming soon....Renaissance Festival and Family Golf. Never a dull moment around here!