Exploring Minnesota

It's SPRING in Minnesota, and we're so glad to finally have nice enough weather to get out and explore a little :)  We moved here in mid-July last year, but literally spent the remainder of the summer unpacking, working on the house and getting settled.  We didn't take much time to explore, so we're really looking forward to getting out and doing some fun things with the boys this year!

Jacob has been working like a dog....for weeks, MONTHS on end.  Since Jan 1, he's probably averaged 70 hours a week.  I guess that's expected for a public accountant, but that doesn't make it any easier on him or us!  Recently we were at one of his work functions, and four of his co-workers separately mentioned that they felt bad for Jacob's workload.  SOOOOO when Jacob said he was going to take a Friday off to do something fun as a family, we jumped for joy :)

We decided to take a little trip to Taylor's Falls, Minnesota.  It was about an hour drive north to the cutest little, quaint town.  We lunched at a fun restaurant called "The Drive In Restaurant", which the boys loved!  It was an outdoor eating establishment with a 50's style.  They are only open for the summers and we literally caught them on their FIRST day open this year!


Mitchell really did like it, even though it doesn't quite look like it here!
 

The boys all enjoyed their corndogs.  Macallan was grateful that it was on a stick, so that he could explore a little while eating :)

 

Jacob had to step away to take a few calls, but Macallan wouldn't let him venture off too far without a visit :) 

 They had a really cute little pond structure that the boys enjoyed climbing around.  Not a single foot entered the water, which was a bonus. :)

Maverick is REALLY into pretend play right now, especially super heros.  His favorite line is "I'm NOT Maverick, I'm SPIDERMAN!"

 Daddy forked up a few quarters for gumballs.




 After lunch, we headed over to nearby Interstate State Park.  Mitchell wasn't too excited about the prospect of going to a park without a playground.....UNTIL he stepped foot inside and saw all of the rocks he could climb on!  He LOVED it! 



At church they talked to the kids about how God has given everyone spiritual gifts.  Since then he has been on the hunt for his gift.  After a few minutes at the park, he was CERTAIN that his gift MUST be rock climbing! :)

We hiked on the trails and climbed on the rocks for hours!  Of course, stopping for a few water breaks along the way! 

It was a GREAT little getaway!