A Quick Trip North

For the first time in the five (cumulative) years we've lived here, we finally ventured "up North" to Duluth for a weekend. With another couple and our four kids aged three and under in tow, the weekend was not jam-packed with sightseeing and brewery tours, but it was absolutely a blast!

We threw rocks into the lake for hours (evidently this is a thing - when I tell people we went to Duluth with the kids, they invariably respond, "Oh fun! Did you go to the lake and throw rocks?"), walked along the boardwalk and saw the lighthouse, braved a restaurant lunch that threatened to encroach on naptimes and soaked up lots of good family time at my dear friend Amy's parents' house. While the weather was cold, the scenery was gorgeous and the company was wonderful. 

Also, Norah had her first proper sleepover, sharing a bedroom with her best friend, Lukas (among the highlights, hearing Norah yelling over the monitor, "Paaaarents.... we need some water!!"). It was just a one-night thing, though. By night two we all needed more sleep and she was relegated to our bedroom.
All in, a great, if short, trip with lots of wonderful memories :)

 Bundled up!

 Norah and Lukas' lunch date

A crisp but beautiful fall day!!

Early morning snuggles with all the kiddos

 Working on our rock-throwing skills

Grandma Beier soaking up some good baby time!