Getaway to Lutsen

This week was spring break.   

We escaped to the North Shore, where it doesn't look much like spring.

Even so, we fell in love with a place called Lutsen.

A pioneering spirit is alive and well here.  

Lutsen Resort is a world away from the hustle of everyday life.  

 It was just what we needed. 

My parents vacationed at the resort years ago, and rumor has it that I even made it up here a time or two as a child.  

While the resort's rich, rustic charm is perfect for adults, it is wonderfully family friendly.   Our kids were in (wintery) heaven.

While we were in Lutsen, we played in the sunshine and snow with MoMo, Papa and Nana.

We played games and ate dinner together in our rental condo.

We snuggled and giggled in front of the fire.

We read our Jesus stories and our daily prayers.  MoMo spoiled us with morning mochas.

We soaked in bubble baths,

and sun baths.

We swam in the pool and played checkers in the Lodge, which is full of character and ambiance.

We went on walks by the water, admiring the ice, snow and gorgeous North Shore scenery.

 And each morning, after breakfast, we boarded the shuttle bus to head up the mountain

and ski.

 I can't believe I am saying this: 

we were hooked.  

State Fair Highlights

In case anyone was wondering, 

we did make it to the State Fair this year,

twice.

People have asked us if we are crazy.

"You went TWICE?!  With all FOUR kids?!"

What can we say?

We're Fair people.

Our tricks are as follows:

-Be prepared.  Snacks, water bottles, hats, sunscreen, and baby carriers are essentials.

-Start early! It gets crowded later in the day when nap time crabbies are peaking.

-Get an early treat or snack.  No one likes walking the fair with a grumbling tummy.

-Hit the kid highlights, on a weekday if possible.  There are so many great, education kid activities at the Minnesota State Fair.

-Hit the road mid-afternoon and eat a light, healthy dinner at home.  By that time you have walked off the early day Fair food and tummies are ready for a change of pace.

The kids had a great time at the Kidway with MoMo and Papa.  They each got to choose 3 rides, which built up just enough anticipation without going overboard.  G-Bear and E-Bear loved riding the flying gliders together!

 Next came the Bumper Boats!

Buddy Bear hopped right in behind his siblings.

His face said it all: "Me, ready? I was born for this."

When Buddy Bear was crushed that he couldn't ride the roller coaster with G-Bear and E-Bear, Papa took him on a "Bouncy Car" ride.  It was hard to tell who had more fun:

 In reality, the rides were a very brief part of our Fair tour this year.  We visited the fabulous Alphabet Forest twice, spending over an hour there each time.  There were name necklaces to make, alphabet wheels to color, postcards to write, and lots of wonderful books to read, all in the shade!  

We also visited the LEGO construction tent, watched the parade, saw all the animals, tried our hand at farming at the Little Farm Hands farm (twice!), watched spinning wheel and woodworking demonstrations and saw a dog show.  What's not to love about all that?!  

While it is always sad to say goodbye to the Fair for another year, I have no doubt that after the fun of our trips this year, my kids will be just as excited as T and me to head to the Fair next summer.  That is a great thing, because as I said, we're Fair people.

Home

Good news,

we just closed on our house.

No, this doesn't mean we're moving again.

We bought the house that we have been renting for the past year.

T said he always thought that buying his first house would be a little different,

involving carrying me across the threshold or a big move-in celebration. 

Instead, we went to lunch after our closing 

and came home to our home as we've lived for the past year.

Except now we own it,

and that feels so sweet.

So, let us know if you need moving boxes,

because we won't be needing ours!

Welcome home, Happily Ever Johnsons!

Chipping Ice: The Second Week of Lent

It is ice chipping weather here in Minnesota.

If the climate of your geographic area limits your familiarity with this hallowed, late-winter Minnesota past time, what a shame.   Ice chipping is incredibly satisfying.  The snow and ice have been accumulating for months in the sub-freezing temperatures.  By late-February or early-March, when we finally get a few days of 35 degree sunshine, the slow road to thaw begins.  Thirty five degrees and sunny is just enough to melt a few snow layers during the day, which then freeze again by night, thus a layer of ice coats most driveways and sidewalks these days.  To reclaim secure footing, it's time to get out the ice chipper.  

Nothing clears ice like an ice chipper!  The thin metal blade is perfect for cracking, chipping and scrapping up the ice sheets that cover concrete walkways and driveways.  It is hard work to be sure, but it's the kind of sweat that feels good after being cooped up inside during weeks of frigid weather.  Plus, there is real satisfaction in a job well done, gazing over a pile of ice chunks to the smooth, bare, secure concrete of a cleared driveway or sidewalk.

As the second week of Lent comes to a close, I realize that I need the Lord to clear the layers of "ice" out of my life.  Like the cold world outside, I have piled up plenty of disfunction and bad habits that make me just as insensitive, harsh and hazardous to others as the ice layers that cover my front steps. Jesus Christ is the master chipper, able to get through even my toughest layers when I avail myself to His help. And, boy do I need it.

First Day of Snow

Today we awoke to quite a sight:

 a frosty world, such a delight.

With noses pressed to the cold window,

we joyfully welcomed the season's first snow!

Top Then Things We LOVE About Minnesota

There is a lot we are going to miss about Minnesota when we leave this week.

10.  The Parks and Trails and Pools:
What would we do without the Minneapolis Park & Rec pools and parks, which have made our summer life with kids so safe and fun!  Como, Harriet, Van Cleave, the Zoos, the Root River Trail, and River Road path have a special place in our hearts.

9.  Van's Auto Service:  Paul is the man when it comes to car repair and check-ups.  He has helped our aging cars stay young!  Thanks to him, we are ready for our cross country trek.

8.  G-Bear's School:  Sniff, sniff.  We will miss her special class and her amazing teachers.  Our next school has big shoes to fill.

7.  The Markets: Farmer's, Mill City, Midtown:
There is nothing like a Saturday morning at the Mill City or Minneapolis Farmer's Market.  We can't pass up the farm-fresh produce, not to mention the cinnamon rolls.  In the winter, Midtown Global Market kept us going with the Produce Exchange and Family Fun Fridays.

6.  Our County Hospital:  It's one of only 4 remaining county hospitals in the country.  It was T's and my favorite place to work on rotation.  Beautiful mission, wonderful place, special patients.

5.  The Train:  The Burlington Northern Railroad line runs between our house and our favorite neighborhood park.  We spent countless afternoons crossing the passenger bridge over the tracks, saying hello to the trains as we went to the park.  At night we could hear the trains passing and working in the switch yard.  We would count the engines as we passed them to take G-Bear to school.  E-Bear especially liked the black and orange engines, and it was always an extra special day if the yellow ones were resting in the yard.  I'll miss the sound of the trains at night.

4.  The Cabin:  Our favorite summer and fall hideaway.

3.  Papa's garden:  G-Bear and E-Bear are always ready to start planting with Papa in the spring.  We'll really miss seeing the final glorious fruits of his green thumb labors this fall.  Plus, there is no better place than Papa's garden patio for.....

2.  MoMo's Sunday Dinner:  Always fabulous, whether enjoyed on the summer patio or inside her decorated dining room.  We've enjoyed every Sunday dinner she's made for the past five years.  Her gift of hospitality makes this one of our favorite family traditions.  

1.  Our family:  The wind beneath our wings for far longer than these past five years, we're tearful to be leaving our Minnesota contingent.  Hold down the fort for us.