To The North Shore We Go!

Last year around this time, we made plans with our friends Zack and Marissa to do a 2010 fall camping trip. We set a date, booked the site, and put it in our calendars. Little did we know that when the time came, we would have an eight-week old baby with us! In fact, I still can't quite believe it!

All week I watched the weather channel with a sinking heart. First they said the temps would be highs in the low 60s, lows in the mid 40s. That was okay with us. We could bundle Isaac up, bring the appropriate gear, share body heat at night... that would work. With each day that went by, the projected temps dropped by a few degrees... until the low was THIRTY! Okay. That's cold enough to snow! The campsite we were supposed to stay in is a cart-in site, meaning that your car is half a mile away and that is the closest indoor option.

We didn't feel comfortable putting an eight week old baby into that scenario overnight, so we tweaked our plans a bit. We spent the days at the campsite with Zack and Marissa (who braved the cold and spent the night in their tent) and then went to a nearby hotel to sleep.

Oh, it was such a wonderful weekend! Isaac began to truly smile while we were there (I even have witnesses! Marissa can vouch for me=) and it was so fun to spend time together as a family. Lake Superior always rejuvenates me and this was no exception. Here are a few pictures from our trip:

Here we all are! Our family of four, headed to the North Shore of Minnesota.


Daddy and Isaac on the porch of our motel


The pack mule... er, Jonathan carrying all our junk to the campsite. Since I was wearing the baby, Jonathan insisted on carrying pretty much everything else. And tying the dog to his waist.


Beautiful hike


Isaac sleeping peacefully on Mommy's chest


Our little family on a hidden lake at Tettegouche State Park


Mid-hike meal


Cody did his part. He packed out Isaac's poopy diaper. (HA!! Don't worry... we only tortured him long enough to take this picture. And maybe a few others.)


Isaac loved cuddling with Marissa


Baby napping on Daddy


All bundled up


Zack, the chef, cooking up some pancakes and sausage for breakfast. YUM!