river days

I was introduced to canoe trips a few years ago and haven't looked back since. So when Zach asked if we wanted to take a fall canoe trip, we were all for it. We set out for the Rum River early Saturday morning, with two full travel mugs of coffee, several layers of long flannel+long underwear, and tubs full of firewood, fishing gear, camp food, and tents. What ensued was nothing less than fall/fishing/camping/canoeing in all its glory.

Mark and Zach rounding the bend

Enjoying the sunshine and fishing

One of many beaches along the way

We ate goooood! Roasted potatoes, veggies...

...and marinated steak. With s'mores for dessert. Hello.

the morning frost

Tim cooking a breakfast of bacon, sausage, corned beef hash, and eggs.

My bass!

our weekend :: birthdays & vacations

We just spent a wonderful weekend along the beautiful North Shore of our beloved Minnesota with my family. It's such a blessing that we all have such a great time together. There was much laughter, good food, and a little R&R by a giant Minnesota lake. We...

• stayed in a cabin overlooking Lake Superior
• ate breakfasts of omelets and pancakes on the deck each morning
• slept with the windows open
• fished for northern
• took in the sites of some of the most beautiful MN state parks
• stuffed ourselves with pasties and pie at Betty's Pies
• got sunburnt
• explored Canal Park and its museums and antique stores
• celebrated father's day/mom's birthday/Tim's birthday all in one night

Now it's Sunday night and as we watch the storm clouds roll out our patio door, it's sinking in that this is the week we've been waiting so long for. It's officially we-become-homeowners week! The boxes have been found, the lists have been made, and we have a goal of not buying any groceries this week. Let the craziness begin!

memorial day weekend :: superior hiking trail

We spent our Memorial Day weekend way up north backpacking a section of the Superior Hiking Trail, and this was one of the verses we read around the camp fire. Despite a mood-dampering forecast (they were saying 90% of rain on Saturday), it turned out to be an awesome trip. Cold? Yes. Mud up to your shins? Yes. Crazy beautiful vistas and falling asleep every night to rain on your tent? Yes. Before the craziness that is life in the summer starts, it was a much needed trip to sort of calm my soul and enjoy God's creativity first hand. 

sunshine hiking

Holy gorgeous weekend! It was seriously Minnesota spring at its finest. We spent most of it outside, hiking, fishing, and relaxing. On Saturday, we toured the small town of Little Falls and discovered several antique and thrift stores that I want to go back to after we move. After grabbing a greasy burger and fries from a local diner, we set out to explore Charles A. Lindbergh State Park - a small, but beautiful park with good trails and a creek running through it. As we walked along the creek, frogs upon frogs kept leaping into the water. You could see small winged insects swarming in the rays of sunlight. It was one of those days that when the yellow sunshine hit the green leaves of the trees it gave off a warm glow. I'm so thankful I have a Tim and a Callie to enjoy these sort of weekends with me.