Weekend Wanderings

May 14th and 15th Weekend:
Saturday: cold and flurries
Sunday: warm(ish) and sunny

But we went out both days and had a great time.  Saturday we went to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor's Center to take an easy hike (walk really) and check out the exhibits inside.  When we pulled into the parking lot the Flight for Life helicopter was there, along with other emergency vehicles. However, no lights were flashing or sirens sounding, so we assumed there was no emergency.  Rather, they must have been having some sort of conference or training.  We explored inside for a bit, then bundled Greta up and headed out to do the 3/4 mile loop.  An intense game of I spy happened and then when we emerged from the woods to get back in the van, the helicopter was getting ready to take off.  So we had the pleasure of watching it take off.  Everyone (including me) was entertained and impressed.

A bit loud for Lilly's taste

Sunday was a much more beautiful day, so we headed out in the morning to do the hike we were originally going to try to do on Mother's Day: Morgan Falls south of Ashland in Marengo.  And it is a good thing we decided not to go that Sunday, the directions provided by Google Maps on my phone - so bad.  Talk about taking the back roads.  Amazingly, Greta and Lilly did a fantastic job on the ride, which was beautiful and through the woods, but on slow, narrow, gravel roads.  Nick and I often discussed whether or not we should turn around but of course, no cell reception of any kind out where we were to find an alternate route.  Eventually we just happened upon the right parking lot, and the girls were relieved to be free of their car seats.  Of course, all of this was for a 1.2 mile hike - ROUND TRIP.  But the end was a beautiful waterfall, Lilly and Greta seemed to have a nice time.  And it was a lovely day, so nice to get out and enjoy the weather.

Quite the ensemble

A treasured walking stick

Sharing a snack in the trunk before getting strapped in again

Our original plan was going out to lunch after the hike but Greta was in desperate need of a nap by the time we got home.  Since it took 7212398123 extra minutes to get to the trail (we used the directions on the pamphlet from the trail to get home), Greta and I were dropped off at home so I could put Greta down for her nap (she zonked out right away).  I watched Netflix and did dishes while Nick and Lilly ran the van through the car wash and then went to get lunch at the Pita Pit.  Of course they don't take credit card, so Nick and Lilly came back home, grabbed the checkbook (perk of a small town - quick trip), and Lilly went back with Nick to pick up the lunch.  We had a picnic in front of the TV, just the three big kids, while Greta napped.

The rest of Sunday I am sure was spent playing, cleaning up, and trying to get ready for the week ahead.

Lilly decided to be in Greta's car seat.  Greta can climb the steps of the slide herself,
and go down the slide herself, but she still will not take more than 12 steps alone.