I love going "up north" as we Minnesotans refer to heading to the northern part of the state, the area where many of the lake resorts and cabins are. Last Tuesday Brett, Stella, and I headed up to the Brainerd Lakes area. My parents had already arrived there Sunday night, and were staying at GrandView on Gull Lake. My siblings, their spouses, and we stayed at Arrowwood Resort, which was about a ten-minute drive from Grand View. We enjoyed really nice weather the three days and nights we were up there.
The first night Stella went to bed late and was up on-and-off from 2:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., and then she slept for a couple more hours. We would take her into the king-sized bed with us, and she loved rolling around on it and snuggling with us. She was chatty and even said to me at one point, while touching my face, "You a good girl, Mommy!" Luckily she napped in my parents' hotel room during the day every day, and she slept well the other two nights. I think the first night was just all about adjusting to sleeping in a pack-n-play for the first time and processing the excitement of having played at the beach and getting to be with fun aunts and uncles!
Warning: LOTS of pictures below. :)
Headed to the beach armed with her pail and shovel
Having fun with Uncle Jared and Brett
Wading out into the water with Grandpa
She loved the little kids' swimming/play area
and the fountains!
Winding down after a hard day of play
Taking her sweet time to wake up; swim diaper is on and we're ready for the beach!
She yelled, "Moose!!!"
Playing with Uncle Luke on the lodge floor
Tuesday night happy hour: 2 for the price of 1 ice cream cones
Getting ready for her first boat ride. She hated her life jacket but loved the boat...and going fast. :)
Luke and Dad
About to experience her first boat ride
One morning on the way over to GVL, Stella led us in a vigorous singing session which included Silent Night; The Wheels on the Bus; Holy, Holy, Holy, and Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Corinne teaching Stella a new song
Taking a break from making sandcastles with Brett
Lunch at Zorbaz
Headed back from Zorbaz; the water was exceptionally choppy that day, and we got sprayed several times. Stella's reaction: giggling
Building one of her "beach castles"
Post-nap snack and cuddle
Helping Grandpa drive
4th of July evening; we asked her to yell "freedom" and she happily obliged
Final day of vacation - breakfast at Perkins before hitting the road
Looks like a great time! Stella is clearly so loved and adored by your entire family. Very sweet.
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