Saturday, December 29, 2012

Gull Lake


Our last night up north was my favorite.  We went out onto Gull Lake while the sun was setting and it was peaceful and beautiful in the crisp cold air.  After, we headed to the nearby town where we found a tasty little pizza place and enjoyed salad and a pie after a full day.  Both kids were so sleepy by the time we headed back to our room so they easily closed their eyes for bedtime and Andrew and I just relaxed with snacks in front of the tv.  Good times, indeed.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Bouncing!

 Bennett told me one of his favorite parts of our day was when we went to the bouncy house and he got to go down the big slide! It was a great idea for some indoor fun while we were there!


Sleigh Ride!


Our one photo while on the sleigh ride....it was a little chilly!

Molly and Maggie were our beautiful horses on our sleigh ride through the snow this morning.  Bennett loved Molly and was so gentle when petting her and got some laughs from the group with his horse impressions while on the ride. 

Swimming!

 After an awesome breakfast, we headed over to the lodge pool for some early swimming fun this morning!
Yes, they both love the water!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Winter in Brainerd!






 

 We got out to explore as much as the cold weather would allow us to while at the lodge.  We participated in many of Thursday's activities such as the dog sled rides, touring the grounds, enjoying the local food, and having S'mores by the fire after dinner and games at the pub.  What a great day!

Headed North!!

We are enjoying the season to its fullest and after all of our Christmas celebrations, we decided to keep the cheers going and head north to Brainerd on Thursday to enjoy even more time in Minnesota's winter wonderland. With time off to be together all week, we rented a great room at a lodge which offered many holiday and winter activities to do as a family, which was exactly what we had hoped for. We stopped at a small cafe for lunch in Brainerd then checked into our rustic lodge room which was bigger than we expected and perfect for staying up to chill and relax while two little ones slept in the room down the hall. Although the expectation of the cold held true, the entire trip delivered as far as what we were looking for in a winter getaway for all of us. Cheers to warm cozy cabins, huge and delicious breakfasts, picturesque surroundings, and winter fun! 
We made it! Out on our deck and ready to explore! 

Happy girl who loved our cozy cabin! 

 Can't resist a good snuggle!

On our way out to the pub for dinner on night one! 

Best buds who love to snuggle and talk!



Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Little Chefs




Trampoline!





Nana got the kids a trampoline for Christmas and it's no surprise that its now a favorite around here.  Bennett is fearless as he jumps and Bryn is giddy as she tries it out and dances on it.  We had a great day hanging at home getting to know all of our new toys!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas 2012!





Christmas Day







We felt much love as the day went on and my family joined us at our place for more holiday festivities.  It was of course great to be together and share in the laughter and memories of another year.  We enjoyed a delicious lasagna dinner and filled up on everything sweet and savory in between.  We are one lucky family.  Thanks to my family for sharing your love with us today - we love a house full of fun and laughter and we can count on that with you!  Merry Christmas to all and thank you, thank you for everything!