Skip to main content

A Change of Scenery

Interstate State Park

As we went to bed last night, we decided a change of scenery would be a good idea. Let's get out of the house. Even though it was supposed to rain, we figured we could put on our rain jackets and rain boots and get a little fresh air at one of the closer MN State Parks. Maybe we could catch a short hike before the rain began.

First off, both boys (and Mommy and Daddy, too) slept in past 9 am! This was a much needed rest for everyone. We took our time getting ready, packed up snacks and gassed up the van on our way to Interstate State Park in Taylor's Falls, MN. Fortunately, N looked up the details of the Shelter in Place and found we couldn't park at the main parking lot where you can see the glacial potholes. We parked near the campground and decided to hike the 1.25 miles to the potholes.


There were a lot of stops along the way to climb rocks, view the St. Croix River, check for animals and splash in the mud/puddles. We saw a woodpecker, several chipmunks, geese, and lots of evidence of beavers. When we got to the glacial pothole area, we all explored and tried to find evidence of potholes that were not marked. There was even a bit of a science lesson as we learned about how the area was formed millions and billions of years ago. The largest potholes were all filled with ice and pools of water, so we couldn't see very far down to measure their depth, but they were cool to see nonetheless. 

Surprisingly, there were very few people along the path. I'm not sure if it was the weather or the Shelter in Place order that kept people away. There were a few rock climbers and several people walking dogs. A few families out with the same idea as us, but far fewer than I expected. It didn't rain at all while we were there and just started to mist as we were driving home. 

The hike back to the car was much quicker, since we had already stopped to see everything the way there. There were very few arguments and no whining about walking the entire time! L said it was "the best day EVER!" and M agreed. Score for something different to do! We will have to find more trails that we can explore. We might head back to the Franconia Sculpture Park next time. Maybe try geocaching, but is that risky by touching items while out and about?

After we got home, we had a Zoom call with N's family. It was so great to see them and chat for a bit, even though the boys were a bit crazy. M kept changing the virtual background so we looked like we were in Mexico or in space. 

We ended the day with chili and watching Rogue One while it stormed outside. Boys were super tired and asleep in no time, along with me beside them. 

Happy hiking!






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Get into the Groove

Same Old Well, we certainly have fallen into a groove. M & L were really good today, watching their three “classes” on CILC and then playing LEGOs. They made so many creations. Played more chess, watched more Pokémon, are too many snacks, and balked at going outside. Did their mandatory 30 minutes post lunch quiet/reading time. We have been watching movies at night, but I’m trying to break the habit. Boys wanted to go to the Purple Park (Lino Park), but I’m hesitant to go with all those germs. Monopoly instead.  The problem is, we are in a rut   funk  groove. We are stuck only playing with each other, calling grandparents and cousins, trying to get outside. While most of today was great, L threw some chess pieces, so M threw one at L’s face. Neither wanted to change out of PJs. We eat the same things for lunch. We need something to change things up. But preferably one that doesn’t take Mommy and Daddy away from work for too long and doesn’t need a ton of superv...
Post a Comment
Read more

Activities for Kids at Home

Activities for Kids (to be updated as ideas are found) Educational MANY Ideas for Social Distancing  - not sure who put this together, but it's amazing! Take a  Virtual Museum Tour  - Musee d'Orsay anyone? Thanks to Google Arts & Culture Scholastic  Learn at Home  - 20 free lessons for PreK through 6th grade and up* Free Educational Websites for Kids - TBH there are too many and not sure which are best, but feel free to peruse as you like! Virtual Field Trips - Want to visit San Diego Zoo, Yellowstone National Park, MARS?!? Check out this resource someone posted.  Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari - Daily show at 2pm CT  Hidden Worlds of the National Parks - Explore five National Parks released for the timing of the Centennial of the National Parks Big List of Children's Books Read Aloud by Authors Mystery Science  - Lessons to inspire kids to love science The Arts Free Stream of Metropolitan Opera  - yes, for the music nerd i...
Post a Comment
Read more

Calling Audibles

Today all planned activities were thrown out the window and multiple audibles were called. There were meltdowns and then there were MELTDOWNS, which resulted in way too much screen time. Likely three plus hours. At least I was not interrupted during the video call we had with my VP. Meltdown Causes M didn’t want to bring his Legos downstairs. M hit L because he broke his LEGO sword L crashed into M’s bike and got a cut near the outside corner of his eye. Meltdown over whether he would have to go to the emergency room and get stitches. (Valid, since he has been there twice since Christmas for glue/stitches and HATES needles.) Fortunately, just a surface cut that we can take care of at home with bacitracin. Boys didn’t want to get the $0.25 they owed me for leaving the light on in their room from the piggy bank themselves . "Why can't YOU just get it?" (New rule: if you leave your light on, you owe Mommy $0.25. Something we should have started a long time ago.) I...
Post a Comment
Read more