4 Golden Tickets!

Oompa, Loompa....doom-pa-dee-do! Off to Stages Theatre in Hopkins, Minnesota to see the production of Roald Dahl's, Willy Wonka. Though we were tempted to chew on the endless chewing gum, take a sip from the bubble drink, snag a squirrel to take home as a pet and transport ourselves into TV-Land...we survived the show without turning ANY shade of purple, are not any more flexible, or taller than when we first entered the theatre, we don't float and haven't been called a "bad nut" (at least not in the past few hours!).

This kid friendly (1 hour run-time) theatrical version is filled with color, creative Oompa, Loompa costumes that keep dancing even with the actors pause, and lots of light fun moments. Of course, many of us 30-somethings recall growing up with Gene Wilder starring in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Not "bad" but definetly some dark, creepy moments. (Or, maybe that is just my adult perspective on the way Wilder portrayed his character.) Stages production focuses on the spirit of the valuable morals instilled by characteristics of honesty, integrity and compassion.

The production runs until August 1st and is appropriate for all ages. After the show, you'll be delighted with the friendly cast that happily signs autographs, poses for pictures, engages in conversation and though you them them for a wonderful experience, they are sure to thank you for attending.

Batter-Up!

Nishad and his best friend.
Tiger shows off his loot.

Lil J: Swing-batter-batter!


"Sweet" ...In Every Sense!


Tiger: "You've got a date with a bat, Mr. Ball."
Some more pre-game fun!


The Man that makes amazing balloon creations!
"Sting like a bee!"



S-s-s-s-super cute painting.

GO SAINT PAUL SAINTS!

Nishad finally got his wish: to go with his friend J to a baseball game! Ashish was actually invited by one of the vendors he works with to attend a Saint Paul Saints game party, complete with tix, BBQ, games, prizes, face-painting, balloon creations...and good old fashion fun! Of course, this experience wouldn't be complete without good company! So the J's and Ashish's friend from work joined us.

Tiger was not in the mood to sing "take me out to the ball game." No, Sir. He didn't last very long into the actual game. I actually turned to Joogie and said, "Can't they have a kid-friendly game like theatres have shows (45-1 hour productions)?" Yes, I've become one of those Moms-- You should alter the e-n-t-i-r-e game of baseball to accommodate my children...thank you. Ha! We actually made a home run before everyone else left...I wouldn't say we struck out...but rather, Tiger was burnt out for the day!

Midway Stadium has a unique feeling reminiscent of days long past. The atmosphere is fun and the fans are friendly. There's plenty of snacks to go round and more substantial grub can be found under the "Pig Tent."

I'll forever fondly recall the Butter Kernel section were my boys experienced their first baseball game. Does summer get any better than friends, cotton candy and a baseball game? I think not. Well, ok, maybe the fact that it was all free did make it an even sweeter deal! ....Sssswiiiing!

Superior Views

A "Superior" Bonfire on the Lake shore.

S'more kisses, please!

Photogenic ships and the lift bridge.

After we checked out of the Tree Houses, we checked in to the Inn of Lake Superior in Canal Park. This is one of our favorite Minnesota hotels. Every time we stay here, we know that there is a consistent level of expectations and comfort. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. The lake view rooms not only have a great view where the vibe of Canal Park seeps into your room, but they are spacious. There are two pools on site: one indoor and one roof top pool that is kept at 102-degrees. You can even swim on the roof top in the Winter, just as long as the temperature doesn't dip below 0. Every evening at 8p.m., the hotel staff invites everyone to a bonfire where all the gooey-delicious ingredients to create your own s'mores can be found. Upon waking up, you can meander down the hallway to the hotels self-proclaimed, "Breakfast of Champions" (complimentary as a guest). Simply park your car and say goodbye to your keys, as the best way to get around in Canal Park is with your own two feet. Visit the Marine museum, greet vessels as they come to port, take a bike ride (another complimentary feature of the Inn), a carriage ride, shop in some cute eclectic shops, or dine at some of the tastiest places to eat around. Speaking of which, for the first time, we went to Hell Burgers. Amazing! I feel in love with their "Rachel" and I've made it three times since...Is that bad? Oh the sauerkraut, pumpernickel bread, turkey....Yum-O. Ashish had the veggie version of the hot and spicy jalapeno burger. Nishad had the veggie cheese burger and Tiger dined on pasta. Yes, pasta. If you visit Duluth, stop in the Inn and Hells Kitchen and tell them Beverly sent you. :)

Great Lakes

Masters of Disguise!

Divers Feeding the Fish

My little engineers, mastering the locks

Tiger and I in a Mud Hut

"Gone Fishin'!"

Quite the View!

So, it's not the Shed Aquarium in Chicago, but the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth does have a lot to offer-- and at $40 for the three of us (Tiger was free) it was a budget friendly activity. The kids most enjoyed the hands-on manipulative's and "toys." They were excited to see many "big" fish and snakes up close, but they felt disappointed to not see any fresh water sharks. However, being that the emphasis here is on "the Great Lakes," I think they are forgiven.

park-drifters

Home of the Brave..and Right Home at Chester Park in Duluth, Minnesota
The waterfall you can actually walk across...if you're brave enough, that is!

This is a scene that looks really out of place in the midst of summer at Chester Park. It's hard to imagine the snow covering everything on such a warm day.

Lester Park Falls, or "rapids" if you are really imaginative!

Ample play structures for all ages, a ball field, and countless spots of "warm" water that everyone was basking in. There was even a cliff that countless people were jumping off of into the water of the creek below. It must be a Duluth thing! Of course, Nishad wanted to jump off with the best of them. (insert scream here)

One a park and rec. commissioner, always one. I have this habit of checking out parks in different locations, not only as a Mom and photographer (for on-site shots) but as a commissioner- well, ex-commissioner. I love to compare, contrast, "dream" and soak it all in! We visited two parks for the first time in Duluth: Chester Park and Lester Park. Chester Park is up above the city while Lester is down by the shoreline. There is even a self lakewalking tour for Lester Park. If you don't have a tree house, another amazing view for the fireworks would be at the top of the hill, on your way to Chester Park. If you're there, you'll know exactly the spot that I'm referring too! Another amazing view!

2 Harbors

Time stands still for those who toss rocks. Of course, Daddy captivated them by showing them how the rocks can dance.

Our Sailor "boys" on the lookout at the light house.


One Mighty Vessel docked in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

The Pier adjacent to the Light House.

Our Little Captain was all a buzz with the ship loading process and mechanics of the light house.

Visitors can purchase a ticket to see the historic Twin Harbor's Light House up close and personal. However, our boys were all about the vessel docked, the pier and the rocks! A 20 mile drive from Duluth (unless you encounter construction/traffic), makes this for a fun lunch time activity. We passed on the famous "Betty's Pies." I know, how could we, right? We'll the truth is that we stopped there a few years ago, and it was nothing to write home about. It was more of an over-rated tourist trap, and there are way better places to eat on the North Shore. Perhaps, it's time to make a homemade pie, with fresh seasonal fruit at home!

Tree Houses

"Cloud 9"

The Morning I Woke Up In The Clouds.
Marveling at all the butterflies in the wildflowers floating by.

Natural Beauty.

Love is: Remembering not only what is important, but who is important.

The Duluth Lift Bridge in the skyline.


The Boys Room, that they were so thrilled about!

Our love nest :)

Time for some R & R

Up with the trees, swingin' in the breeze, birdies sing with my babies and me... There is something so mystic and magical about looking out with a view beyond downtown Duluth, out beyond as far as the eye can see off toward Lake Superior- from a tree house. It really gives you a birds eye view of just how enormous things are. Each tree house (villa) is built to resemble the structure of a tree. There is a trunk that leads up to a circular base. Each tree house is equipped with a kitchen, living room, separate bedrooms and deck. Though they are fully furnished, each tree house is separately owned, so their decor does differ from one another. The views also differ. We stayed three days/two nights in the "Dream Catcher." It's name perfectly suits it! It has the best view of all the tree houses, complete with floor to ceiling windows. It was a dream to watch the fireworks in the privacy of one anothers company, above the crowds on Canal Park. We took a hike on the property in rows of tall natural grass and wildflowers, under the ski lifts that now stand dormant. There before us, in the vast openness, it's hard not to feel connected with nature. The experience brought me back to an enlightenment phase that tickled my spiritual senses. Ashish mentioned reserving one for a week in the winter as he thought it would be quite a view with all the ice and trees glazed with white. I'm sure it would be, as it's apparent that these tree houses have something unique to offer every season.

Me and My Love.

The last time we were in Duluth on the 4th of July, we weren't yet engaged.

Celebrate USA

Duckies: Under a Bridge

The Dancer: Tip-Toes


The Race: Too Close To Call

Chaos: Finds a Rhythm

Of course, I "could" have taken regular pictures of the Duluth Fire Works Display (ranked the #1 spot in the state to see them), however, I was in the mood to light up the sky through my own eyes to mark the occasion. After all, this was no ordinary 4th of July...This was the 1st of many 4th of July's to come in which my husband gets to celebrate as a United States Citizen!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!