Turtle Lake & Resort

Sand "Turtling" at Acadia Resort on Turtle Lake

Seven complete days of northern bliss. In a cabin, on a hill overlooking Turtle Lake, just a short few steps to the beach, I understand the draw one feels to live here. On the edge of the Chippewa Forest, 40 minutes from Grand Rapids, this resort is very secluded~ It's also one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Minnesota.

This is one of the Islands on Turtle lake. There are actually little summer houses on it. Beautiful!

Nishad was so happy at the lake. Here he pauses briefly to give me some love.

We lost track of the amount of fish we caught. Seriously! We must have had beginners luck, as this was our first time fishing. Here is one of a few Nishad caught. He even started helping me bait them. Ashish even has a "the fish that got away" story to share. He had a big Northern Pike on his line, but we didn't get the net over to him...and thus, dinner swam away!


Fishing on a boat as opposed to the pier definitely changes ones perspective. It was a lot harder to do on the boat!

Yup, another!

Tiger preferred helping Daddy drive the boat. He especially liked when it went FAST!

He also liked to clean the swimming pier. His Montessori teachers would be so proud! We're also glad we invested in the boys life jackets. While fishing, Tiger fell off the pier backwards. I like to think of it as the day I caught a 38lb fish! He still recounts the story, play-by-play, adding that the fish were trying to nibble at his toes!

Nishad taking us for a spin.

Breakfast in our cabin. The cabin had a full kitchen with all the comforts of home.


The view of the Resort from the boat. It has something for everyone. Nishad even learned how to Kayak by himself! There is a neat history associated with this resort too...a Chicago connection! Al Capone use to stay here on his way to and from Canada. They would pay off the local Sheriff so they could gamble.

We made the mistake of going to a very small town, Big Fork, to get our groceries. We ended up paying $175.00 for 4 days worth! In addition, a few days later, I drove to Grand Rapids and spent about about $75, for better, name brand food. There is a place to eat on site, which we did do one night for $30. They also have a gift store and bait. We also found out that since Nishad is over the age of 3, he was an additional $100 for the week on top of the weekly cabin rental. We thought that was rather steep.

All in all we had a fantastic time! I'm not sure we'll be back here though as there are SO MANY resorts in Minnesota. I think we want to test a few out before we settle on one. The next place we stay will be a bit closer, and they will have more of a variety of shops and places to eat-- perhaps all-inclusive. The owner, a retired air force pilot, and his two adult children, are very nice-- especially Casey, who let use take the boat out which made for a most memorable trip!

Otsego Plays On!

Franfort Park, Otsego's newest park, resides in the River Pointe neighborhood. This was one of the last park plans I was able to participate in while serving as chair on the Otsego Park and Rec. Commission. Commissioner SK (now chair) was the catalyst for making this park a reality. Her dedication, time, fiscal responsibility and ability to think consistently "outside the box" is a big factor of why this park is a reality. I recall the first time I met SK. She and a group of her neighbors came to a meeting. That's not why I recall her though-- that first meeting stands out because she is one of the few people that actually took time to write a thank you note after meeting with us.

Of course, with any project, it's a group effort as many people are involved and some loom in the background, never seen. Thank you City of Otsego, the City Council, Staff and Park and Rec. Commission. In these tough economic times, it's refreshing to see that our children, the health of all residents and preserving land is still a priority.

The boys loved the 5 and under section of the park. They teamed up with a few kids and played "ship" on the equipment.

Bounce, Bounce, Bounce! This was both boys favorite pieces of equipment at the park. Think of it as a pogo stick that stays in place.


One of the tallest slides we've ever encountered, minus the shoot slide at Elm Creek that is no longer there.

There were about 15 kids there and 4 adults while we played (on a 90-degree day!). The majority of them would play and then sit under the park shelter because there are not any mature trees here to provide any shade. That's a pretty good daytime turn-out which indicates that this park really was a need.

Though we are excited about this new park, I feel a bit compelled to be an advocate for "real" play structures. We live in such a plastic society- toys and play structures abound- that when children get outdoors, it's nice for kids to get back to nature, make a real, tangible connection and allow their imagination to take flight. It's one of the reasons why I was so attracted to our children's outdoor environment at their school.

A note about wooden structures: Many park districts and counties are removing wooden structures. Though many of us are bummed about this, it may be for a good reason. Most wood sold for outdoor use in the United States between 1975 and 2003 has been treated with chromated copper arsenate. One of the components of CCA-treated wood, arsenic, is a known human carcinogen. Over time, CCC-treated woods, such as those used in play structures, leaches out of the wood over time. Alternatives for using this wood to build play structures are: Composite Lumber, Plastic Lumber, Metal Constructed Playground Equipment and Naturally Decay-Resistant Wood. *To learn more, click on this link where information was retrieved from.

Summerland with a side of Splash!

Tiger and I have the same taste.
Nishad has already developed a bit of a "lead foot." For him, 16 can't come soon enough. My next campaign is to lobby to raise the driving age to 18. It'll buy me a few years at least. Ha!


Ahoy, Tiger! There are no peddles on these. The attendant simple starts them up and then they are able to steer their boat.


I remember doing this as a kid. The feel of water running in between your fingers...That cool, crisp reminder of living in the moment and enjoying every second.

"The need for speed." Again...18 sounds good.

St. Cloud's Summerland will leave your little ones feeling as though they are on cloud 9! This is one of the few amusement parks that has kiddie cars and kiddie bumper boats for children ages 3-7. It's a small business, and also has miniature golf on site along with an outdoor water slide, batting cages and adult bumper boats and go carts, with an arcade inside the main building. Each kiddie ride is around $3.50 for 5 minutes.

After having some fun at Summerland, cool off at a free Splash Pad! There are three in St Cloud. In near by Waite Park, there is one that was just completed-- a $665,ooo investment for endless giggles and smiles on a hot summer day. A chunk of this capital came from a fund from former Council Member Dan Butkowski who died in a car accident in 2005. He was known for being a family advocate, who hoped the city would have a splash pad installed. A plaque near the splash pad reads, "Thanks to everyone for their support and generosity in keeping Dan's dream alive." I'm sure he knew all along the joy this splash pad would bring to young...and "not-so-young" alike. Rest in Peace, Mr. Butkowski.

JamFest

Nishad found a dinosaur at JamFest!
You guessed it! Firetruck's at JamFest too!

1 big Monster Truck!

Tiger was ready to drive off in this purple pontiac.

Nishad was reeved up about this Camero!

We are out and about supporting local businesses in Otsego at the 1st annual JamFest in Otsego, while Ashish is serving up some brats/dawgs at the local Cub Food (proceeds go to Compass Academy)! Contrary to what some people have asked me, JamFest has nothing to do about jam. :) Perhaps, it is an assumption because we're in the northwest suburbs...and it still is pretty urban here? Yes, we have a dairy farm 2 blocks away from us and drive past corn fields to and fro on a daily basis, but we have all the comforts of home-- really! We also reside in the 8th largest school district in Minnesota. None the less, JamFest, is not about Jam. So, clear your mind of any images you may get of canning with friendly strangers, or Lucy and Ethel rolling up their pants, stomping on grapes in a big barrel.

The Otsego JamFest was sponsored by three businesses in Otsego: Target, Rockwood's and Denny's. We went and had lunch at Denny's and then meandered through the car-show, hosted by Otsego Custom Rod and Custom, checked out the firetrucks, bouncers, pony's and zoo. There are bands scheduled all day (from noon to midnight!). This was such an organized event, that made a Mom with two in tow, pretty stress free. I do hope it becomes an annual thing.

For the record, I do love jam! Especially, raspberry!

1 HOT Museum

Nishad driving the firetruck simulator.
Tons of themed trains to play with.

Chief Nishad.


Practing on the fire pole, like the pros!

Rushing down the streets of Minneapolis on the back of a firetruck!

Not being from Minnesota, I like to seek out things that are off the beaten path. Many things I find turn out to be things that people that have lived here all their lives and they don't know about- or haven't been too. (I should compose a book!) The event planner in me loves to pull things together and offer suggestions to others. Though the Maple Grove Community Center offers a Junior Firefighter birthday. This place would be " the" place to have a firefighter themed party-- hands down. Another perk, is that you don't have to be a resident of Maple Grove to have it. Plus, you don't have to be 34-inches to ride the truck! In addition, you're supporting a non-profit.

The Firefighters Hall and Museum is a fun place to learn about the history of firefighting, fire prevention and safety. Children can steer the rear end of a ladder truck, try pumping water to put out a simulated fire, slide down the fire pole, operate St. Paul's old fire alarm switchboard, try on firefighting gear, "drive" a firetruck and even ride on one down the streets of Minneapolis! This hidden gem that I discovered was well worth it! In fact, I believe we know exactly where our fire chief is having his birthday party! The Museum is only open on Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Admission is $6 for adults and $3.00 for children (which includes the firetruck ride!).

Though you gotta love an 80 year old retired Minneapolis fireman that still can flirt with you, be mindful of the kids as certain "collector" and privately owned trucks are not for climbing...and this really upsets the volunteers that work here. Just remember that not everything is "hands on" and to be respectful.

Makin' a Splash!

There is nothing "cooler" to do on a hot day than visit a splash pad! This free splash pad located in St. Louis Park is fenced in-- which works out wonderfully! Children easily know their boundaries and it feels like an open space, without overwhelming parents. There are ample trees for shade, a "clean" port-a-potty and playground with picnic benches. There are only three large umbrellas to sit in the share at the splash pad, so get there early or come after 1p.m. (when everyone clears out a bit and daycares round up their kids to go back to the site). Be sure to bring a bucket or two, but label it as they like to disappear in thin air! It your caffeine fix on your way at the Caribou right off Minnetonka Boulevard!

NNO

Cutest Little Firemen Around!

This was the first year that our neighborhood didn't celebrate National Night Out-- and the first year I wasn't involved in any coordinating efforts. Life has simply gotten busier and busier for everyone, or it would appear so. We were hoping to celebrate in Otsego, but after I checked on our city web site, I came to learn that there was no news about NNO on it. Bummer! We were disappointed. So, I came to learn that the city of Maple Grove (about 20 minutes south of us) was having a free pre-celebration for NNO at their community center! It was AWESOME! The event not only was geared to kids, but they had numerous free things to do. Maple Grove is always organized as seems to have it together! Of course, the fire department was a hit through the perspective of my boys! Thanks, Maple Grove! Though we don't live in your community, we feel a little closer to you now.

Happy Campers

Though Ashish and I have camped, and we have a tent, this was the first time the boys actually stayed over-night in the tent. The best part was being with our special friends, the J's! They volunteered their home as "base." Once the sleeping bags, pillows, suits, clothes, bug spray, toothbrushes, tent, cantaloupe that moonlights as a watermelon, and kids were packed in the car, we set out on our journey-- ready to rough it in a suburb of Minneapolis. With the mind-set that there wasn't a store for miles, I'm pretty sure the kitchen sink was in fact included in our bags. Such is life with a 2 year old and a 4 year old...life happens, so be prepared, right?

In order to document the experience, I've constructed a time line:

5p.m. Arrive at the Best Little Camp-site in The Burbs (it's like a well-kept secret!). Upon arrival, "bon-fire" snack is served consisting of cheese, pretzels, and grapes that was as appealing to the eyes as it was the palate! After, Nishad's bestie put on a little John Denver show for us by special arrangement of his agent. ;) The house seats-- best eva!

5:30p.m. The boys discover the hidden toy store that the J's have within their home and play with their buddies, a little gabbing, and some swatting mosquitoes- the national bird of Minnesota.

6p.m. Mr. J is manning the grill, while Mrs. J and I are (wo)manning the kitchen. Ashish sets up the tent...upon realizing this, Ashish has four little helpers.

6:15p.m. Turkey sliders hot off the grill served up with lemonade Alfresco!

6:45p.m. The Garden Tour. [Swat, Swat] Built on rolling hills, the garden has something to offer every gardener! A natural setting that backs up to mature trees and greenery eliminates the "fish bowl" backyard that so many people seem to have. Don't get me wrong, I love my neighbors, but I love the essence of privacy and serenity. Our trees has some years to grow before they develop the screen the J's garden provides-- yes, I am filled with tree envy! The people that use to own the house use to be a photographer, so she would use the backyard for photography... It is lovely.

7:30p.m. The Bon-fire begins! We shared stories...and Ashish even entertained all 4 boys as they chased after frogs. Ashish is such a natural with kids-- if we met when we were in our 20's maybe we could have had 4 kids. Mr. J carved the perfect marshmallow roasting sticks, and Mrs. J assembled the s'mores (although Tiger and little J were all about the simplicity of chocolate). At this point, I resorted to the "Family Off" aerosol spray because the mosquitoes crashed the party-- in a Titans kind of way.

9p.m. Bed-time...already? [Swat, Swat, SWAT!] After putting on our PJ's and being lovingly teased by the J's about our 8 person tent, it was time to say goodnight. Immediately, Tiger started crying because he wanted to go outside of the tent and play with his friends (frogs included).

9:30p.m. We finally got the kids calmed down and a series of fire and police sirens ramped up. Mrs. J yelled something like, "You're not in Otsego anymore!" I yelled back, "I was thinking you orchestrated this because of our love for firetrucks?" ha,ha.

10p.m. Neighbor's Dog. Bark. Woof. Arrrrrrgph! Scratch. Scratch. WOOF!

10:30p.m. Tiger is UP again. He was fine laying on me...but was not a fan of the ground.

11p.m. Toot. Ashish: "Oh my gosh, aim to the window!"

11:30p.m. I attempt to lay Tiger back down in his sleeping bag, but fail. He is up again. I quickly put him in my "birdie nest" (as he calls it).

11:45p.m. "Honey, I forgot my phone in the chair by the bon-fire. Can you get it?" Ashish makes a sliver opening to slide out of the tent so no blood suckers get in.

Midnight. A large animal is outside of our tent...better be a dear!

2AM My final attempt to get Tiger to sleep on his own and then I threw in the towel. Trying not to disturn the J's (who's babes didn't make a sound all night!) Ashish helped me bring him in on the sofa. That little pumpkin! As soon as we laid him down on the nice, soft cushion...let out a sigh and smiled and drifted happily to sleep. He must be royalty! Finally Sleep. I'm sure I looked frightening sprawled out on the sofa when Mrs. J and Mr. J came inside in the morning.

7AM I opened one eye and the cutest little curly haired boy yelled from the stairs, "They're up!" haha. The boys were happy to help up greet Nishad and Ashsih, who were still in the tent.

We visited a bit while Ashish packed up... Mrs. J made the most wonderful whole wheat banana chocolate waffles and scrambled eggs for everyone. What GREAT hosts the J's are! This was a fun test run as well... They are more than welcome to borrow our tent at anytime...as I think it will be another year until we'll be roughing it any other place besides our backyard-- or theirs! Thanks, J's!

Home of the Brave

Tiger didn't like it when the police k-9's started barking
A few of the 60 K-9's on hand.

All smiles!

Proud "future" fireman!

There were no 5 alarm fires, only smiles a glow! Most of you know that Mr. Nishad has raved about wanting to be a fireman since he was 3 (He was a fireman for Halloween that year- too cute to boot!). So, whenever there is an opportunity to learn about them or see on up close, we do our best to accommodate his inner....burning....desires. Since then, he's added "doctor" to fireman...all good in my book! His overall message, "he wants to help people." I think that's pretty inspirational from a 4 year old. There was recently a Statewide safety display of fire, police and county departments held at the St Michael-Albertville middle school (free to the public). There was also a K-9 show which features 60 dogs-- pretty impressive. However, the "star" of the show were the firetrucks. The boys wore there "Home of the Brave" shirts as we feel all those that are in the line of service to protect others are very brave and deserve acknowledgment, respect and appreciation. A reporter from the Crow River News took a picture of Nishad "driving" the firetruck. Yes, Mr. Nishad made the paper! Overall, hands on fun for all! Thanks, Wright County!

Auntie K

Everyone needs that special friend-- and that special Auntie. My boys simply adore their Auntie K. They insist holding her hand, having her buckle them into their car seats and eating next to her when she is in town. She's the fun Aunt to my boys that I have a special childhood connection with that once began as a mutual interest in theatre (once upon a time in Chicagoland), but can only now be defined as a sisterhood. We spent the time relaxing at the Lake, going to Bunker Beach Water park, and doing some shopping and dining in St. Paul on Grand Avenue. We even got caught in the path of a tornadic storm (perhaps, a little too much adventure for one visit!). We're so excited to share that Auntie K will be a mere 3 hours away in Ames, Iowa as she just accepted a position at Iowa State University teaching! Congrats, Auntie K! We love you and can't wait to see you more often!

KC Visit

Beautiful Mommy and handsome C

The boys and K- owning the house.

Time for friends. Friendships are like gardens, if you don't tend to them, they just don't do well. However unintentional, it is hard for a new Mommy and a Mommy of a 2 year old and a 4 year to 'find that special time' to take a break for friendship in the midst of daily routines, nap times and domestic happenings (nicely phrased for chores). This is one friendship that we never want to die off...so we do our best to tend to it, even if it's just a weekly note or "check-in." It's all relative, but life as we know it is busy... And though we live only 30 minutes apart, it's the pre-visit prep that sometimes tire you out before you even get out the door. With that being said, KC and Crew are never far from our thoughts. We're so happy that they came over for a playdate-- We're already looking forward to seeing them all again soon!