Duluth Day THREE CONTINUED: Train Ride

I had a goal to make it through all of our own personal Duluth vacation photos before I started back with client sessions, otherwise they usually don't get edited. I still have fourth of July to finish and some other random photos to get through... I know I won't finish Duluth in time either. The only solution is to give me more than 24 hour day to get everything done.

Also I need to post progress of nursery planning for Miles. I found my ceiling hangings last night at Hobby Lobby and picked up canvas and paint to start the art work for the walls.



The TRAIN RIDE:

We really wanted to do a different train route than we did, but with the recent flooding in Duluth, the tracks were washed out, so we settled for taking the downtown train---not much scenery and speed wise, we crawled. I think we expected more, but still had fun. Harrison was busy moving between the cars and being an active 2 year old.

Waiting for the train to arrive...

 Loving the details of the old train car...We estimated the car at well over 100 year old.

 Hi there handsome husband and daddy!

Duluth Day THREE: The Beach

What a busy third day in Duluth. We ended up going on a train ride, spending the day at the beach, eating ice cream, relaxing at Canal Park and going for a horse carriage ride. With all that said, you can imagine the number of photos I am going through!

The beach was the best part of the trip for me. Harrison was all smiles, he loved the water and sand and these photos certainly prove it. The ones posted below are only about a quarter of the keepers from the day.

You maybe wondering how Duluth was after all that flooding they had a few weeks ago...surprisingly we saw very little damage left from the rain, however the Zoo had not re-opened and the beach in Superior was covered in some left over tree debris. Making our away around the trees we found a nice spot to sit and almost immediately Harrison was in the water splashing around. With the average temperature of Lake Superior being 39 degrees, I didn't expect it to be warm, but it was fabulous, I wouldn't be stretching it to say it felt like bath water because I even went in!

I am loving all of these father/son moments.

 

For how sunny it was, I couldn't see a thing...I am happy these turned out!

Funny story with this trek out into the water. Speaking of debris---there was a lot of floating trees or "alligators," however you want to look at it. Harrison had so much fun swimming out and wrestling those alligators. On his last way in he floated on one back and getting off of it he exclaimed, "It hurt me," and he quickly ran away. Next photo he can be seen carrying the heavy "alligator." Take note of those tummy muscles...perhaps he is on his way to a six pac.

Mommy's turn to go after the "alligators."

At this point he loves to be buried in the sand...These photos are takes from the 5 + times he insisted, "more."

And look at this beautiful couple! Harrison is getting to be quite the photographer...only kidding. Grandma McKee met at the beach for the afternoon. With that said, we actually got few family photos from this trip. It seems everyone is so nervous when bring out "big" camera, I shy away from asking strangers for photos because I refuse to ever turn the camera to auto setting.

Wondering about those family photos? Check back tomorrow for a Linked 52 post!

Duluth DAY TWO: Aquarium, Canal Park, The Edge

We read a lot of reviews about the Duluth Aquarium. A lot of reviews read, "too expensive," "too small," "not enough to do." Well, we are here to set the story straight...it's non of the above. We loved our experience at the aquarium and totally worth the $26.00 admission for Doug and I (Harrison was still FREE).

Harrison was terrified by touching the stingray and fish, but enjoyed the sights from a far. He also got to watch a live fish feeding with scuba diver in the tank. My only regret is not taking more photos during our time there, but more importantly we spent time together as a family.

On our way up...



Meet the Lion Fish

This turtle was a bit like "Vanity Smurf" checking out his own reflection in the water...

But apparently he turned camera shy...

A few other water friends we saw...



Making 12 ft WAVES...Harrison's favorite exhibit!



After saying goodbye to the Aquarium we headed back to canal park to watch a boat come in and the lift bridge raise. We got a little extra bonus...two boats.

Feeding/Chasing the Seagulls...

Harrison was a little sluggish and ready for a nap until he saw the second boat coming in...

 Right before the rain poured down, it was another opportunity to puddle jump... He was begging to take off his shoes and dive in. I told you, this kid=water obsessed.

Just minutes after these were taken, we ran to car to escape the rain and Harrison fell asleep before we even backed out of our parking space. He slept for more than 3.5 hours. This is why day one and day two Duluth photos are already edited. :)

After a 5:45 PM wake up---We ended the night at "The Edge" indoor water park. The admission to the park? Let's not talk about that...and yes Harrison was an additional cost to the pass on top of not offering any nightly costs/fees like Wisconsin Dells resorts do. Was the price worth it? You can't put on a price on family memories, so what we gained from our time there as a memory and a family, totally worth the cost...but rating this as a overall resort...not worth the money; we would have chosen Wisconsin Dells any day over "The Edge." However, we all admit, the pizza? Delicious!

Harrison had a blast on slides and watching the big bucket dump and riding on lazy river.

"The Edge" experience is picture less, minus the one shot I shared on istagram. The camera was tucked away safely at the hotel. Water and cameras aren't like peanut butter and jelly.

It was another late night!

Still to come, more real life moments from day 3 and day 4...

to be continued...