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!

Just a number...

I've never felt like a number in any job I have ever held. I am working on completing my fourth year at my "first job" out of college I am a social worker for a non-profit home health care agency and I also wear another hat as a Independent Living Coordinator, helping transition youth with disabilities (all within the same agency). I know statistics have shown most people change jobs on average 7-9 times in their lifetime...but honestly I didn't think I'd be one of those.

Overall in the past four years my employer has been pretty good to me. They have done some things I don't completely agree with, but I realize no employer is going to please everyone and everything. I have accepted changes, took on additional tasks and have been flexible.

Back in 2010 I declined taking a manager role with my return to work after my maternity leave with Harrison. Instead without the acceptance of a manager position I agreed to reducing my hours from 40 to 32 hours a week to adjust my case load for not accepting the position. I later have learned according to FMLA the agency was at wrong for not offering my current FULL time position back I held prior to Harrison's birth. However,  I have been blessed to spend my Fridays with Harrison. I haven't ever regretted the decision.

Since then I took on another hat in 2011 working on our Independent Living side of our agency, which was pay cut in comparison to my current position, but taking on the hours with Independent Living would allow me room to grow within the Independent Living if my hours needed to be reduced in home health care. I signed an agreement letter and orientated, trained and began independent working as a Transition Coordinator.

2 weeks ago today my boss called me to propose that I could "take time off to prepare for my pregnancy." Since the 11 week scare, things have gone well with the pregnancy so this proposal came as a total shock. I have missed only one day of work this entire pregnancy thus far ...She stated, "you know just in case you would need to go on bed rest." I assured her things were going well and I did not want to take time off to prepare for my pregnancy and right now it's not looking as though I will need to go on bed rest. I inquired about what else I could do to keep my hours, one suggestion I had is to see consumers out of main office (which is 45 minutes from my current branch office) as I had done in past prior to taking on my newest role in the agency. My bosses response, " you wouldn't want to be traveling that much in your current condition."

Call it what you want...I call it pregnancy discrimination. I believe I am the easy way out. I am saddened after my years and dedication to the agency that I am nothing more than a number. I have spent a lot of days being angry, many days being sad and equal as many days feeling numb.

When I finally got the anger/sadness out I sat down and wrote my boss a letter (it's easier for me to collect my thoughts on paper). Her response was complete astonishment that I was bringing my pregnancy into this. Up until now, I hadn't brought my pregnancy into work or our conversations regarding the reduction in hours, even when she made the comments she did. I listened, but couldn't find the words to respond. I am usually very out spoken, but I was stopped in my tracks. I didn't have a reason to say anything, my pregnancy has nothing to do with my job/employment with this agency. I do my job, I do a good job...end. of. story.

For the next 8 weeks I am using up 8 hours of PTO each to cover the cut in hours. After the 8 weeks additional hours maybe offered back to me, but this is no guarantee and working for a non-profit, past history has shown me it's not likely I gain my full time employment back. With the current cut, I do no qualify for unemployment. With only working 24 hours a pay period, this won't cover the costs of daycare for two children and bills.

I do believe my boss was sincere in saying, "I want things to go better for you this time around" (meaning she hoping we don't go through another premature birth). She's not a cold hearted person. However, she did not act on this situation appropriately.

There is a lot of stress to go along with this mess...especially with having a total of less than a week to prepare for financial changes. This is even more stressful knowing I don't have job security. Even if I make it through this hurdle and gain my full time employment back...How long will that be for? The reason Doug and I waited nearly 5 years to have children is to secure a job, pay off some loans and get a head. No matter how you plan life, it never goes how it's planned or it wouldn't be called LIFE after all.

We are hoping, praying for the best in this situation. My boss said, "I always look at situations like this and having a reason for them." "I'll be positive for you."

Today I will put up a front (put on a smile), and do my job just as well as I always have.

I am a good person, I do good things...even bad things happen to good people.

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...



Duluth DAY ONE: The Drive, Canal Park

The weather was a scorching 100 degrees as we pulled out of Winona to head up north 5 hrs to Duluth. We chose to do a mini vacation right in the middle of the second trimester of pregnancy since this is when most women feel at their prime of pregnancy. Your not too big or too exhausted or nauseous to be yourself and most of all you can chase after a 2 year old.


This was (is) perhaps Harrison's last vacation as "only child." We haven't decided what August has in store with pregnancy and financial changes I have with work, so we gave Harrison the all over the past four days. I sure hope this extra spoiling doesn't kick us in the butt now that we are settled back at home. Mentioning this being Harrison's last "solo" vacation, get ready for a series of vacation posts.

Get ready, get set, DAY ONE.

Thank goodness for the long holiday week. The local pool opened up at 10 am all week, so we jumped at the early opportunity to hop in the pool and wear out Harrison for the long drive. We left town by 1:00 PM, Harrison was asleep by 1:03... Apparently our strategy worked.

At just after 3:30 we stopped at the Veterans cemetery to visit Great-Grandpa Herold. Harrison loved the bell music that struck at 4PM.

At just about 6:00 we made it to our hotel, checked in and headed to dinner at what Harrison termed, "Apples" (Apple Bees). He was all smiles, Doug and I were thoroughly impressed with his car riding ability (which hasn't been anything to boast about since birth). But this happiness and smiles was short lived as it was followed by the worst dining experience EVER. If he wasn't trying to jump on the seat, he was climbing in the window sill, making loud obnoxious noises or just not eating more than two of his fries. Just when you think you passed a phase----WHAM it hits you like a brick. Doug ended up carrying Harrison out of "Apples" kicking and screaming as I finished paying the bill. I walked out hanging my head low as to not make eye contact with anyone near our table. If there would have been a microphone available I would have took a moment to apologize to everyone within 100 ft of our table. At this point, I was ready to pack the car back up and head back home, but instead we took the chance and headed down to Canal Park.

The weather was a sunny 85 degrees...perfect for skipping rocks, playing in the water fountains, watching the lift bridge, taking a walk on the board walk and sharing mini donuts. This all didn't go off without a hitch...Harrison was bound and determined to ride the 4 seater bikes and riding in the horse carriages (which we ended up doing later on in the trip). The night ended late with a bedtime past 11 PM.

 An evening view...

Showing off his muscles...

I maybe bias, but this shot may just be the cutest photo I've ever edited. LOVE.

The fountains...

 Yep, same old kid test tasting the water...

Leaving you with this view...The first click of the camera of the start of this trip.

to be continued...