Swimming By The Ruins of an Old Mill

Swimming By The Ruins of an Old Mill
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 2, Day 2
Old Mill Park

Nate has been working on the RV a lot recently. He took off a week of work and spent most of that time taking off the old roof and damaged wood and rebuilding it. By taking the kids on hikes, I can keep them out of the way while the debris is on the ground. At the end of the day, I help him clean up the garbage and put the tarp back on. I plan on making a few posts on the progress he’s made.

Since it was a hot day, I let the kids wear swimming suits for our hike. With swimming on their little minds, the idea of a hot hike to view the falls was not an exciting prospect. They were little troopers and made the whole hike there and back before making our way down to the river.

Getting from the top of the cliff down to the river is not an easy feat. It’s not extremely difficult, but it’s also not an easy climb. There are two ways down, one is through the debris of the old mill. The other is down some very small wooden steps. The wooden steps end and leave one to slowly work down the rocks that have become smooth and slippery from frequent visitors.

Once you arrive at the bottom, the view is breathtaking. The river is bordered by tall limestone cliffs. On one side, the old mill towers into the sky. It’s amazing that it’s still standing after a fire 123 years ago. If you look close enough, you can see charred wood on some of the pieces up higher on the wall. I can only imagine, that if it hadn’t been burned by arsonists, it would still be a beautiful and impressive building today.

The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water, building sand castles and relaxing in the cool water. We found a spot in the rocks where a small spring trickles down to the river. Cat found a little creature that may have been a baby crayfish. Mr. Awesome built it a giant wall so it would have more space to move about in.

This is one of our favorite spots to visit and we recommend it for all ages. There are parking lots on both the side of the falls and the ruins which make it easy for a short walk to a view. Most of the paths are asphalt and easy to walk. We took a few off road paths on this day since we are more familiar with the area.

Have you been to see the Vermillion Falls of the old mill ruins? Let us know in the comments!

Basic Park Info: http://www.hastingsmn.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/76/485
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/minnesota/vermillion-river-old-mill-park-to-vermillion-slough

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Day: Week 2, Day 1: Workout At Home
Next Day: Week 2, Day 3: Challenge at Home

July 14, 2017July 14, 2017

How to Make Slime

Cupcake begged me for months to make slime. With busy school schedules, we barely had time to breathe, much less, attempt a new, potentially messy and time-consuming craft. I promised her that we would make slime once school was out.

As summer approached, Cupcake happily reminded me frequently of the approaching slime adventure. Once school was out, I went to the store and bought a giant jug of glue. We gathered the remaining supplies at home and all of the kids excitedly assembled around the table for the project.

We had a lot of fun playing with it plain, but we also added a bunch of fun things into it for sensory play. We added a couple different glitters, food dye, cut up straws, craft eyeballs, kinetic sand, and beads. The kids also used straws to blow bubbles. I also added some child-friendly essential oils to a couple batches. Really, you could add anything you want!

Slime Recipe
1/2 cup glue mixed into 1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp borax mixed into 1/2 cup warm water
Slowly add borax into glue, one spoonful at a time until mixture isn’t sticky.
Knead with Hands.
Add glitter, beads, dye, etc.
Play!
Store in zip lock baggies or another airtight container.

Check out our video for an example of how to make it!

Have you made slime? What did you add to it? Share in the comments!

June 30, 2017July 18, 2017

I Bribed My Kids to Workout with Me

I Bribed My Kids to Workout with Me
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 2, Day 1

Starting week two of the workout challenge was a bit easier. My muscles are still aching from last week, but some of that is allergy related. The kids were really excited to workout again, which was a surprise. I’m so happy they enjoy it!

We started the workout week with a new workout video! The kids and I had a lot of fun. I had to bribe them with a little bit of iPad time to motivate them to try and finish the entire workout with me. It worked great!

What’s your favorite video to work out to with your kids?

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Day: Day 5: Spring Lake Park
Next Day: Week 2, Day 2: Old Mill Park

June 29, 2017January 22, 2018

A Park Merges Rich History With Green Design

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 1, Day 5
Spring Lake Park, Schaar’s Bluff

Spring Lake Park is one of my favorite places to take walks with the family. The views are breathtaking, the trails are very well maintained and there are bonfire pits at several locations throughout the park.

Spring Lake Park has an interesting history. There are native american artifacts that show evidence of villages and campsites dating from 1000 B.C to A.D. 1400! In the 1930’s, a dam was built, flooding the river basin and spring lake merged to join the Mississippi. In more recent history, Schaar’s Bluff was a family farm that was eventually sold to Dakota County.

Since then, the park has been working on providing a place where visitors can learn about American Indian history. Nine years ago, the park opened Dakota County’s first net-zero-energy building. The Gathering Hall gets 90 percent of it’s energy from an onsite wind turbine. This spring, it opened it’s recently expanded trail to merge with the Mississippi River Trail.

We had originally planned on hiking a hidden trail we hadn’t previously explored. Upon arrival, we saw that the new trail had been completed. We were really excited to check it out.

We enjoyed seeing the beautiful prairie, full of wildflowers. As we progressed on the trail, we could see several newly planted oak trees and strips of wheat bordering the path. We took time to rest at the picnic tables overlooking the river and planned a future picnic. The kids enjoyed climbing the rocks in the newly carved limestone wall. The huge bridge crossing a ravine was an interesting design of plain lumber and rusted metal that made the kids question it’s age and safety. I assured them that it was new and probably quite safe.

I have a feeling that we’ll love visiting and walking the new trail just as much as we love the old ones. I really recommend this park for anyone interested. It’s great for biking, hiking, picnics, outdoor gatherings, photo shoots, weddings, playing at the park, and watching the sun set.

Have you ever visited Schaar’s Bluff? What is your favorite spot?

Main Park Info:
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/SpringLake/Pages/schaars-bluff-trailhead.aspx
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/SpringLake

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Day 4: Minnehaha Falls
Next Week: Week 2, Day 1: Workout At Home

June 24, 2017January 22, 2018

Minnehaha Falls

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 1, Day 4
Minnehaha Creek Trail

I haven’t been to Minnehaha Falls for a while, so I was really looking forward to our hike. Minnehaha Falls feels like home. My Maternal Grandparents used to live not too far from the park, so we frequently enjoyed walks along the river’s edge, flying kites in the fields, family gatherings at the pavilion, family reunions, outdoor concerts and events, picnics, playing at the park and so much more.

I can remember being little and looking up at the huge oak trees with wonder. I love oak trees, maybe because they live in so many of my happy memories. I remember going on walks with my parents or grandparents and taking in the beautiful marvels that are everywhere. I love being able to share its beauty with my children and allowing them to make their own memories.

As I walked the paths, I mulled over the memories of a lifetime at this park. I saw myself grow up. I saw my Mother, and my Grandmother, who also grew up here. My great-grandmother would have seen the park when it was new. I wondered about the Native Americans who lived here before us and the history of the park. I hope someday my children will pass on the legacy of love of Minnehaha Falls and bring their own children here.

I found that that the park had more history than I could have imagined! There is a great blog about the history of the falls here. It was once the location to a zoo! I knew about the mill that once was a bit further away from the falls because I had climbed down the remains once. The dog park was once a limestone quarry, which ended up supplying much of the park with limestone for steps and walls. I loved learning about the different bridges at the bottom of the falls and seeing images of how the falls have looked over the years.

Basic Park Info: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/minnehaha_regional_park/
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/minnesota/minnehaha-creek-trail

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Day 3: Hay Creek
Next Week: Day 5: Spring Lake Park

June 21, 2017January 22, 2018

Cooling Off in Hay Creek

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 1, Day 3
Hay Creek

For day three, we drove to Red Wing to check out the Hay Creek Cross Country Trail. The kids loved playing with the tongue twister of a name after I accidentally mispronounced it Cross Crunchy Trail. None of us had been there before, so we weren’t sure what kind of a trail we’d find.

As it turns out, there isn’t an exact address for the parking lot, or at least, it’s not easy to find. Instead, we followed the directions on the state’s website. On the way there, we hit some major road construction. The entire road was closed to through traffic. Thankfully, we were able to get through on a scenic dirt road which led to the park.

Once at the park, we could not figure out where the correct trail for the cross country trail was. There were several trails all in the same area, all crisscrossing and none were clearly marked. Several were not well maintained and looked overgrown. We ended up finding faded hand-painted signs in the overgrown brush for a couple of the trails, but none of them was the cross country trail. Eventually, we gave up and followed the clearest path.

The Goodhue Pioneer State Trail is a wide, paved walking path. We encountered several bikers and a couple of other walkers, but it was relatively quiet and peaceful. There did happen to be a lot of gnats, but that’s pretty typical for this time of year. The trail was strangely covered with dead snails, perhaps from the recent rain storms.

At one point, we found a wooden bridge with a path leading down to the creek. We took off our shoes and waded into the clear, shallow water. It was ice cold and felt great on such a hot and humid day.

We walked a little further past the bridge till we had walked a mile. We stopped in the shade and let the kids have a snack. Then we turned around to head back.

At one point, the kids found a live snail. They gave it some fresh water to drink before putting it in the woods. I had no idea snails lived out of the water.

Although the cross country trail might not be good for summertime hikes, maybe it’s a good trail to check out for cross-country skiing. I recommend the Goodhue Trail if you’re in the area and looking for a relaxing walk or bike ride.

Basic Park Info: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/facilities/cmp00040/index.html
Map: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/cmp00040.pdf
All Trails Info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/minnesota/hay-creek-unit-rj-dorer-memorial-hardwood-state-forest

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Day 2: Jensen Lake Trail
Next Week: Week 1, Day 4: Minnehaha Falls

June 18, 2017December 28, 2017

Our First Visit to Jensen Lake Trail

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 1, Day 2

Lebanon Hills, Jensen Lake Trail

Originally, the weather forecast predicted thunderstorms. We delayed our hike due to some destructive storms we’ve had recently. I wouldn’t want to be halfway through a hike and have the children out in bad weather. The weather was partly cloudy but mostly sunny throughout the morning, and extremely humid from all of the rain. Since a storm seemed unlikely after all, we struck out for an afternoon hike.

Jensen Lake Trail is 2.1 miles. All trails rated it as an easy trail. (All Trails Info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/minnesota/jensen-lake-trail) It took us about 2 hours to complete the loop. The more experienced hiker could easily finish it faster. There was a guy who passed us going the opposite direction three times!

The kids really enjoyed this trail and would love to go back another time. There was also a large park that we did not check out because it was too hot and we were exhausted. We were all proud of ourselves for pushing through and finishing the trail, despite the heat.

If you’d like to visit the Jenson Lake Trail, check out their website for more information:
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/LebanonHills/Pages/jensen-lake-trailhead.aspx

Have you been to Lebanon Hills before?

Check out our video!

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Day 1: Workout At Home
Next Week: Day 3: Hay Creek

June 14, 2017June 21, 2017

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 1, Day 1

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 1, Day 1

Today was the first day of our workout challenge! I have been looking forward to this for quite awhile and I’m so glad we planned it. Exercise sometimes needs a bit of reminder and motivation.

I’m going to be completely honest. I did not wake up early to work out. I slept in. It felt great! I won’t be doing this for the hiking days, because I want to head out before it gets too hot.

My first workout was actually not a workout video, but cleaning the living room. The kids and I took a break to do a bit of reading together. After that, I ended up working on dishes lunch, laundry and then the living room again.

Mr. Awesome was all set to work out with me. Princess wasn’t a bit interested. I pulled up a kids workout video on youtube (https://youtu.be/McD6_oOWs-M) and set up my camera. Then we got to work!

I have to admit, I am out of shape. Running around with the kids, taking care of a family of six and having a restrictive allergy diet keep me pretty slim, but not of this can replace a good workout.

Right away, I was struggling. I could feel my heart pounding, I was out of breath. I tried to keep going but when the video stalled and crashed, I was relieved to be done. I gave up for the day. Maybe next time we’ll get through the whole video.

I feel a bit self conscious putting my workout online, but hopefully it will motivate you to get moving yourself! Even if it is only for a little bit, like me. We’ll work up our stamina and be fit bodies in no time!

Tomorrow looks like thunderstorms, so I’m disappointed to delay our hiking plans. We might head out later in the day if the skies look clear. If it is storming, we’ll give the youtube video another try!

What did you do for exercise today?

5 Week Workout Challenge
Next Week: Day 2: Jensen Lake Trail

June 8, 2017May 8, 2018

5 Week Workout Challenge

It’s almost summer! With one week of school left for my kiddos, planning summer activities is a necessity. If the summer isn’t planned, it flies by and nothing much happens. For the last few weeks, I’ve been working on our calendar and researching activities.

Cat and I thought it would be great fun to have a 5-week workout challenge. The little ones don’t really care what we do, but they love to be outside and active. In order to keep all of us happy, I filled the calendar with primarily hiking. Hiking is something that gets the body moving, the heart pumping and offers a change of scenery. It can be done by anyone, young or old

We’ll also have days for indoor exercises at home. This can be pilates, weight lifting, workout videos or another favorite workout activity. If someone has plans to join us, maybe we’ll move our exercise plans to an indoor location, like the Mall of America for speed walking.

Hopefully, by the end of our 5 weeks, we’ll be feeling healthier and happier. Plus, we’ll get the joy of exploring the great outdoors instead of being cooped up inside.

Our “week” is a little unusual. We will not be doing a Monday through Friday week. Sundays and Mondays are our days off. Tuesdays through Saturdays are workout days. Our goal is to workout 3 days Minimum weekly. Anything more is extra credit!

I found a great app called All Trails which helps find local hiking trails. It gives the length of the hike, maps, altitude, level of difficulty and more! I suggest you check it out to see what’s in your area!

Check back to see posts about our adventures! Hopefully, we’ll inspire you to make an adventure of your own this summer. Go out and enjoy nature!

Week 1
Week 1, Day 1: Workout At Home
Week 1, Day 2: Jensen Lake Trail
Week 1, Day 3: Hay Creek
Week 1, Day 4: Minnehaha Falls
Week 1, Day 5: Spring Lake Park

Week 2
Week 2, Day 1: Workout At Home
Week 2, Day 2: Old Mill Park
Week 2, Day 3: Challenge at Home
Week 2, Day 4: 2nd Plank Challenge

Week 3
Week 3, Day 1: Hastings Riverwalk
Week 3, Day 2: 1st Convention Day, Rochester
Week 3, Day 3: Covered Bridge Park
Week 3, Day 4: 4-Year-Old Adventure

Week 4
Week 4, Day 1: Morning Workout
Week 4, Day 2: Fort Snelling
Week 4, Day 3: Night Walk Date
Week 4, Day 4: Afton State Park

Week 5
Week 5, Day 1: Schaar’s Bluff
Week 5, Day 2: Kawishiwi Falls
Week 5, Day 3: Norberg Trail

Do you have a workout plan this summer? What’s your favorite type of exercise? We’d love to hear about it!

June 7, 2017

This Little Girl Went From Hating Water To Loving It

When Princess was born, a nurse offered to fill the tub for me at the hospital. They had the longest, deepest tub I had ever seen. I could stretch my legs all the way out without bending my knees. I could get in and the water and it could cover me up to my neck. I took a bath a few hours after birth, but I had to get out fast since Princess woke and started crying.

Several times, my nurse offered to fill the tub for me so I could relax with my wee baby and give her, her first bath. At the time, I was very dizzy and tired from high blood pressure. Plus, I had visitors coming and going, so rest was not an easy option. By the time the sun went down, the nurse shift changed. I had a tiny bit more energy and I thought it would be the perfect time for a bath. I asked my new nurse to pour the water for me.

As I climbed in, my legs burned. I could handle it, but it was uncomfortable. I was debating on getting out when the nurse entered with my naked baby girl. I mentioned that the water was too hot. She handed Princess to me and added a few seconds of cold water to the tub. Not feeling it was much cooler I didn’t lie back in the water. The nurse took princess from me and set her on my lap in the water, where Princess immediately began to wail.
“It’s too hot!” I exclaimed anxiously.
I don’t remember what or if she said anything in response, but I do remember being frozen in horror as she roughly and vigorously scrubbed my poor baby girl down with a large amount of soap. Princess screamed and shrieked and I was rooted to the spot, unable to move, unable to determine what to do. Before I could make a decision, she dumped water all over princess to wash off the soap.
“It’s too hot!” I said again, unable to think of anything else to say. Later I would obsess over all of the things I could have said and done to protect my baby. Before I could do anything else, the nurse wrapped her in a towel and brought Princess wailing into the room to diaper and dress her. I stood up and got a towel, unable to bear the heat any longer.

Since that traumatic incident, Princess hated water. She refused baths completely, and would wail for sponge baths. The only way to wash her was to hold her to my chest in the shower and lightly let the water over her back for a few seconds at a time.

Princess was always tiny, especially compared to my other three. I could easily carry her in a sling for her entire first year. She was my little shadow and joined me in every activity. I can remember a day where I stood at the sink, washing dishes, when a little hand reached out towards what I was holding. I was so startled I nearly dropped the dish! Princess was normally silent when she was with me, watching everything with her big blue eyes and taking it all in. Sometimes I would forget that she was there, such as this instance.

I did a little experiment and let Princess play with the sink water. She LOVED it. After that, I encouraged her to play in the sink with me, as I washed dishes. One day, when she was fifteen months old, I discovered her playing with the water in the bathroom sink. After that, she let me put her in the bottom of the shower to play with toys.

Today, my little Princess LOVES water. I have to fight to keep her away from it some days! She hops in every puddle she can find. So when I saw a pair of pink galoshes on sale at Walmart, I knew I had to get them.

The next rainy day, she was thrilled to be able to put her new rain boots to good use. She jumped and splashed till she was a muddy mess. When she was done, she had a nice warm shower and a cuddle with Mom before having a nap.

Moments like these are why I’m so thankful I’m a Mother. My children make everything new again. Every puddle is a fun, new adventure.