Our Anniversary

As we headed home, seeing the girls, and Julie & Greg, waving goodbye, we reflected on our trip. It's hard to go back, and see the family for such a short time, knowing you won't see them again for a long while, but with the help of the internet, we all try to stay in touch. And even though, things were tense at times, with the baby coming, Mara's food issues, I admire the challenges Julie and Greg face daily And the girls were a delight to be with, and we'll miss that daily interaction with them. And, of course, baby Rose... So we drove to South Bend, Indiana, where the national baton twirling competition was taking place, and hotel rooms were booked up. Luckily, the first hotel we stopped at, checked with a hotel down the street, and got us a room. We made it home safely the next day. We really enjoyed this trip...the Envoy was very comfortable, we stopped when we felt like it to rest, and stretch, and we enjoyed each other's company.

So Sunday was spent unpacking, and catching up on mail, and news. Then, after working the rest of the week, we again packed, and headed for Duluth. Steve and Kory, who were going with us, purchased a 2005 Toyota Sienna, and offered to drive us up there. We did fine til we got to Superior, and couldn't find Barker's Island, where we booked our hotel. So I called my youngest, Danielle, and she gave us directions to the place, and we then met her and her family for dinner @ The Shack. We've eaten there before, and they have good food! Seems the whole area around Duluth is booked up, and reservations for dinner were hard to come by at the popular restaurants. It was a nice relaxing time, and I finally was able to give Nevie her birthday presents, as she turned 3 on July 10th. Danielle, Shawn, and the kids were heading to Hayward camping with friends the next day. We did drive by their house on the way back to the hotel to see Shawn's new paint job. Nice!

So the next day, we decided to get up early to see the Tall Ships, as we heard there was a 5 hr. wait in line the previous day to get on the ships. Here are photos of the ships:
We decided it wasn't worth standing in line to actually board the ships after seeing them all being packed on board, but not going below deck. so we just took lots of pictures.

Then, we walked, and walked, all around Canal Park...watched a ship leave the harbor, and saw the lift bridge go up and down.

It was the most perfect weather that weekend, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other, and all the activities despite the crowds of people. Happy 40th Anniversary.
Now I know Earl wanted so much more for our 40th, but it was special because we spent it together. Maybe this winter, when the temps are below zero, we can escape to warmer climates and celebrate our 40 yrs. together again.
That night we had reservations at the Barkers Island Inn, and then walked around the marina. I even had Maryland crab cakes, which were delicious, and tasted just like home!