Back From "Vacation"

We came back today from "vacation" - a weekend in Duluth. It was a much more relaxing trip than I'd expected, despite having two teenagers (K and her friend) and a three year old with us, which was a pleasant surprise. We got up there around 10pm on Friday night and got settled in. Jerome took Zach swimming Saturday morning while the rest of us slept in - so nice! Once we were all up and dressed we took advantage of the mini-golf at our hotel ... we did not do well! It was the course's fault, really ;-) But it was fun, though I think Zach may be better suited for hockey than golf.

After mini-golf we grabbed some lunch, took a nap, and then hit the waterpark at our hotel for a bit. It's been a while since we've taken Zach swimming - the last time I remember taking him was to the beach the middle of last summer - so we were a little surprised to find that he has no fear of water. None at all, not even after getting a few mouthfuls of the stuff ... or after emerging from the kiddie version of the tube/water slide on his back, headfirst, and partially submerged. (Don't worry; he was only like that for a few seconds!) That would have done it for me! I've been talking about swimming lessons for him for a while, but I think it's time to stop talking and sign him up already.

Saturday night we went to Grandma's Saloon and Grill for dinner. It was pretty much how I remembered - overrated. Not bad, but this is the third time in a row I have left there wondering what the big deal is. I think I would have been happier eating at Applebee's. Hopefully next time I'm in Duluth I'll remember that and try something different. Like this place.

This morning we did a bit more swimming before checking out, then we drove down to the lake to see the seagulls and look for boats. Gorgeous day, but chilly! We walked around for a bit, threw some rocks, and grabbed lunch and ice cream at DQ before piling back in the car and heading for home. Overall, it was a great trip and, as Jerome said tonight, probably the easiest one we'll take for another three years or so seeing as how it was the last trip we'll be taking before the baby arrives.

Speaking of baby, only 4 more weeks until my due date and one more week until I'm considered "full-term" (meaning if I go into labor they won't try to stop it and they won't consider the baby premature). Zach arrived 11 days before his due date; we'll see if his brother decides to follow suit. This coming Wednesday we get to have another peek at the little guy to check on both his position (he was breech for a while ...) and his size/growth, since I'm measuring small. Hopefully after the ultrasound on Wednesday I'll finally figure out how to work our scanner and can share some pictures!