Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Tonight we bundled up and ventured out to experience the "Bentleyville - Tour of Lights" that we've seen and heard so much about here in Duluth the past few weeks. Bentleyville is a non-profit corporation that organizes a free annual family holiday light show. The creater, Nathan Bentley, started the show over 3 acres near his home in Cloquet, MN in 2004 and has grown the displays (and electric bill) since that time. Some estimates on this year's electric bill say it would range from $5,000 go $6,000 - that tells you just how many lights are involved in the displays - millions! Bentley, who is known for his over-the-top displays, took a 1-year agreement with the city of Duluth and moved this year's display to Bayfront Festival Park near Canal Park/Harbor. Among the highlights are free hot beverages and cookies, free popcorn, free marshmallows and several fire roasting pits along the way along with Santa Claus & other Christmas Characters in costume - and that's all in addition to the grand light displays! Here are several shots from our evening out tonight, including a mini 360 video that Joel took showing several light displays. For those interested, you can learn more at http://www.bentleyvilleusa.org/yvilleusa.org/. The show runs nightly through Jan. 2nd from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. What a fun and pleasant way to spend a pre-Christmas evening. I can't resist saying it: Clark Griswold is no match for Nathan Bentley! :-)

Dashing Through the Snow...

This past weekend we met up with several members of our small group at church for a family sleigh ride. Fortunately we had the snow to make it work and some warmer weather (20's) compared to what we've experienced over the last couple of weeks. Brrr! So, we bundled up, headed North from Duluth about 1/2 hour and began our adventure. The sleigh was decked out with lights and, of course, jingle bells to make the experience complete. It wasn't long before we started singing "Jingle Bells" with all of the kids. After our sleigh ride, we enjoyed a big bonfire with roasted hot dogs, marshmallows and other goodies before heading home. We were slightly chilled, but I think we agreed that it was well worth it. As Joel (once again) reminded me, we're Duluthians now - so we should toughen up a bit and get used to it!

Thanksgiving Highlights

This Thanksgiving we traveled from Duluth to Spicer, MN to spend a few days with the Thompson family. Isaac did surprisingly well despite the long car ride and nights spent sleeping away from home. We enjoyed a big mid-day meal on Thursday and spent the rest of the day recovering from our overly-full tummies! Friday we enjoyed some Black Friday shopping and more down time at the house with the kids (Isaac and cousins Maddy, Livvy, and Aspen). Here are a few highlights of the weekend (family photo, picture of Isaac with his 3 cousins, and a picture of Great Grandma Rudy reading to Isaac with Great Grandma Betty listening on).

City of the North Parade

Well - it's official. The Christmas Season has officially been unleashed upon the city of the Duluth. On Friday night, the annual tree lighting ceremony took place (on the corner of Lake Ave and Superior St) followed by the annual "City of the North Parade" to follow. We decided to bundle up and venture out to witness the big events. Fortunately it wasn't too cold! We saw marching bands, decorated floats, fire trucks (Isaac's favorite!) and many other fun things in the parade. Here are a few snapshots of us while we were waiting (notice the big lit tree in the background). We're still talking to Isaac about the "big lights" and "big music" that we saw the other night. :-) I think we have ourselves a new annual tradition in the Johnson household.

Everyday Tasks More Interesting Now

I couldn't resist taking these pictures. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily living and routine, Isaac reminded me that once again, he likes to help, and that he can find enjoyment in the normal everyday tasks. We had just gotten back from grocery shopping and he was "helping" me unload all of my bags. As I was hurring to keep up with him, I caught him playing "stacking game" with our yogurts. I couldn't help but stop my hustling, sit down on the floor with him, and help! I like how I got an action shot of the yogurts falling down. "Uh-Oh!"

18-Months

Today we celebrate the 18-month mark since Isaac's birth. What a difference 18-months can make as you will see from the photos - Day 1 'til now. It has been an amazing journey so far - watching Isaac grow and change - physically and now more developmentally and socially. We are so blessed by him and are grateful for this indescribable gift! Here's to many more months!

It's the little things

This past weekend we spent some time working in the garage and getting it cleaned up. Now, for the first time since we moved here, we have both cars parked in the garage. I tell you what, it's the little things in life that can really make you happy. Not having to scrape windows is such a nice thing. Plus, now we have an "extra" parking spot next to our garage for guests - hint, hint.

Halloween Preview and "Boo at the Zoo"

Yesterday we ventured out to the Lake Superior Zoo for a fun Halloween event called "Boo at the Zoo." I heard about the event from a couple of co-workers who reommended it as a fun kids event for Halloween. We were grateful for the sun to have returned as most of the activities/exhibits were outdoors. Even though Isaac won't enjoy the trick-or-treating aspect of Halloween this year (save for mayyybe a bite or two of some candy), we still dressed him up in his costume (could be interepreted as a dragon, lizard, crocodile, alligator - we can't decide). See for yourself...

Fall is in the Air

The fall colors have peaked here in Duluth, and we have enjoyed many of the beautiful trees in and around our community of Lakeside. We don't always have our camera (while driving) to snap some photos, but we did manage to get out and take a brisk afternoon walk today despite the colder weather and were able to get a few pictures. You'll also see our remedy for keeping Isaac warm and cozy despite the cooler weather. As Joel reminded me earlier today (when contemplating whether or not we should take a walk), we are Duluthians now, after all (so we'd better dress accordingly and get outside anyway)!

First Snow in Duluth

As many Minnesotans did, we awoke on Saturday morning to find our first snow of the season. Even though the snow disappeared by mid-afternoon, we'll remember the excitement we felt and will remember it through these few pictures:

Uh-Oh!

Isaac's vocabulary is increasing every day. One of his latest words is "uh-oh!" He will purposely drop things on the floor just so that he can say "uh-oh!" We captured this short video so you can see for yourself. You'll notice he had been enjoying some yogurt (as evidenced by the messy face) while he started throwing his spoon on the floor to practice his new phrase. We think it's pretty cute. Enjoy! :-)

Only in Duluth

It was a normal day at work - until I received this email warning:

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Black bear warning:

Campus Security has been notified that there was a sighting of a large black bear on the edge of our campus by Kenwood Avenue. Please be advised that black bears are wild and that you should avoid any contact with them.

For your safety, please follow these guideline:

1. Do not feed the bears. Providing food for them will only encourage them to return.
2. If you live on campus, do not leave garbage outside your apartments. A bear will take advantage of any foods available and will attempt to eat anything that resembles food in look, smell or taste.
3. When walking outside at night, do not go alone.
4. If you see a bear on campus, contact campus security immediately at extension 6175.
5. If you come upon a bear while outdoors, try to remain calm and go to the nearest campus building for safe shelter.

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This kind of thing never happened to me living in the Twin Cities. I love Duluth :-)

An Afternoon at Lester Park

This afternoon was another beautiful day here in Duluth - 70 and sunny. So, we decided today was the day to head to Lester Park/River (just 3 miles from our house) to take advantage of some of their hiking trails - and to test out our new Kelty Backpack carrier with Isaac. He (and we) loved it! Glad to have an option for taking Isaac along on those 'no stroller' excursions.

Lester Park is filled with trails for hiking, cross country skiing (don't think we'll be trying that with Isaac on our back!), and there are also numerous places for swimming, wading in the water and water falls throughout the length of Lester River. There is also a pavilion and a place for kids to play. It is a beautiful setting, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We look forward to experiencing the park in different seasons to re-discover the beauties around.

We have heard there are numerous other hiking locations in and around Duluth, and we are looking forward to enjoying more of them in the near future.

Isaac Meets Pampered Chef

This week Isaac pulled out my Pampered Chef Chopper from my Tupperware cupboard (the only cupboard NOT baby-proofed) and began to practice his chopping skills. Apparently he has seen me use this a few times since he is so proficient in his skill. Of course, when I got out the video camera he was a little shy at first but he gets into it at the end. And...you get to see some of his baby signs as well (more...). I'm half considering sending this onto Pampered Chef and making him a baby poster board story for their product..."so easy, a baby can use it..."

Isaac Meets Corn on the Cob

Last week in celebration (or mourning) of the last week of summer, I proudly served corn on the cob twice in one week. We cut off the corn for Isaac like we always do and let him pick up the pieces with his fingers. But, last week he realized that he was missing out as he watched Joel and I munch from our cob of corn and became VERY interested - reaching, grunting, wanting a try. So...we decided to give it a try and here were the results. I don't think we'll get by with cutting the corn off from now on. Big boy needs his own cob!

(Great) Aunt Barbara and Books

Last weekend we were graced by the presence of Joel's Aunt Barbara for one evening as she was passing through on her way back home to Chicago. Although Isaac was a bit timid at first, he very soon warmed up when we learned she was willing to read him story after story after story...here are a couple snapshots.

Isaac Cleans!

Being the good toddler that he is, Isaac loves to "help" with everyday things that he sees us doing. Naturally, he has seen me doing some cleaning from time to time. I've caught him a few times in the last couple of weeks "helping" around the house and decided it was worth capturing. My favorite is when he is bending over in order to get the Swiffer/Sweeper underneath the bed. I even thought about putting an actual pad on the Swiffer/Sweeper so he would actually be sweeping the floor for us! Maybe next time. At any rate, perhaps I'll save these photos and show them to Isaac when he's 15 and resistant to help out with chores around the house. :-)

Time to Run

Being the good Duluthian that I am, I thought it would be good to sign up for Grandma's. So, as of this coming up weekend, I have 40 weeks to get myself in marathon condition. Should be fun :-)

-Joel

Our New Home

Today I took several pictures of our new home. Although we aren't 100% settled yet, you can get a general feel for the house. The pictures really don't do the house justice. Built in 1947, it has many older traditional features (i.e. rounded doorways, paneling) with many newer/modern updates. We are definitely feeling like it has become 'home' to us during this past month, and we hope to share it with you when you come for a visit!
http://picasaweb.google.com/joeltjohnson/HousePictures

A Day in Canal Park/Lakewalk

Today we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather outside and go on a Duluth outing. It was 60's and sunny.

We parked on London Road near the Rose Gardens (around 13th Ave) and walked the Lakewalk down to Canal Park (about 1.5 miles). Once in Canal Park, we enjoyed the pleasant scenery, introducing Isaac to his first "horsie," tasting some mini doughnuts (papa's favorite), and a walk along the pier. Oh, and we managed to let Isaac chase some seagulls, too :-)

While walking along the pier, Isaac discovered a big puddle and took many return trips - back and forth through the puddle splashing along. Bypassers chuckled and one man even commented, "a man's gotta have his water!" Isaac sure loved walking / running down the long sidewalk stretch of the pier all by himself - such a big boy! There were many things to see along the way - boats, people, puppies, birds...

While walking back from the pier, we discovered that the largest ship in the Great Lakes (the "Paul Tregurtha") was about to come through the harbor underneath the lift bridge so we stopped to watch. This 1000-foot-long ship was pretty impressive. Even more impressive was the fact that Isaac didn't flinch when the big loud horn sounded! Once the ship came through the harbor and underneath the lift bridge, we walked the 1.5 miles back to where we were parked. All in all, a very pleasant Sunday afternoon.