a weekend on the north shore

I have always always wanted to see northern Minnesota in the fall. I've been there in most every other season, but autumn has eluded me for some reason. And hello, it's the best, so this past weekend was pretty much a dream come true for me. 

Rachel and I took a girls weekend since our guys were busy, and took it all in. We hiked around Grand Marais and the superior hiking trail, Oberg mountain, Leveaux mountain... and it was definitely fall up there! Both of us were on cloud 9. Thankful this lady loves fall as much as I do. 

 

When we were in Grand Marais, we stumbled across this donut shoppe that proclaimed to have the worlds best donuts... and you guys, I had a dream about these donuts last night. It might be a good thing they are 4 hours away or I would look like a very different person. Seriously. When in Grand Marais... buy lots of these cinnamon sugared donuts.

I loved the towns along lake superior, and we took the scenic drive on our way back into Duluth on saturday night. 

We were wiped out from a full day of hiking, so it was a little bit of relief to sit in the car for a bit, and after a delicious Mexican dinner right in canal park across the street from our hotel, we crashed hard. The next morning we toured around Duluth a bit before heading back up to Split rock lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls.

We were so thankful for a gorgeous weekend to do our thing and enjoy each others company. Girls weekends are a must! And I will most definitely want to get back to the north shore for the fall colors again. It was unlike any fall that I've experienced down here in the city. 

I am now ready to bring in autumn. It is my favorite season, and it was made all the more beautiful this year by this little getaway.

_________

"...if you really begin to pay attention, you'll soon discover that much of the time your mind is caught up in thinking about the past or the future. When we're lost in these thoughts we are not fully in our life at the present moment… it’s just that now, the present moment, is where your life actually takes place; it’s the only time you have to learn, to grow, and to be fully alive. If you are constantly rehearsing for the future or rehashing the past, you’re missing this moment of your life, which is the only moment you ever really have." 

{ Nancy Bardacke }

a trip to the zoo + the great MN springtime

The zoo, you guys. It's probably one of my all time favorite places. I know I've seen it over and over, and yet somehow, it doesn't get old to me. I have yet to see the Omaha or San Diego zoo, both of which are on my "more immediate" bucket lists. :) We had a full Saturday planned with our friends Mike, Kait, and Ryland, half of which included this wonderful place. We got a pretty early start, and were beyond thankful for a gorgeous weekend to be outside. It felt so good! Prepare for a picture dumping!

The last time we were here was over a year and a half ago, when this guy was confined to the stroller... he was much happier this time around. We have this same picture in the same spot when he wasn't even 1 year old yet and now here he is at 2 and a half. He's getting so big.

*totally gross bats. I never realized how much I disliked them until yesterday...*

After a great morning and early afternoon, we headed back to their place for naptime {which we all could have used...} however, we settled for talking all things life, marriage, family, and eating popsicles. Not to let the gorgeous weather pass us by, though, we ventured back outside for a park and driveway play-date before grilling out for dinner.

Oh, I'm sorry... did you think I meant Ryland? Just kidding, he was there too. 

We are so grateful for you guys! And so grateful that it looks like Minnesota springtime is finally here. We have been itching to get outdoors and yesterday was just what we needed. And with wonderful, wonderful friends. Aren't they a sweet family?

And one more of Mr. Crush to leave you with. I literally found the whole cast of Finding Nemo in this tank. It was awesome.

Happy monday. Happy spring. Happy beautiful weather week ahead! 

the ice caves + apostle islands

Over President's day weekend, Jared and I, and our friends Nick + Kristina made the long haul up and over to lake Superior to see these magnificent ice caves that have been taking the news by storm. And whoah, you guys, did they ever deliver! I mean, they blew my mind, delivered. 

Because we wanted to make this a one day trip, we left our place before the sun was up, grabbed our coffee, and headed north, through Duluth, and over to the Bayfield, WI area. Thankfully a 4 hour drive goes well when you enjoy the company. :) So thankful for great friends and the chance to do something fun like this! We got to the access point on Lake Superior around 8:30 in the morning. On a, albeit cold, but sunny and stunning day. It's around 1 mile of walking from the shoreline out onto the lake just to get to the "starting point" of these caves, and over 2 miles of shoreline beauty from there. 

There is not one blade of grass, not one color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice! | John Calvin

The shoreline of one of the Apostle Islands, which is the the location of these caves is only accessible when Lake Superior is {totally and completely} frozen. Hence why it is making such a stir this year. It hasn't been accessible for over 5 years! Initially I wasn't super excited about walking on the lake {ok, at all.} But it turned out to be the last thing on my mind. I mean, it was so. pretty. 

If created things are seen and handled as gifts of God and as mirrors of His Glory, then our delight in them is also a delight in their Maker. | John Piper

The whole day spent on the lake we were just awe-struck with the grandeur and magnificence of it all. One turn seemed better than the next, and one cave smaller and more interesting than before. 

At one point, we found quite the gem. A small opening, with a cavern inside that could fit about 20 people. But you never would have guessed...

Ice Cave 2014 from Skyler Johnson on Vimeo.

We started our trek off of the lake around 1:30. Hadn't even noticed our stomachs and that we had eaten breakfast so long ago at 5am - there was just so much to take in!

What a picture dumping that was - thanks for hanging in there with me guys! As hard as it is sometimes for pictures to fully convey the scale and wow-factor of scenery like these caves, even as I was recapping last weekend in my head and through this post, I still am amazed. Not only that places like this exist, but that God is so creative as to allow us this enjoyment through His creation. 

It was a JOY-FILLED day, being outdoors, being with great friends, and being in the presence of God through stunning creation. Next time {or even still this year if conditions allow} I HIGHLY recommend taking the time, sacrificing a full day and going to see these caves. It was a blessing to my wintertime!

Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father
    from of old and forever.
To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might,
    the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor;
Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth;
    the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all.
Riches and glory come from you,
    you’re ruler over all;
You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand
    to build up and strengthen all.
And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you,
    praising your splendid Name!

1 Chronicles 29:11 | the message