So here's the story of our visit to
Marmie's. Jed and I headed out last Tuesday and after one harried layover in Detroit, landed safely in the chilly wilds of Minnesota. If you have not visited Duluth, it's a beautiful little city that drapes itself along a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. For most of our visit, the weather was not exactly picture-perfect, but I actually enjoyed the cooler temperatures and, of course, was pretty excited about the snow!
On Wednesday, we visited the
Great Lakes Aquarium. Neither
Marmie nor I thought Jed would really pay that much attention to any of the exhibits, but he loved it! The fish
mesmerized him, and when one tank was being fed, he jumped right in the middle of a group of older children and appeared to even pay attention to the lady talking about the fish.
On our way from the aquarium, which is downtown, to home, which is essentially at the top of the bluff, the weather changed from rain to snow and eventually started sticking so we had a light dusting. But when Marlene called Jim, who was still at work downtown, he said it was only raining. As it turns out, such differences in weather are not uncommon because downtown is closer to the water, which keeps things warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and the elevation difference between downtown and Marlene's is over 800 feet.
In the afternoon, Marlene's friend Barbara visited. Jed fell in love with her and has maintained his love for the sock monkey she brought him. I think the monkey may turn into his first "drag around" toy.
Thursday, I enjoyed, and I do mean enjoyed, a visit to the spa!
Marmie treated me to a facial, massage, and pedicure. I felt so relaxed I could hardly stand up and she got some precious Jed-time. In the late afternoon, Marlene's next door neighbors, Kyle and Kim and their children, Will and
Ilee, came over to check out Jed.
On Friday, we had to cancel (hopefully only postpone!) a
playdate because my
sinuses were not happy and Jed did not sleep late enough so he needed a rare morning nap. But by the late morning, we were fit as fiddles and ready to meet
Marmie's friends, Annie and Laura. We had a great time with both of them and Laura gave Jed a beautiful copy of
Antler Bear Canoe.
In the afternoon, we headed for the train museum! Jed was only mildly interested, although in the summertime I know he'll love getting to actually take a ride, but I, of course, had a great time. You could climb in most of the cars and engines and the snow-moving engines were fascinating. In their exhibit of train china, they even had a place setting from
Southern.
Saturday, the sun finally came out, but it was time for us to pack up. Our flight wasn't too early so we did get to revel in the light and crisp air for a few minutes but not long enough!
With a longer layover, Jed and I had an easier return trip and he slept for about half of the second flight.
During our entire trip, Jim entertained all of us, and, like any good grandpa, he got Jed to jump through hoops he'd never do for me! One afternoon, he had Jed running, really running, back and forth between him and
Marmie's cabinets delivering pots and lids until they had covered the breakfast table!
Despite the weather, we had a great time, and despite my declarations that I won't be flying solo with the kid again any time soon, I hope we can do it again soon!
