Itasca State Park

Old news. That's probably what this post is. A week (or more) ago we - Joe's whole family, our family and my sister Jamie - went camping at Itasca State Park. Fifteen people, ranging from 10 months to late 60's, some who've camped, some who haven't, headed North (I think) to a b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l State Park.

It was everyone's 1st time visiting Itasca and I think we were all wowed by it. It's huge. It's where the Headwaters of the Mississippi River is. I definitely want to go back, but perhaps stay in one of their cabins for a whole week so we can spend more time on the bike trails and walking paths and multiple lakes and playgrounds.

We were there the weekend after Labor Day and had cool (ok, downright cold) nights, brisk mornings and sunny afternoons. A perfect mash-up of Summer and Fall weather.

On that note - I am ready for Fall. Sianara Summer. Hello my Favorite Season. Our "bucket list" for Autumn has a few things on it - namely a lot of hearty foods to cook, yummy baked goods to make, some fall colors to view and a living room to redecorate. ...And then cozying up in said living room under a warm blanket until about March of 2013.

AT THE CAMPSITE

Ok. As much as I thought Itasca was beautiful, I was disappointed in the actual campsites. Not to belabor it, but they were close together and the foliage between sites was sparse. It also seemed like they were "clear cutting" the trees across from our sites - maybe to make more sites?

Our kid's oldest cousin, Quintin, is adored by all. He's such a little gentleman and as shown above and below, loved playing football with Max and Otto and helping them fly kites.

Quintin and Lyla making yarn pom poms (Jamie has us all addicted to this craft!)

Perhaps the most seasoned camper of us all. At least for her age. She continues to be obsessed with stuffed animals and found a little fawn and husky puppy that Auntie Jamie happily got for her while at the gift shop.

Entertainment. Nope, not the marshmallow roasting - the ax. Had to keep my eyes on my kids as everyone wanted to practice chopping firewood. It's harder than my strapping hubby lets on. At least for us.

Something 'Bout A Truck. With all the Schuster cousins in it.

Grace and Frankie. Usually I'm not a big fan of little dogs. But there were three itty bitty dogs there and the way they sat in the bike basket, and on the kiddie camp chairs by the fire and how Otto loved taking them for walks because they're his size. These things all made me like little dogs a lot more.

Auntie Jamie and Wren

AROUND THE PARK

One of the bike paths to the start of the Mississippi.

Me & Max at the Mississippi Headwaters. It's the start of the mighty Mississippi. It's all downhill (or mostly South) from here.

Max playing in the river.

Otto getting ready to fish.

The oldest cousins taking a break from our bike ride. Unfortunately their were 30 MPH winds our main day there and they weren't letting boats onto the lakes.