Duluth Easter is Back

We made it back to Duluth for Easter for the first time since COVID. It seems like the "first time since COVID" sure happens a lot this year. 

 Last year Meadow asked why the Easter bunny doesn't hide eggs at our house when he does at Blake's. So we had to go this year.  

For my birthday, Chelsea got me the Throw Throw Avocado game knowing my love of avocados.
 

Anti-board games Scott opted out as usual.  

I was chatting with Daniel!

Meadow and Theo are never bored at Blake's. Whether it's misfit toys or "adult" coloring books.

 

You know we had to go back to Black Bear for brunch buffet. This time you could serve yourself but you had to wear gloves.

Folks. COVID is airborne. Stop with the theater.

We decided to go hiking after our stop at Black Bear Casino.

 

On our way to Jay Cooke we stopped at the Thomson Dam. I had wanted to check it out after driving by last year. 

Winter was still hanging on around the dam.

 

I can't believe people paddle through here. Love canoeing and kayaking, but this would be a bridge too far for me.

The kids absolutely love hiking anywhere there are lots of rocky outcroppings.

They also love finding ice chunks. 

There were lots of cool ice chunks here. 

We tried hiking a bit further, but realized we should go back and get Daniel who was napping in one of the cars.

 

I didn't realize this trail takes you to Jay Cooke. We did think about hiking all the way there but not sure Theo would have made it.  

We briefly stopped over at Jay Cooke proper.

The kids were in their element again. 

Theo decided he was done and took a bee line through the forest. I guess so much for an actual hike.

 

We were about to hike one of the trails and he took his own path. When we caught up to him he said he was done. 

Beers at Bent Paddle were a fine consolation prize.

I hadn't been to their new space yet, it was nice. 

We'd only ever been to the original taproom in the actual brewery.

Hey, Papa Theo.

 

Daniel playing, Theo dancing. Seems about right.

Then we decided to get pizza from LuLu's in downtown Duluth. It was good.

 

This is typical for us. Eat a giant breakfast at Black Bear, don't eat all day then eat again late at night.  

Blake was playing with the kids in his attic. I went with them for a little bit and when coming back down the ladder I saw Ruthie had torn something apart. When I got closer I realized it was Theo's baby. He was devastated. It was so sad. I promised him I would fix him as best I could. 

Meanwhile the kids died Easter Eggs with the bigger kid.

Then the kids had to get to bed so the Easter Bunny could come. 

Theo found his in the library. 

 

Hoo boy. These kids got the good stuff.

Is that the Easter Bunny. Oh, it's Meadow.

Meadow couldn't find hers. Eventually we had to help her out and check every spot in every room. 

This year the kids got a collapsible mug for camping, hiking socks and treats of course. 

Blake made cinnamon rolls for breakfast. 

After breakfast Blake and I took the kids to the playground. 

Daniel and his brother, Grilled Cheese, helped hide the eggs in the yard.

Once they returned Meadow made me a cute crown.

 

Then it was snack time. Grilled Cheese and I made a bunny veggie tray. 

 

Good job, Brooke and crew!

I told Blake I would make dessert. I made these "magic" bars. 

Then it was Easter egg hunt time. 

Easter egg hunting in the snow. Only in Duluth.

I didn't think my chronic heartburn would like bloody marys, but they looked good.

Toy cars and stickers and stamps. The Easter bunny sure spoils these kids. 

 

Chelsea bought Meadow a new dress and shoes for Easter. She looked so cute.
 

It was almost time for the feast.

 

Blake had a big group this year, with new roommates and friends it was 11 people. We had to be split into 2 rooms to fit everyone. 

Blake's big project this winter was fixing up this room to be used as a dining room. He just has to wallpaper the walls once his paper comes in. 

Jaspur joined us at the kids table. I actually am not sure how we were split, but Daniel was pissed off. Ha.

Before we left, Blake's roommate, Brian, asked the kids what their favorite animals were and then drew said animals for them to take home. Meadow chose a seal and Theo chose a bear. 

True artists are amazing.

Until next time Duluth bohemians.

 

A couple days later I fixed up Baby with a new nose and smile. Not quite the same as he was but at least he was saved. Theo even said, Thank you Mama I love you.