Spring Is Near, Minnesota.

Picnic attempt, turned puddle party and so much more fun than expected.

Last night before I went to bed I told Jason I was going to venture out of town with the girls. I REALLY wanted more eucalyptus for a garland I am working on and the least expensive place to purchase is at Trader Joe's, but the closest one to us is over an hour away. I never go that far with the girls by myself, because entertaining Rowan in the car for more than 30 minutes is nearly impossible to do alone. Luella just falls asleep, but Rowan has to point out that we are going the wrong way or that we are out of town and might get lost so we should just go back. Hahah! That was a real conversation that we had today. We all survived though and got eucalyptus and were happy as clams.

After our eucalyptus errand and a couple more stops I needed to make in the "big" city, we headed to the State Park, where we planned to have a picnic. We ended up just having a picnic in the car, in the parking lot of Trader Joe's because none of us could wait.

On the way to the State Park, Luella had fallen asleep right away but Rowan of course waited 25 minutes of our 35 minute drive to finally give in. She rarely naps anymore so I take that and RUN! I happily waited for them to wake up, with some lovely alone time actually taking photos of myself (something I did ALL the time before kiddos). I'd take my dog out to my favorite spots and set up the tripod and just take photos. It was always so fun.

It turned out to be colder, cloudier, and snowier than I anticipated, but I still wanted to get everyone out and enjoying the beautiful park and day. When they woke up, I took them out and bundled us all up a bit. In the parking lot there was a huge puddle that was begging for kiddos to stomp around in it, and two kiddos who were more than happy to oblige. This kept them busy for about an hour, until we all got too cold. Thankfully I keep blankets in the car and brought back up clothes, which is something I don't always do, but just so happened to today. From now on I am going to always bring a change of clothing because you just never really know when a puddle is going to be calling for some stomping.

The girls really love being outside and that makes my husband and I so happy because we too love the outdoors. This park that we went to is one of our favorites and will surely be a staple playground in the girl's lives. Do you and your family go outdoors much? Any favorite State Parks you want to share with us? We'd love to hear. We plan to travel a lot over the course of the years, so we'd love any recommendations.

This is Whitewater State Park in Altura, MN and it is just so beautiful in all seasons. It has a river running through it, I am looking forward to many photo shoots there when the weather is better.

Oh just look at that look of pure joy on Luella's face! She was SO happy to be out in a new place exploring all of the wonders of this day. It was so fun to watch and be a part of.

Sometimes the most unexpected circumstances turn an ordinary day into the "just what I needed day". Signs of Spring are here in Minnesota. Temperatures are rising, snow is melting, and more outdoor adventures are happening! Stay positive friends.