Annual Itasca Camping Trip!

So this year's journey to Itasca State Park, the home of the Mississippi River, was a welcome break from the normal...especially for how cool it's been for July here in MN.

This year's trip was not an all-male one like 2008, this year was the "year of the Dierdorfs". (Grandma) Nancy, (Papa) Harold, Uncle Nate and his girlfriend Martina all joined us for a long weekend of tent camping.

It was a great time --- from the pics you can see the boys did some boat 'driving', their first fishing attempt (nope, no fish caught by anyone), and a LOT of bike riding (further than last year and wow those hills!). The newest and most exciting of it all seemed to be something done in the last 2 days: the FIRE TOWER. The old fire tower was conquered by Danny and Tyler even with its 100ft tall towering presence. All I can say is "wow".

We are nearing our limits on space for camping equipment with the 3 kids and both of us along, even with a newly-acquired cartop carrier for our van from a relative. Maybe 2010's trip will see us with a pop up trailer camper...