0 In 2025/ Family/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

A Family Guide to Minnesota’s North Shore

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If you’re looking for a getaway filled with adventure, gorgeous views, and plenty of small-town charm, Minnesota’s North Shore is the perfect spot. Our family spent a few days exploring from just south of Duluth up to Grand Marais, and here are some highlights and recommendations from our trip.

First Stop: Jay Cooke State Park

Before even reaching the North Shore, make time for Jay Cooke State Park, just south of Duluth. The swinging suspension bridge over the St. Louis River is an adventure in itself, and the trails through the woods give you a taste of rugged Minnesota beauty right away. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and kick off the trip. There’s a parking lot and a welcome center with bathrooms, picnic tables, and a small museum (free!). Just steps outside the welcome center you will find the bridge, with hikes of varying levels across the bridge.

Duluth: Gateway to the North Shore

Once in Duluth, grab some lunch and take your food down by the Aerial Lift Bridge to watch ships move through the canal. If you have extra time, stop at the Lake Superior Maritime Museum for kid-friendly exhibits about shipping and the Great Lakes. (It’s free!)

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Hiking & Exploring Along the Shore

Highway 61 is full of can’t-miss spots. A few of our top recommendations:

Gooseberry Falls State Park – Easy hikes and spectacular waterfalls.
Tettegouche State Park – Towering cliffs and gorgeous lake views.
Superior Hiking Trail – Stretch your legs on one of the many short sections for unbeatable overlooks.

Bring water shoes! The rocks are sharp on bare feet.

Grand Marais: Small Town Charm

In Grand Marais: wander around town, walk to the lighthouse and through the forested peninsula. It’s the perfect little town to slow down, shop, and enjoy the lakeside scenery.

Lutsen: Adventure in the Hills

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Make a stop in Lutsen for sweeping views and plenty of adventure. In summer, ride the gondola for stunning panoramas or race down the Alpine Slide – a thrill for all ages! The ski resort just built a gorgeous new restaurant, and there’s a fantastic coffee shop and winery nearby to enjoy. In winter, Lutsen transforms into Minnesota’s best destination for downhill skiing.

We love visiting in every season. In winter, we rent a cozy ski-in/ski-out cabin tucked in the woods. For our first summer getaway, we loved our stay at Bluefin Bay, right on the edge of Lake Superior. Waking up to breathtaking sunrises and ending the day with s’mores by the fire was unforgettable.

Split Rock State Park: A Grand Finale

On our way home, we wrapped things up at Split Rock State Park. We skipped endless rocks along the beach, tossed a football around (even roping in a few passersby), and waded through the icy Lake Superior water to a small island just offshore. Slippery, cold, and a little daring – but completely unforgettable. We watched a deer make this trek last winter:

And of course, don’t miss the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. Built after a massive 1905 storm sank nearly 30 ships, the lighthouse was retired in 1969 but still open for tours, and even lights up once a year in memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Why We Love the North Shore

From the swinging bridge at Jay Cooke, to the Superior Trail in Grand Marais, to skipping rocks at Split Rock, the North Shore is packed with family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re into history, hiking, or just soaking in lake views, it’s the kind of trip that keeps you coming back again and again.

Fun Fact:

Fun fact: Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, over 31,000 square miles (about the size of South Carolina).

Click here for more about winter visits to the North Shore!

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September 9, 2025 By Kathryn

0 In 2025/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Parent Tip/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Minnesota State Fair with Kids: Tips & Ten Things To Do

Soon after moving to Minnesota, I learned that the State Fair is a “MUST DO!” Minnesotans are crazy about their fair and look forward to it all year. They call it the “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” If you’re bringing kids along, a little planning can help you enjoy the fair. Here are TEN kid-friendly highlights and tips to make it a great day at the fair.

Ten Things to Do with Kids

1. Eco Experience
The Eco Experience is great for curious kids who need a break from rides and crowds. Lots of hands-on exhibits. There’s a free outdoor nature play space with water feature, sand, hammocks, fort building, and native plants. It’s right next to Salem Lutheran dining hall.

2. Visit the Animals
Head to the barns for cows, sheep, pigs, goats, and horses. Many kids love watching the baby animals at the Miracle of Birth Center, where you might catch a live birth or see newborn calves, goats, sheep, and piglets.

3. Little Farm Hands
This hands-on exhibit is always a hit with younger kids. They can plant pretend crops, feed animals, and “sell” their goods at the market.

4. Ride the Rides
The Kidway has smaller rides. The Midway has roller coasters and games. The Giant Slide is a classic and my favorite ‘ride.’

5. Parades & Entertainment
Catch the daily parade (2 p.m.) filled with marching bands, floats, and fun characters. Also check out the free stages scattered around the fairgrounds for music and kid-friendly shows.

We watched a parade and fun street performer!

5. Try the Food (Pronto Pups!)
Of course, you’ll want to sample some food-on-a-stick, but there are plenty of kid favorites like cheese curds, mini donuts, and ice cream at the dairy building. Tip: Share portions so you can try more without overstuffing.

7. DNR Building and Park
A mini nature center right in the fair, perfect for fish lovers.

8. Sports Fans? Visit FAN Central or Misc. Sports Tents
We stopped by the Twins tent and Luke had a blast hitting baseballs (FREE!)! A fun way to burn some energy, practice their swings, and feel like they’re in the big leagues. If you are looking for Twins merch, I found a rack of $5 Twins t-shirts inside the tent!

9. Learn how to operate heavy equipment
Luke absolutely loved getting hands-on experience with three different tractors/excavaotors. You’ll find this exhibit just outside the 4H building and it’s FREE!

10. Butterly Exhibit
We loved the Butterfly exhibit – what a unique experience and reasonable price – $4 each.

Additional Tips:

WATER – Bring a reusable water bottle – there are filling stations around the fair.
SNACKS – I pack some meat sticks, granola bars, and fruit for my kids so they never get hangry. I give them a little ‘backpack’ or drawstring sack to wear for their snacks and water and miscellaneous things they want or win.
TENNIS SHOES – The ground is dirty (think animal droppings) and with all the walking you will thank me later.
BLUE RIBBON BOOK – Includes coupon and discounts you can use throughout the fair.
GRAND STAND – Go inside to explore lots of shops. I recommend Martin’s Wholesale Store on the Top Level, East side. This stand has a bunch of clearance items like hoodies, backpacks, and coats for a STEAL!
MAP – Grab a map first thing and plan out your route. The fair is the perfect opportunity for your kids to learn “map-reading” skills. Let them navigate how to find your next stop.

Those are my tips and tricks – what about you? What family-friendly recommendations do you have? Leave a comment by clicking on the little box by the Title of this post!

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August 31, 2025 By Kathryn

0 In 2025/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Mind-Bending Fun at the Museum of Illusions – A Must-Visit at Mall of America!

When I first suggested a trip to the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America, my teens weren’t exactly thrilled. “A museum?” They weren’t convinced. But the second we stepped inside, everything changed.

From the moment we walked in, they were completely hooked—calling me over to check things out, snapping photos, and constantly saying, “Whoa! Cool! Mom, look at this!” This isn’t your typical museum where you quietly observe from a distance—it’s an interactive, hands-on funhouse of mind-bending illusions that will have you questioning reality.

Walk on walls …

…. shrink and grow,

….defy gravity,

… and question reality in mind-tricking rooms.

Every corner is a new surprise, and trust me—you’ll want (and need) your camera!

✅ Perfect for all ages
✅ Great for families, friends, or date nights
✅ Absolutely worth the visit!

If you’re looking for something different and seriously FUN at MOA, add the Museum of Illusions to your list. Even the skeptics (like my teens) will leave amazed!

📍 Located at Mall of America

Teachers:

As a special thank you for their dedication and hard work, Museum of Illusions at Mall of America is offering teachers free admission during Teacher Appreciation Week and the remainder of the year with a valid school ID. Educators who visit during Teacher Appreciation Week will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a free class field trip to the Museum of Illusions Mall of America.

Click here to read my post on things to do at Mall of America besides shop

Click here for 24 FUN and Family Friendly things to do in and around the Twin Cities

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March 15, 2025 By Kathryn

0 In 2025/ Family/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Family Life Lately: Kids, Cold Season, and One Naughty Pup

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve shared a family life update, and what better time to do it than now—while I’m camped out in bed with a cold, trying to avoid spreading my germs to the rest of the house. They say moms don’t get sick days, but today I’m calling in “semi-sick-but-still-managing-life-from-my-pillow” mode. So, with a little extra time and a lot of tissues, here’s what’s been going on in our corner of the world.

The Cowboys

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George won’t stop growing up on me and is a JUNIOR in high school. He’s also taking a college class, working part time, and playing rec basketball.

Clark is busy with 9th grade basketball and spending any extra time with friends (he hopes to get to know every single person in his high school).

Paul is in 7th grade and busy with two different basketball teams and travel soccer, any free moments are spent cheering on his friends at THEIR sporting events.

Luke is keeping busy with wrestling and hanging with new neighbor friends and old neighbor friends.

Boys Weekend

Ted and the boys had an unforgettable weekend together—complete with football, food, and father-son bonding. As an early Christmas gift, Ted took them out for dinner, played games at the Mall of America, and treated them to a hotel stay. The highlight? Sunday’s Vikings football game, which was Paul and George’s first ever! They LOVED it!

Book Launch Party x 2

I’m so thankful to the neighbors and friends who came to our Turtle Trouble book launch parties! We had door prizes, a live reading, a hot chocolate bar, plus a visit from the illustrator. She created a custom coloring sheet, so we hosted a coloring contest for prizes too.

Christmas Day Recap

On Christmas morning, the boys came downstairs to find just four presents under the tree—two of which were for Ted. Paul immediately asked if there were more gifts coming. I smiled and told him he’d find out soon.

After breakfast, I sent the boys on a scavenger hunt to find their gifts. Once all the presents were found, I had another game ready to decide who got to open the first one. We alternated between games and opening gifts, giving us more time to enjoy each other’s company.

While the boys weren’t thrilled about the games (or me taking videos), Ted gently reminded them that participating was a gift to me. And though they pretended not to enjoy it, I could tell they did.

Once the games and presents were over, we had lunch, enjoyed the new gifts, and capped the day with ice skating and sledding in the evening.

The rest of Christmas break was low-key, as the flu made its way through the family one by one.

School Daze

Lately, I’ve been making the rounds in schools, reading to kids and teaching every grade from K-12. It’s been a blast—though let me tell you, shifting gears from kindergarten chaos to middle school energy keeps me on my toes. Every day is a new adventure!

One highlight? When I was teaching at a middle school recently, I scored an exclusive invite to sit with the cool kids—the middle school boys—at lunch!

Minneapolis Date

Ted and I recently managed to escape for a much-needed date—because sometimes you’ve got to remind yourself that you are more than just your kids’ snack supplier and chauffeur. We explored the Minnesota Sculpture Garden, where we tried to interpret what the sculptures were supposed to be: Is it a deep metaphor or just a giant spoon?

We then walked across the bridge to Gai Noi and enjoyed some amazing curry. It was one of those perfect afternoons where we felt like grown-ups again.

Wrigley’s Goes to Jail

Wrigley is doing great… aside from one minor run-in with the law.

It all started when I let him outside. Normally, he never leaves our yard, but of course, this one time, he decided to explore—I should add that he wasn’t wearing his collar. Thankfully, a kind neighbor one street over, found our adventurous (and overly friendly) dog. Not knowing where he belonged, she kindly escorted him to the local police station.

Apparently, Wrigley’s charm didn’t stop with our family; he sweet-talked the officers into taking his mug shot and posting it online to see if anyone recognized him. When I got a text from our neighbor asking, “Is this Wrigley?” I ran to check outside. No Wrigley. I asked the boys—no one had seen him. Sure enough, the fugitive in question was our Wrigley… chilling at the police station.

The reunion was equal parts embarrassing and sweet. Wrigley wagged his tail and jumped up to give me a hug, and I gave him a lecture he clearly tuned out.

He’s home safe now, keeping my reading spot warm and probably dreaming about his next “adventure.”

Turtle Trouble Book Love

Thanks to each of you who have purchased a copy of Turtle Trouble! I appreciate the love and support. It’s not too late to get a copy for a school, hospital, library, or child in your life! Click here to buy one, or send me a message for signed copies.

If you have a copy of the book – would you please leave an Amazon review (by clicking here)! Every review helps promote the book! Thank you in advance.

And that’s the latest from our little corner of the world, complete with kids, chaos, and one (now) law-abiding golden doodle. Life will not always be picture perfect, but it’s full of stories that keep us laughing, learning, and sometimes … stopping by the police station.

Thanks for catching up with us! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to refill my tea, grab a book, and see if Wrigley left me any room in my reading spot.

Until next time, stay well, stay warm, and maybe keep an eye out for any furry escape artists!

January 27, 2025 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Book Review/ Funny/ Giveaway/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys/ Review

Turtle Trouble: An Unforgettable Adventure with the Egly Brothers!

Have you ever reached into a mystery box without knowing what’s inside? The mix of excitement, a little fear, and a whole lot of fun? That’s how the Turtle Trouble book begins—a true story of curiosity and teamwork, featuring the four Egly brothers.

Turtle Trouble brings to life one of our family’s unforgettable adventures, where a fun-filled “What’s in the Box?” game takes an unexpected turn. What started as a simple challenge spiraled into something wilder. When a frog and a turtle join the game, the boys can’t wait to put their bravery to the test!

But, of course, adventure always comes with a twist: soon after a turtle appears, it mysteriously disappears! What follows is a fast-paced family search that has everyone wondering—where could the curious creature have gone? Will the boys be able to solve the mystery before it’s too late?

The True Story Behind Turtle Trouble

Writing this book was a joy! With four energetic boys, our family’s life is often filled with adventures, unexpected detours, and moments that make us laugh (or scramble!). The “What’s in the Box?” game was a favorite in our house, where each turn promises something new and exciting. But when real creatures entered the game, we were in for a story that would go down in Egly family history.

Turtle Trouble is a story of teamwork, curiosity, and a family’s determination to solve a problem together. Just like our last book, it’s about celebrating kindness, cooperation, and the fun of family life. Our boys had so much fun creating this memory that I knew I had to ‘re-create it’ into a book that we could share with other families.

Here is actual footage of the day this story was created:

Where to Find Turtle Trouble

If you’re looking for a story to make your little ones laugh, gasp, and cheer along with the Egly brothers, you can find Turtle Trouble on Amazon! It’s a perfect read for kids who love animals, mystery, and a dash of family fun.

Signed copies are available and would make a wonderful gift for any child up to age 12.

Click here for a signed copy.

Click here to find Turtle Trouble on Amazon.

Thank you for supporting Turtle Trouble—we hope it brings as much joy to your family as it has to ours!

Click here to find out more about Book #2 The Great Lake Rescue!

November 8, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Family/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Fall Break in the Twin Cities

When we moved to Minnesota I didn’t understand why people would go “up north” for vacation. Wouldn’t they want to go SOUTH and find sunshine and warm weather. Well, when I finally went “up north,” it all made sense. It’s magnificent.

As fall break approached, we thought about indulging in more of that ‘up north’ beauty. But instead, we decided to stay home, check out some local spots, and take a breather before sports and the holiday busy-ness have us running.

Here are some highlights:

Clark and Paul found recipes on TikTok. While I was working at the Artisan Home tour, they road their bikes to Aldi, bought groceries with their own money, and cooked chicken and pasta for the family! I could not have been more proud.

I took my first painting class and I loved it! I got to learn new techniques and meet some wonderful people

We made a trip to the Mall of America, where we explored the new Museum of Illusions—such a fun and mind-bending experience.

First college visit for George! We got a tour of the University of Minnesota. What a BEAUTIFUL campus.

The U of M has one of the largest campus bookstores in the county.

Beautiful historic buildings on the U of M campus!

We went to a Minnesota Timberwolves preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, AntMan was not playing, but it was still a fun game to watch.

Clark was back on the court. He is playing on a ‘pre-seaon’ team before his first ‘high school’ try out. Here’s a quick video highlight:

Luke had one additional day off so we spent the day together playing pickle ball and going to The Wild Robot. It was a cute movie, but we like the book better.

We are loving this unusually warm fall in Minnesota. The tree outside my house is bringing me absolute delight!

Thanks for reading and happy fall, y’all!

October 23, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Memories/ My Journey/ Raising boys

9-1-1 Emergency: The Hunt for My Son

“This is 9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” the man on the phone asked calmly.

“I’ve lost my son,” I stuttered between heavy, anxious breaths.

Paul was only 4. We had finished shopping and I asked him to climb into his car seat while I loaded our groceries. When I came around to buckle Paul into his seat, he wasn’t there.

“Paul?” I asked. No answer.

“Paul?” I said a little louder. No answer.

I looked inside the car. No Paul. I looked under the car. No Paul. I did a lap around my car. No Paul.

My heart was beating fast. I’m trying not to panic.

“Did you see a little boy with a red shirt?” I ask a woman getting into a car nearby. She shook her head no.

“I can’t find my son.” I say to people in the parking lot. No one has seen him.

A lady kindly offers to watch my other kids while I search for Paul.

I run back into the grocery store while scanning the parking lot. I see cars leaving and hope that Paul is not in one them. “Has he been kidnapped?” I think, terrified.

I look inside the grocery store. No Paul.

The store manager sends staff out to help find my son and I decide it’s time to call 911, “What’s your emergency?”

“I’ve lost my son.” I respond, with panic in my voice.

While I answer the dispatcher’s questions, I suddenly remember to pray. I silently say, “God, you know where Paul is. Please show me what to do or where to look.” I pause, take a shaky breath and feel a prompt, “Go look in your car again.”

I’m still answering the dispatcher’s questions when I climb into my minivan to get a better look. I climb to the backseat, and look down onto the floor. That is where I found little Paul, curled up behind the back seat, hiding.

“I found him! I found him!” I cry to the dispatcher and to the kind woman still watching my other children.

The dispatcher tells me how happy he is and then reminds me to breathe.

I hang up, take a deep breath and ask Paul what he’s doing curled up in the back of the car.

“I’m playing hide-and-seek with you Mommy!” he says with a big smile.

“Paul, please tell me we are playing hide-and-seek BEFORE you hide next time! I thought I lost you and I was scared.”

“But you FOUND me mom,” he playfully responds, full of joy.

I give him a hug and buckle him into his seat. I thank the kind woman watching my other children and get them buckled in too. As I climb into my seat and turn on the car, I notice I’m shaking. I take some deep breaths and pause to thank God for keeping Paul safe and helping me find him.

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Reflecting on, and writing this story, brought up all the feelings from that day – both the horror and fear I felt as I frantically searched for Paul, and the relief of finding him and the joy of answered prayer.

More importantly, on this day I had a clearer understanding and appreciation of how Jesus Christ pursued me when I was lost. Though, like Paul, I did not know I was lost, He found me. In His presence I found peace, acceptance, joy, unconditional love, purpose and LIFE.

In the book of Luke, chapter 15, Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep. A lost sheep in the wilderness is doomed. It has no protection and it would be only a short time before the coyotes or other predators would attack and kill it.

The Bible calls Jesus our Good Shepherd and says we are His sheep. If we are wandering this earth without allowing Him to guide us, we are easy targets for the enemy’s attack.

Just as I searched for my son, this story emphasizes the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit of us. In fact, the story shares how the Shepherd left the 99 sheep in his flock to find the ONE missing sheep.

I left my other sons to search for Paul because of my love and care for him. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, seeks us, His lost sheep – a pursuit fueled by love. The story in Luke 15 says that the Shepherd had “exuberant joy” when He found the lost sheep. He carried it to safety with “careful delight” (Luke 15:5 TPT).

As a Christ follower, I understand that my connection with God is not a result of my own pursuit but a response to the Him seeking me. In life’s chaos, we often find ourselves lost and yearning for a connection, and it’s through faith in Jesus that we find direction, protection, and unconditional love.

As we navigate life’s twists and turns, please know that just like a loving parent, God is continuously seeking you, inviting you into the warmth of His love. May you be found by Him and rest in His warm presence and careful delight.

Prayer:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for pursuing me with your love. May I be found by you and follow you all the days of my life. May I pause and remember you throughout my day and allow you to lead me. You are the Great Shepherd who leads with love toward peace, joy, and fulfillment. Amen.”

Verses to consider:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:9

April 23, 2024 By Kathryn

2 In 2023/ Family/ Inspiration/ Memories

Egly Family Updates and the Top Ten Most Popular Posts of 2023

2023 was full of goodness and growth!

George is thriving on the soccer field and an excellent new driver!
Clark is constantly generating new business ideas. He’s also enjoying travel basketball.
Paul is doing well with travel soccer and wrestling. He’s always up for a chat or debate.
Luke is dabbling in several sports. He’s an adventurous soul and always laughing.

Meanwhile, Ted is thriving at Target, making waves and leaving positivity in his wake. As for me, I’m substitute teaching at the boys’ schools. I also get the honor of writing for this blog as well as guest posting for others. My second children’s book, “The Great Lake Rescue,” was published in July!

Our furry family member, Wrigley, turned three this year. He’s officially earned the title of “World’s Best Dog,” bringing joy, laughter, and a whole lot of slobbery tennis balls into our lives.

We’ve moved again! We haven’t traded the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a tropical paradise. Nope, we’re still proudly repping Minnesota. We found a home that suits our tribe better, with less of a commute for Ted.

And now, here are the …