Holidays

Well, we are back and all settled in after a long time on the road.  It seemed that each time we had a new destination, snow, wind or ice seemed to plague our journey.  This made for some long rides in the car.  BUT, we did manage to see everyone and have a great time.  

Road conditions: BLIZZARD, NO TRAVEL ADVISORY, I-94 CLOSED ON RETURN TRIP

We started out in Northfield with Christmas with Marylu and the boys.  We played games and spent some quality time together.  My favorite part was the gift exchange when three year old Eric was fine with stealing other's gifts, but was completely upset that someone took one of his. He was so upset that when he talked to his mom on the phone he kept telling her about this girl who took his gift (note: I wasn't the "girl").  Perhaps he was a bit young to participate in the exchange, but it made for good entertainment. 

Road conditions: SNOW

The next weekend, we headed back out into the snowy elements for Christmas in Winona. We all gathered at Roger's for pizza, games and gifts.  Eric was again the highlight as he proclaimed, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" as he opened a gift and we asked him what it was and he said "it's this!". He was quoted several times that weekend.

A few days later we spent some time with our friends the Paulsons.  It was great to catch up and check out one of the old college hotspots (Wellington's, aka "The Well") and remember the good old days.

Road conditions: MORE SNOW

We headed to the Rosstedt's in Plymouth early Christmas Eve morning.  Well, with a short stop at IKEA, of course.  We hung out, watched some football and prepared for Santa's arrival. Christmas morning Derek and Gavin arrived and oh boy was Santa nice this year. We opened gifts and had a wonderful Christmas dinner. 

Road Conditions:  BLOWING SNOW and SUBZERO TEMPS

We headed back to Fargo on Christmas evening, worked a very productive day on Friday and headed back on the road Friday night.

Road Conditions:  FREEZING RAIN, SLEET and a NO-TRAVEL ADVISORY

Brainerd here we come!  We met our friends Dan and Julie Paulson (and baby to be) from California, and Matt Parker and his girlfriend Jill from Red Wing, MN for an early New Year's celebration.  The beer flowed like wine and with TWO designated drivers, we were a party on wheels.  We had good eats, battled Ms Pac-Man, a little Foosball and maybe a shot or two..or three at the local watering hole(s). It was a fun and relaxing time after our Christmas caravan.