Minnesota / Winter / Cold

Prologue ~ So yeah, summer is over, but I have some pictures from this past winter that I want to show you. (Jess and Dad - I think you may be the only two who look at this.)

Devin and I were in Minnesota for roughly four months - the longest either of us had been there since 2004 (Emily) and 1999 (Devin.)  It was wonderful to spend time with family and friends, although I would have preferred the months of May, June, July, and August, over January, February, March, and April.  Our timing wasn't awesome, but we made the most of MN winter.

What did we do?

Devin went ice-fishing with Brandon and Pete and a few of Brandon's friends.  They fished all day and between the 5 of them I think 2 fish were caught.  But that's not really the point of ice-fishing, is it?

I put on a snowmobile suit that Dad was borrowing from a friend and I went outside to play in the snow with Yeti.  It was awesome.

We dressed Yeti up for the cold.  As you can see, he didn't appreciate our thoughtfulness.  In fact, he wouldn't move until we took the hat and jacket off.  

We marveled at the fact that it was this cold.  I like to think that it makes people tough, but MN winters just make me lazy.

I was able to hang out with my old friends more than I've been able to in years - which still wasn't as much as I would have liked!  We also met Kasper Williams who was born on January 1st.  I'm so proud of my friend and the awesome mom she has become!

Jason and Mandy Ziemann, and Devin and I played BINGO a few times!  It was fun and hilarious and I highly recommend it!  However, be prepared to work!  This is no easy game... 

We were able to spend a lot time with Isaac Iten which I loved because I think next time we see him he'll remember who we are.  He introduced us to Yo Gabba Gabba and our lives will never be the same!  (There's always a party in my tummy!)  He's an awesome little kid and we miss him!  

One reason I love central Minnesota - there is a bar called The Friendly Buffalo - and we spent a great night there with Brandon, Nikki, and their friends.  We tried the Nordeast...once.  Did you know there is a "Chuck Norris" shot?  Seriously.  When I texted Jill about it she asked what was in it other than strength.    

Kelli, Christian, Laura, Adam, Devin, and I had the best intentions to go see the St. Paul Winter Carnival  - the ice sculptures, the parade.  However, we met at the Great Waters Brewery and 4 hours, 16 pitchers, and 200 pictures later, the bar closed and the carnival was over.  Needless to say, we had fun.

  

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Devin and I flew out to Reno, Nevada to visit Nancy and Jeff for a week in February!  It was great to see them, spend time in Reno, and get onto the slopes!  We skied/rode at Kirkwood Mountain and Northstar and had some of the best snow/weather we've ever had on the mountain.

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My one and only grandma celebrated her 90th birthday in March and we had a great party for her!  I have pictures from that day, but maybe I'll put them up on another post.  Also in another post - our trips to Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago...

The weekend before we left Minnesota, Devin went to Brandon and Nikki's Kentucky Derby party - although Nikki wasn't there.  Brandon won and Devin scooped poop.  As far as the actual derby results - I have no idea.

Ok.  I'm getting there...