Homeward bound again

It's hard to believe I'm already heading back to Minnesota (and even harder to believe my family didn't just decide to scrap the snow and fly down here for the holidays instead!) Regardless, I'm thrilled to be taking a long break from FL to be with family and friends over the next couple weeks. I feel like I just finished finals and should be packing up my dorm room. ;-)

In the hustle and bustle of wrapping up work projects, purchasing gifts, lining up a dog sitter, etc. I didn't get around to putting up a tree in my apartment this year. However I did come across an idea that might have to be taken into consideration next year. Behold the 'Redneck Christmas Tree' -- made entirely out of Mountain Dew cans!


I don't actually know to whom this um, AVANT GARDE creation can be attributed, but I would strongly suspect many of my Southern compatriots to be capable of such an undertaking. And truthfully -- I'm surprised they didn't use beer cans!

My Whirlwind Week in the Land of Winter

Turns out travel makes for very hectic days! I'm back in Florida after my Minnesota trip last week to see family and attend a work retreat, and I'm finally finding an opportunity to post. ;-)

When I landed in Minneapolis I was well-prepared for the climate -- with a wool pea coat, sturdy Northface boots, and a coordinated hat/mitten/scarf set. Quite the shocker to leave FL on a 70 degree day and three hours later be blasted by single digit highs, frigid winds and dangerous roads. Upgrading my rental to a 4WD was not a difficult decision! Luckily I was able to arrive a few days before the work week, and took advantage by spending the entire weekend with the familia.

Lucas (expectedly) is growing by leaps and bounds! While feeding him in his high chair, I attempted to school him on the finer points of "self-feeding." He's working hard at holding juice cups and popping those Gerber Graduate yogurt bites into his mouth... however he's currently more adept at putting cell phones into his mouth.
Working his prep look in the Baby Gap shirt I sent for his six month birthday.

On Saturday night I caught Gram and Gramps for dinner at the ol' Fishtale Grill. I'm already salivating over visions of the pies and goodie trays Grandma wll soon be preparing for family Christmas next week, and I'm really, really looking forward to be seeing all the extended family again. It's been a long time!

On Sunday we made a big brunch at Russ and Carrie's, and lounged around in our pajama's -- alternately watching the Vikes games and playing with Baby Boy. Of the semi-healthy dishes I brought to the table, the turkey bacon seemed to garner more fans than the pineapple-banana breakfast stuffing. Oh well, can't win 'em all.
Dinner in Roch with Kristi, Carv, Mikey and Tork was wonderful. If you are a Rochesterite and haven't tried Twigs Tavern yet, it's definitely worth checking out!

Monday through Thursday was dense with work and lots of great retreat activites, but I managed to sneak in a lunch with a few colleagues... next time I'm in town it likely won't involve work, so I'm hoping for more opportunities to catch up!