Christmas in America

For the first time since 2006, we spent the holidays in the comforts of our Minnesota home(s).  Despite the logistics of having family and friends in all corners of the state, we had one of the best US visits yet and had plenty of time to spend with everyone.  The holidays are always a little tricky when you have to balance two families, siblings, and multiple sets of grandparents that all want to see you (we wanted to see you too).  It is even much more difficult as expats.  However, this year ended up being a breeze and thus, our trip home was fun and relaxing, if not a tad over-indulgent (too much merry-making, clearance sales, dinners out, and days stormed in with nothing to do but eat more and play cards).

We kicked off our tour of Minnesota at the W Hotel for a classic Christmas sweater affair.  The Prohibition Bar, while slightly pricey, has fantastic views of the city and was a comfortable place to catch up with friends.

BB - You have officially arrived.

The morning after prohibition, which most definitely did not live up to its name, we headed down to St. Peter for an early Christmas celebration with Lou's family.  Next time we see them, there will be an additional dishwasher.

We then hit the highway for the long drive up to East Grand Forks where we had originally planned to spend a few days and then gather with my entire family in Brainerd.  Unfortunately, 26 inches of snow prevented us from leaving our driveway.  We played all indoor games - cards and board games galore and the usual outdoor activities - sledding, snowmobiling, igloo building, deer-feeding.

Our future roommate.  Hopefully this expression doesn't reflect how easy she will be to live with.

My sister's boyfriend from California getting a few pointers on the art of snowmobiling.

More Christmas and Oxford to come soon....