Minnesotahhhh….

B and I were able to sneak up to Minnesota between Christmas and New Years while C enjoyed an adventure of his own (I am sure he will post about his little New Years treat).

I relish whatever time I can get “Up North” in the winter…it is always such a treat to get a winter/snow fix…and even more fun now that I get to experience it through B’s little eyes.

Below are several photos from our trip (in chronological order)…

B loves taking bath’s in his Gram and Grandpa’s bathtub…this was how he started out his trip!

After bath time, B and Gatsby dog enjoyed good bedtime story.

I’ll admit, I enjoyed the story too!

We were able to sneak up to the cabin before the New Year…B was a little unsure of walking in the snow…

But seemed to have his Gram and Grandpa wrapped around his finger as they carried him through the cold white stuff.

These bee pajamas were a Christmas gift…and something cozy to wear after playing outside.

One day, we headed to the Mall of America to play because the temperature outside was pretty cold.

B enjoyed playing at Lego Land…

But enjoyed riding rides with his Grandpa even more!  Unfortunately, I had to be a spectator…they didn’t allow pregnant mommas on any of the rides.

My mom and I enjoyed capturing all the fun with the camera!

We have a very similar photo of my dad taking me on the Dumbo ride at Disney World…

B chose this rabbit to ride on the carousal…

And of course found a train to ride!

The morning of rides wiped B out…this is how he looked at the end of our trip.

Later in our visit, we took B bowling. I was sure that he would get a kick out of rolling a ball down the long narrow lane…I WAS WRONG!!!

He strongly disliked the thought of bowling…check out the skepticism in his little face...

He looked pretty cute, despite his disdain!

And later slowly warmed up to the idea…

The lane bumpers and ramp allowed B to have the highest score of the group.

On New Years day, we enjoyed breakfast with B’s great Minnesota Mimi and Grandpa…B showed them his love for trains.

Later in the day, we watched the Rose Parade…

When B saw the TCU emblem on TCU’s float he started bouncing up and down, pointed to the TV and said “TEESEEEU! TEEESEEEU!” It was hysterical!

Just imagine him saying “TEEESEEU!” in this photo…

Both B and I enjoyed watching the parade…I’ll admit, I was wishing that I was there to represent my favorite team.

Later in the day, my parents and I enjoyed hosting a Rose Bowl party.  We invited several family members over to watch the game…some of whom graduated from the University of Wisconsin…I never would have thought that my cousin M’s alma-mater and my alma-mater would ever be playing each other in football,though neither of us are die-hard fans,  it was fun to watch the game together.

This is M & I (both pregnant) supporting our different teams…

This was the littlest Badger and littlest Frog in attendance at our party.

After watching the Frogs win!!! B enjoyed another bedtime story…

Just before we headed home, we headed out to the local ski area where my mom’s dream of taking her grandchild skiing came true!

Yes, it’s true…little B at all of 22 months tried his hand at skiing.

I was impressed by how willing he was to wear the miniature ski boots…

He didn’t like not being able to walk on his own, but seemed to like being carried by my mom. I wish I could have skied myself, but had to show restraint with my growing belly.

The outing turned out quite well, B and his Gram had the entire bunny hill to themselves.

Initially we heard some tears…but by the end we heard giggles as our little snow bunny made his way down the hill. The duo made 6 runs in total…it was a short outing, but fun none-the-less!

We were sure to enjoy some hot chocolate in the chalet when we were done (B enjoyed some chocolate milk). 

B liked watching the other skiers and snowboarders come down the hill from the warmth of the chalet.

Our little guy looked so cute in his snow pants, hat, mittens and coat…he even had his own lift ticket!

Before heading back to Texas, we said some good byes to B’s great Grandma & Grandpa…B (and my mom) showed off photos from their big ski trip.

And were sure to enjoy a group “Bear Hug” before we left.

It was such a treat to be able to spend some time with Minnesota family and friends and crazy to think that this was my last visit with just one little one in tow!

Unwinding from a trip like this is always a challenge…in that I leave wishing that I could experience living in Minnesota and Texas at the same time. 

But regardless of the challenge, I  treasure whatever time in Minnesota I can get and obviously always look forward to getting back to the life that God has blessed us with in our neck of the wood, where C, B and I get to be our own little family.

Happy New Year!

Be blessed.