Getaway

We took a little vacation this weekend to Minnesota. DD received a gift certificate from Santa to Build-A-Bear Workshop, so we travelled to Mall of America to create "Alicia" the World Wildlife Federation snow leopard. Alicia roars and wears quite a hoochie-mama outfit (DD's taste in clothing scares me a bit).

We ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (one of DD's best impressions and favorite movies is "Forrest Gump"). It was great for DH and me, but a bit too spicy for DD.

We stayed at Country Inn & Suites in Woodbury - - it had a nice pool & hot tub . . . and cable tv. We don't have cable on the farm and whenever we are somewhere with cable, we turn into lazy zombies. I especially like TLC and HGTV ("Flip This House" is so cool).

On Saturday, DD had ski lessons from 10 am - 3 pm. She was so nervous - - but did great. While she was in lessons, DH and I hit the slopes. I was a bit over-confident on my first run. After falling 4-5 times down the first hill, I picked up my skiis and walked down. After pouting and nursing my wounds for a bit, I got back out there. By 2 pm, DD was spent (so was Mom!). By 2:15, DD was asleep in the car on the way back to the hotel. We ordered dinner in the room and vegged (in front of cable tv, of course) and were all asleep by 8:45 pm.

This morning, DH was in a terrible hurry "to get going" so we packed, had a light breakfast, and drove to Rochester to meet Tommy Boy and his bride. Had a great brunch and chatted for a couple hours.

Found a lake and fed the geese.

On to visit the clan at Sugar Creek Farm, where I received an impromptu tractor driving lesson from Matt. DD "helped" with chores, and we took home a bundle of beef. It's always great fun to visit with Matt & Kelli.

We picked up Tucker (Grammy D was kind enough to dog sit) and headed home. Again, DD was asleep in the back - - DH carried her up to bed at 7:15.

A wonderful, busy, friend- and fun-filled weekend. We are truly blessed. . .