It was so nice to have some time off from work and enjoy the company of my wonderful family and friends.
After a huge winter storm blew across the state, Leah and I drove down to central Iowa to visit with some very good friends...and some of my college friends.
My parents then met us for a Mannheim Steamroller concert.
Having listened to Mannheim Steamroller with my mom since I was little while cleaning and putting up Christmas decorations (I'm pretty sure she has every holiday cd), it was fun to see the band in person. I had been so excited to see this concert since I was told almost two months ago that my parents had purchased tickets. Mannheim Steamroller put on a great show...highly recommended.
After a couple days at home baking Christmas goodies and relaxing, everyone finally arrived on Christmas day. I was so excited to see my nieces.
My mom prepared a wonderful meal that night that really got us all in the holiday spirit. The table was decorated beautifully.
The next few days were spent enjoying time with each other and visiting extended family. After saying goodbye at the airport to my mom, dad and Leah...
I grabbed a table at Ike's on Summit for the Vikings vs. Packers game (the game the Vikings won...not lost)...and enjoyed a Summit Horizon Red Ale from Summit Brewing Company.
Time always goes so fast when I go home, but it was nice to know that Matt and Rio would be waiting for me when I returned to Alaska. Because New Year's Day fell on a Tuesday, I had a couple days to relax before getting into the normal swing of work.
On New Years Day, Matt and I celebrated Christmas and enjoyed a nice meal (sorry, no picture)...and a lovely Cabernet from Hagafen Cellars.
Rio hopes you had a terrific Christmas season and are off to a great start in 2013!
Cheers!