Utah Trip Round-up

The surprise was a success. Luke still didn't figure it out, even when we pulled up to the airport, suitcases in tow. But he was all smiles as we were getting on the plane.

We:
- ate a lot of Cafe Rio (twice, at least)
- had fun playing with cousins Ryan and Calvin
- did some sewing projects (yes, I really did. you can get up off of the ground now - I know you've fallen over in shock as I don't sew. But my sister does - and she can teach anyone). I'll post pics of my apron because I'm pretty darn proud of it.
- had Caroline take some gorgeous pictures of my kids in their Christmas get-up
- took in the Christmas lights in downtown Provo and at Thanksgiving point
- caught up with old friends
- had a great time in the sunny, 50 degree weather!

Shhhhhh . . .

In a few hours, we're on our way here:

Luke doesn't know we're going.

When we were kids, my parents used to do this all the time - they'd pick us up from school and just take us somewhere. Or they'd plan a trip but we woudn't know until we got on the flight where we were going. We loved it.

I hope he does too.

PS - anyone out there that wants to get together this week? The trip was sort of last minute so I haven't planned a lot yet. Let me know!

It's beginning to look like Christmas

The day after Thanksgiving may be my favorite part of the holiday weekend. Pumpkin pie for breakfast. Lots of great shopping (though Ken way out-shopped me this year, I'll have you know).

And we put up the tree and decorations, with Christmas music in the background.

A few pics of the kids "helping" (I love the way the tree looks with about a billion ornaments approximately 2 1/2 feet off the ground).

Flashback

I needed a workout this morning.

Ken is gone and the kids were asleep.

The ONLY workout video in my house is a 10+ year old copy of my buddy Billy and a solid 35 minutes of tae bo.

We used to do this in our apartments in college and medical school.

Honestly? It was pretty good for me. And I'm already a little sore (should I be admitting that?)

Dig him out. I'm sure you've got him buried in your collection too.

Dazzle Me

Some more photos from the first night of the Holidazzle parade* I love downtown - I love the people and the lights and the atmosphere. Especially at Christmas.

*parade where the floats and costumes are made of lights. Runs all the way through
Christmas. Yes, it's outside. We Minnesotans aren't 'fraid of no cold.

Luke and his cousins waiting for the parade to start

Evie Enchanted (she loved this musician. see the post below)

Luke and Evie getting cozy

And of course, the lights:

Evelyn and the Star Tribune

Evie loves to dance (loves).

We were at the Holidazzle parade tonight in Minneapolis when she met up with a man and his horn, playing near the parade.

She was mesmerized - staring at him, dancing, trying to touch his coat.

And the Star Tribune caught it on camera.

Check out her photo and article here.

(belated) Girls' Night Out - Twilight

Last Friday, with 24 of my closest girlfriends we saw this:

We took the Cheesecake Factory by storm.

Had a gift exchange (note the Edward bookmark. We may or may not have worn the buttons on our shirts and hats for the rest of the evening).


Braved hundreds of squealing pre-teens to claim our seats in the theater.


We giggled like schoolgirls over the movie.










We need another excuse to do this again soon.

Thanks Stacey for the great idea, planning (and pics). See her full review here.