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.
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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.
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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.
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My mom prepared a wonderful meal that night that really got us all in the holiday spirit. The table was decorated beautifully.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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On New Years Day, Matt and I celebrated Christmas and enjoyed a nice meal (sorry, no picture)...and a lovely Cabernet from Hagafen Cellars.
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Rio hopes you had a terrific Christmas season and are off to a great start in 2013!
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Cheers!