Thanksgiving Adventures in Minnesota

Our week in Minnesota to visit the Roligs for Thanksgiving was, as expected, quite eventful. Lucas experienced his first snowfall, went sledding for the first time (and looooved it!), met Santa Claus, hung out with the next generation of Golden Gophers (Karen's college friends' kids), and enjoyed all kinds of attention from his cousins and Grandma & Grandpa Rolig, among others.
Karen and Jay got out on a few dates, as well, enjoying breakfast at the Edina Grill, dinner at Broder's, and a night at the movies (the surprisingly solid "The Next Three Days").
Thanks to everyone, especially Bonnie and Jack, for your Midwestern hospitality once again. Next time, though, we'd prefer it not to be 11 degrees, and the coldest Thanksgiving since '89. Please? Lucas and his grandparents had a happy airport reunion.


Lucas spent time with Karen's college friends' kids: Alex, Paige, Ryan & Michaela. He even got some alone time with Ryan and went in for his first kiss.


Brian & Kristy threw a raging party for Ingrid's baptism Sunday night. We especially loved the impromptu photo session with the cousins upstairs (left to right: Max, Lucas, Annika, Ingrid & Emerson).


We went to "Santaland" at the downtown Macy's so, as predicted, Lucas could meet Santa and yank his beard. Notice how Lucas is always looking in the same direction in all photos. Never at the camera, though.


Most memorable was Lucas' first sledding experience. He was flapping his arms (his patented sign of excitement) the whole time and couldn't stop grinning. Neither could we. Too bad the kid could barely move in all those winter layers.

The obligatory Posing of the Grandchildren in Their Christmas Outfits for the Christmas Card.


After a long week of being the center of attention, Lucas, who just wanted to spend some quality alone time with his newest cousin, had finally had enough...