A little trip North

I am a little late with this post, but a very hectic week got in my way. About a week and a half ago I headed home to Minneapolis for a long weekend with the family. The main reason was to celebrate my moms 60th birthday, but at the same time, my hair needed some major TLC, so a visit to the salon was in order.

I drove up on Tuesday night due to the fact that I needed to be back Saturday night to prepare for our annual Super Bowl party. I didn't get in until late, so after a little catching up with my mom and stepdad, it was off to bed. I awoke Wednesday morning with a smile on my face knowing I had the next 3 days to spend with my favorite people in the world, my sisters.  So after running errands with mom, I headed down to meet Jordan and Paige. Jordan was getting her hair cut by Paige, so I hoped over the salon to say hi. After talking about my moms party a bit and getting a game plan for the next few days, Jordan and I left Paige to finish work. We spent the rest of the day shopping(hello, tax free cloths) and then to my parents to make dinner. After dinner we made a few of the desserts for the next day(mom's birthday get together).

I woke up Thursday, to the most dreadful sight, and I thought Nebraska was bad.

In case you can't see my mom's doggie thermometer, that says -17, yes,the actual temperature. Feels like was only -24 at the time.  One look at that thermometer cured me of ever wanting to live there. Don't get me wrong, I will visit all the time, but seriously, -17, that's just plain stupid.

Despite the cold and my utter disbelief that I was not in an awful nightmare, I managed to get ready and start the birthday extravaganza. The day started with my mom, two sisters and I getting manicures and pedicures.

After that we drove down to Dinkytown (this is right off the U of M campus), very cool little area. We got family waxes(oh yeah, with 3 girls, its gonna happen) at the Refinery then popped over to Potbelly's for some warm soup and sandwiches. And of course, the best and biggest pickles in MN!!!

I am the biggest pickle fan, pregnant or not. As a kid, I ate pickle sandwiches. Growing up, my mom would buy the massive jars from Sam's club to keep my sisters and I happy. And of course, to make my  pickle life story even better, I married someone who LITERALLY gags at the smell of pickles. I wish I was being dramatic here. If we are out to eat and our food comes and there is a pickle on Ross's place, I hurry up and take it off and wipe his plate down with my napkin so he will eat his food. Needless to say, much of my pickle consumption happens before Ross gets home from work or far away from him.

After my pickle fix, we stopped by Babies R Us to check out a few strollers, cribs and car seats.  Holy overwhelming. Do babies seriously need all that crap??? An entire warehouse sized store for babies, really.  OK, I am in!! I roamed every isle, sat in all the rockers and tried to figure out why there are 65 different brands of bottles. Oh boy, I have my work cut out. Mainly in the self control department, a $250 infant bathtub that has jets and an adjustable back, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it. But them Paige made the point that when the baby is done using it, I can give myself pedicures in it. I love that girl, finds a way to justify the craziest stuff, sounds totally practical to me!!

After that trip I needed a big glass of Pinot, oh shoot I forgot. OK, I settled for a red velvet cheesecake cookie. Much better. So we headed home and got ready for the party. Nothing big or extravagant, just a nice little gathering with some delicious food and drinks. My sisters and I made some shredded beef tacos, Brushetta, a layered greek dip, cheese and crackers, buffalo chicken bites, and some fruit. Then for dessert we made Red Velvet cheesecake cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, and Key Lime cheesecake cupcakes. Yes, it was all as delicious as it sounds. I tried everything except the wide selection of wines, but I did bury my nose in Paige's wine glass a few times for a good whiff. It was a fun get together and I got a kick out of everyone in disbelief that my mom is 60. Yeah, you look good momma. Happy Birthday!!

Friday was a day full of outlet mall shopping with Paige. It again was like -5 and snowing, so the weather made it a little difficult to fully appreciate the good deals, but we managed. I came home with goods from Under Armour, Gap, and lululemon. A very good day with some great company. The exciting day wasn't over just yet.  After getting home, eating some dinner and changing into my PJ's, I settled in on the couch to catch up on blogs. Well, as I am sitting there with my hand on my belly holding my Ipad, I felt it. A FOR REAL KICK!!! It was amazing and weird and life changing all at once. Since that moment, i have been able to feel every little movement my little peanut was making. I love it.

Saturday I got up, packed and headed down to Juut at Southdale. Since I am safe to color my hair, I needed to touch up my Balayage and get a cut. Thanks to Dana for the amazing color and my amazing sister Paige for the cut. I seriously will drive 5 hours for this cut, she is AMAZING!!!

It was a great trip home, despite the subzero temperature. I seriously treasure all the time I get to spend with my sisters, you don't know how good you got it until they are 6 hours away.