Menzie's Visit Day 5 -12/22 - Mani/Pedi and Game Night

Today included more hockey with Canyon having 2 games (JV and Varsity). While the boys were all open to watching more hockey, the girls decided to get pedicures and manicures, a nice treat from Auntie Annie. We ended with a chilling night at home that included soup and ham made by Auntie Annie, family game night and some puzzling. Hannah and Rebecca were especially excited to see some fresh flurries of snow!

Menzies Visit Day 4 - 12/21 - IMAX & Minneapolis

We continued to stay busy each day. Day 4 included an outing to see AquaMan at the IMAX theater, a truly special experience on the BIG screen. After the movie, we headed downtown for Hollidazzle, an outdoor winter festival that includes a market, skating rink, food, and Santa. Tonight's special feature was Drag Queen bingo! After Hollidazzle, we headed to Basilica of St. Mary's to see Handel's Messiah by the St. Paul Orchestra, a special Christmas concert. The night ended with family karaoke night! Presley was not able to join us this night because she had a special holiday practice with Eden Prairie alums that now play hockey in college that ended with a holiday party with her teammates.

Menzies Visit Day 3 - 12/20 - Candy Store ("Not") and Hockey

Day 3 with the Menzies included a trip for Kathy and Ron to get Ron's haircut (where he fell asleep as usual) and a failed trip with Trisha, Annie, Rebecca and Hannah to Minnesota's Largest Candy Store (which was closed for the season). Grandma Harriet arrived from Chicago with lots of yummy pierogis for us to enjoy on Christmas Eve. We also had some more hockey, this time to see Canyon play. Roxxy and Domino are also enjoying all our visitors, taking time sleeping with each of our guests!

Menzies Visit Day 2 - 12/19 - Mall of America

Hannah and Rebecca were very excited to check out some of their favorite stores at the Mall of America. We had a busy day that included rides at Nickelodeon Universe, a stop at the Hard Rock Cafe for drinks, and lots of and lots of shopping. Day 2 ended with a great salmon dinner prepared by Annie and Terry and a fashion show with some of Auntie Annie's clothes.

Christmas with Menzies 2018 - Day 1 - 12/18 Family Arrives

We were so excited to have the Menzies join us this year from Australia for Christmas. It has been 3.5 years since our families were together. They arrived on December 18th along with Annie and Terry from Seattle. Grandma Harriet arrived on the 20th. It was a busy holiday week with both old and new traditions and lots of great memories being created. We started our holiday week with a trip to the Eden Prairie Community Center to watch Presley play hockey and a visit to an Eden Praire house that puts on a great holiday light show choreographed to music. And the evening ended with the boys playing music together.

Winter and Christmas on it's Way

Winter is here. The pets are just getting used to the snow. They love hanging out and playing together. This picture of Roxxy and Domino just makes my heart just melt.



We had a 3 day celebration for Dad's birthday this year. Celebration started with family yoga at a Harp to Heart event at our gym. The night included candlelit yoga to harp music followed by some live music and food. Day 2 included gift opening and ice cream cake. Day 3 included a Wild game with Dad's new Wild gear.



The Menzies (and the rest of the extended family) are coming to MN this year. This year we have 3 beautiful live Christmas trees of varying sizes - one cut fresh, one from Costco and one from our traditional tree lot. We take turns putting the Santa on top of the tree. We couldn't remember who did it last year and didn't have a photo to help us so Presley took the honors this year. Later, I looked at the photos and found that the last documented "Santa placing" photo was 2014 (and was Canyon). Oops! I think we might have missed a couple of years because sickness. Getting back on track.

Tree #1 - Fresh Cut Tree (in the basement)


Tree #2 - Costco Tree (on the porch)


Tree #3 - Target Tree Lot (with Presley topping the tree)

Hockey Season Begins - 2018-19

The high school hockey season has begun for both Presley and Canyon. Canyon will be playing JV with some Varsity time (swingline and for injuries) and Presley will be playing predominantly Varsity (with some extra skating time on JV). Both seasons are off to a great start and it has been really fun to see how both of them have grown since last season! Stay strong Pergandes!!!