Weekend Recap: Fam visit, Meritage & TwinsFest

 At 5:45 on Friday night, my fam arrived for the weekend. Chester was beside himself with excitement. He loves visitors! We spent about an hour with Chester before heading downtown to Meritage for dinner. It was delightful! I had my usual favorite Moules Frites, and Adam had the Cassoulet. My parents both had the Hanger Steak and my sister had the Trio of Pork. Everyone agreed the meal was quite delicious! My mom even tried escargot, which we split as an app. For dessert, Adam got a caramel ice cream pop because it was his birthday celebration, Christine had mousse au chocolate, and I split creme brulee with the table. Yum.

After dinner, we strolled through Rice Park to see the ice carvings. Carving had just started, so there wasn't a lot to see, but it was still neat. Though it was cold. Very cold.

We slept in on Saturday, and then Christine and I left to pick up Kelly for TwinsFest. Mom spent the day at home with a snuggly little puppy, while Adam and my dad spent the day ice fishing. They didn't catch a ton, but had a great time.

Christine, Kelly and I also had a great time at TwinsFest.We were there from about 11 until 4, and got all the autographs we wanted. Since we didn't really care about any of the current players, we got all our autographs at the Down on the Farm station. We did stand in line a lot, but it was a nice time to visit with each other. Plus we saw a lot of players walk by which was cool.

 I have lots of photos to share, so I'll do most of that in another post. For now, a few highlights -


Getting Sano's autograph with 10 minutes to spare (we were in line for 1.5 hours for it!) -

Recognizing Terry Ryan - "Terry, I'm not happy with your decisions... TRADING BEN REVERE" -

Trevor May catching me creeping with my camera -

Getting Aaron Hicks autograph (maybe my new favorite?) -

 Getting our photo taken with a very friendly Bert Blyleven (so worth the $5!) -

Kyle Gibson signing my ball AND offering to sign my pennant -

Being up close for my guy Anthony Swarzak's interview at the Diversity Corner - 

 That night, we got pizza from Savoy's and watched The Dark Knight Rises.

Sunday morning, my family got loaded up and headed out around 10. I dropped Kelly off at college, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing. I made French Toast for brunch, which we enjoyed along with Blood Orange Mimosas.

We had fun working on the 1000 piece Las Vegas puzzle that my Aunt Lisa kindly lent to us. Chester felt neglected and really wanted to help.

I had a headache most of the weekend, and around 3 on Sunday it really started pounding so I went to lay down for a few hours with an ice pack. I was quite miserable.

Thanks to my fam for coming up for the weekend! It was a great time!

Weekend Recap: Adam Ice Fishing, Stef & Chester Snuggling

This was the weekend for Adam's annual ice fishing trip to Mille Lacs with friends. They left Friday morning and returned early Sunday afternoon. Sounds like they had a good time, but didn't catch much. As in 2 fish. Total.

Adam was lucky enough to catch one of them. At about 3 AM! Adam and his 22" walleye.

Chester and I spent the weekend at home. I only went outside to take Chester for walks and to the bathroom. We spent a lot of time on the couch and I read a lot of my book (A Feast for Crows). It was glorious.

On Friday night, we did some snuggling and trip planning for Seattle next summer. Chester was very helpful, of course.

Chester helping me on the laptop from another angle.

Saturday, I did some housework, and of course more snuggling, reading, and trip planning. This is what I saw for most of the day -

That night, my friend and former college roommate Laura came over. We had pizza and chatted. It was nice to catch up and have a girl's night! Naturally, Chester spent most of the evening on my lap.

Adam returned on Sunday, and we had a lazy day watching football.

When it's this cold out, I love a good weekend of hibernating at home!

Weekend Recap: Adam's Birthday Dinner & Ice Fishing

On my way home from work Friday, I stopped by PetSmart to pick up another Martha Stewart bed for Chester. He loves the one we gave him for Christmas last year, but it's been residing in the kitchen for the past few months since he's been allowed free reign of the kitchen while we're gone. Of course he needs one for the living room as well, so he can relax with an antler or bone.

He loved it, and sat on it right away!

A little after 6 we headed downtown for our 6:30 dinner reservation at Faces Mears Park. We had previously dined there once last winter with Adam's family. This time we had a deal for a 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings. It was such an amazing experience, I just can't say enough about how much fun we had.

We were seated along the windows, and had a lovely view of Mears Park.

Sorry for the horrible photos - it was low light and I didn't want to use flash!

The chef came out with every course to explain it and answer any questions we had. Our waiter was also very good. I thought the service was amazing.

First Course: Seared Scallop in a Puff Pastry paired with a Brut Cava

This may have been my favorite course. The scallop was done perfectly, and the sauce was delicious. Paired with the crunch of the puff pastry, it was out of this world good.

Second Course: Prawn Mac & Cheese paired with a white wine (with apple notes)

The mac and cheese was very flavorful, and the panko encrusted prawn was yummy. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the wine, and drank all of it!

Third Course: Filet Mignon wrapped in phyllo paired with a red wine

This course was also extraordinary. It was extremely flavorful and the filet was so tender. After the meal was complete, we both agreed that the best course was between this and the first. I can't stand red wine, so Adam got all of mine with this course.

Fourth Course: Seafood Tagine paired with another Red wine

This was actually the same dish (on a smaller scale) that I had on our previous visit to Faces, so it wasn't new to me. It was still delicious. I'm not a fan of the included salmon (I'm just not a salmon fan), but the mussels were wonderful and I just can't get enough of the tagine sauce. It's lemon, cilantro, paprika, cumin and cayenne that really give it it's flavor. They provided a basket of bread for us to dip in the sauce. Let's just say none of it was left on either of our dishes. Yum. Once again, I'm not a red fan so Adam had mine. He loved that.

Fifth Course: Baked Alaska paired with Moscato

For dessert, we shared a chocolate Baked Alaska. The presentation of this was probably better than the dessert itself. It wasn't bad, but it was probably my least favorite of the courses. I did enjoy that it was paired with a glass of sweet Moscato. I may have found another new favorite wine!

We were there until a little after 9, but the time flew by. It was so much fun and a really special way to celebrate Adam's birthday together!

Saturday was a delightful sleep in day. In the afternoon, we decided to venture out in the cold (like 9 degrees with a negative windchill) for a little ice fishing adventure. It was my first time since I was about 5. It was not fun. We didn't catch anything. I was freezing cold setting up the shack (though inside was quite comfortable). And I was absolutely terrified of walking on the ice and being out on the ice. We kept hearing this loud cracking sounds which Adam said was "normal." I didn't believe him. It was traumatizing. I lasted about 1.5 hours.

I've never been so glad to be on solid ground. And to be back home where it's warm. I think I'll leave the ice fishing to him from now on!!!

I was proud to never leave the house on Sunday other than to take Chester outside. So not much to report from that. It was a fantastic weekend together!

2012: Year in Review

Once again, I picked a highlight of each month for the previous year. Just like I did for 2011. You can read that one here.
And just like before, it was really hard to decide on one highlight for each month because we had such a great year. We are so fortunate. I also linked my blog posts about each highlight for those who want to read/see more. It's a linkstravaganza!

So here it is! I know a lot of it is vacations we went on, but they were pretty much the highlight of our year!

January: Adam's Birthday Celebrations

We had a great time celebrating Adam's 27th - a party with friends, dinner with my family, dinner with Adam's family, and finally dinner with just the two of us. It was a lot of going out to eat and celebrating of Adam!
Happy Birthday Adam!
Adam's Birthday Weekend

February: Kitchen Revamp

By the end of February, it was mostly complete and we were back to using it. The project ended up taking a lot longer than we anticipated, but it was so worth it. It's brighter and more us. We love it!

March: Wisconsin Dells

As is our yearly tradition, we went to the Dells with my fam and some of my aunts, uncles and cousins. It was at a different hotel/water park this time, which was a nice change. We especially enjoyed the outdoor hot tub just down from our room.
Weekend Recap: The Dells!

April: Our first Twins game of the season

The last weekend in April brought our first visit to Target Field for the year. It was the fishing lure giveaway night, so we got there extra early to secure one. The bonus was we got to enjoy batting practice.
Weekend Recap: Twins Game

May: Milwaukee to see the Twins

We both took off Friday, and went on a road trip to the land of beer and cheese. The main purpose was to see new (to us) ballpark #4  on our Major League Ballpark Tour. But, we also went on three brewery tours and ate lots of good food!
Milwaukee 1: Brought to you by Miller (Brewery tour + park)
Milwaukee 2: Another brewery, another Twins win
Milwaukee 3: Beach, Car, New Glarus, Car

June: Fishing/Boating

We greatly enjoyed the fishing boat this summer, and used it quite frequently. Adam did a lot of fishing, while I enjoyed relaxing in the sun and reading a book.

July: Anniversary trip to Madeline Island

Sometimes the parents just need to get away! Okay fine, Chester never goes on vacation with us anyway, but this trip was really just about us. No agenda. Nowhere to be. No cell phone service. Just us. Relaxing. And hiking...
Weekend Recap: Anniversary Trip to Madeline Island

August: Boston to see the Twins

We took a long weekend trip to Boston to see the Twins play at Fenway Park - the oldest park still in use and ballpark #5 on our quest to see them all. While there, we toured Sam Adams Brewery (for Adam), walked and explored The Freedom Trail (for me), and had some awesome seafood. It was a great time.
Boston Part 1: Arrival & Sam Adams Tour
Boston Part 2: Freedom Trail
Boston Part 3: First Game at Fenway!
Boston Part 4: Second Game at Fenway!
Boston Part 5: Lobster!

September: Europe Trip

A long time in the planning, our 13 day trip to Europe was our big trip for the year. We toured London, Paris, and then rented a car and drove around Ireland, ending in Dublin. It was just as fabulous as it was exhausting. We saw so much, and it was totally worth it, but I'm going to need a few less hardcore trips before I do one like that again! And of course we missed Chester like crazy.
London Day 1: Arrival, Greenwich & British Museum
London Day 2: Museums, Big Ben, St. Paul's
London Day 3: Tower of London
London Day 3: Tower Bridge, The Monument, Museums & The Tower (Again!)
London Day 4: Harry Potter! (Warner Studio Tour)
London Day 4: Tea at Harrod's & London Eye

Paris Day 1: Sacre Coeur & La Tour Eiffel at night
Paris Day 2: Churches! (Notre Dame & Towers, Ste Chapelle & Conciergie)
Paris Day 2: Art Musuems!
Paris Day 3: Les Invalides & Versailles
Paris Day 3: Pompidou & Arc de Triomphe & Dinner
Ireland Day 1: Glendalough & Cliffs of Moher
Ireland Day 2: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway Bay
Ireland Days 3-5: Dublin

October: Chester at Paw-a-ween

Little Chester was such a good boy (for once), and really seemed to enjoy running around and seeing other pugs at the annual Halloween party put on by the rescue we adopted him from. He had a little reunion with his puppy mom Martha, and brothers Bubba and Albert. I loved seeing them all together. And Chester even kept his little lion costume on the whole time!
Weekend Recap: Paw-a-ween & Fam Visit

November: Vegas Vacation

At the end of the summer, we decided to embrace the DINK and go on a short vacation over Thanksgiving. It was perfect because we didn't have to take any time off of work! We had a blast in Vegas. I would definitely go back. I loved the Cirque du Soleil Love show, walking the Strip, renting a convertible and venturing to Death Valley, Hoover Dam, and the Valley of Fire. Seriously so much fun and we didn't even gamble! (Ok I gambled $5 that wasn't even my money)

Vegas Day 1: Arrival & Bellagio
Vegas Day 2: Thanksgiving on the Strip
Vegas Day 3: Death Valley National Park Part 1
Vegas Day 3: Death Valley National Park Part 2
Vegas Day 4: Hoover Dam
Vegas Day 4: Lake Mead & Valley of Fire
Vegas Day 4: Evening on the Strip
Vegas Day 5: Departure

December: Buying a brand new GMC Terrain!

Over Christmas we picked out a new GMC Terrain, then we changed our minds on needing a power lift gate (making leather necessary), had Clason's make a dealer trade, and picked up our 2013 GMC Terrain SLT the weekend before New Year's. It was a wonderful feeling to not have to finance something like this, though it may mean we can't go on as many trips as I wished this year. It was worth it though. Maybe this was the highlight of Adam's year?