WR: Hibernating + L Family Photo

We spent most of the weekend recovering from our trip to New Orleans and hibernating since the highs were subzero. Why are we having January weather in December already?

Sunday, we ventured over to Adam's parent's house to watch the Vikings game and take the family Christmas photo. Thankfully, after a crazy last two minutes, the Vikings lost. In a meaningless season, all I care about is losing for high draft picks.

I won't share the family photo, but here's a cute outtake  -

New Orleans Day 1: Tiny plane + Pat O'Briens

Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, was our departure day. I had met my parents in Roche with Chester and my sister the night before, so we were able to leave right from work. Adam's mom kindly took us to the airport saving us the expense and hassle of a taxi.

We got to the airport around 3:45, and had plenty of time to get to our gate as the lines weren't bad. Our flight was at 5:38 on the smallest plane ever. I freaked me out. Everyone had to gate check their bags because the overhead bins were tiny. 

And then we had this in front of us. Yes, her leg was up like this on take-off. Pretty soon she had both legs up. 

Adam ordered a beer and got it for free because their credit card machine was down. Lucky!

Our flight was pretty smooth and we got in early at about 8:15 even though we left late. Air time was only 2h 7m. I appreciated that you don't have to turn off electronics anymore on take-off or landing. I read a book on my IPad practically the whole time. 

We took a taxi into the city as the airport is a ways out (16 miles from our hotel in the French Quarter). It was interesting that they have fixed cab fares into anywhere in the city depending on how many people you have. For two, it was $33, which wasn't bad considering we pay that much to take a taxi from our airport back to work which is only 6 miles. 

As mentioned, we stayed in the French Quarter at Hotel Mazarin. It was a cute boutique hotel that's rated #1 on Trip Advisor for New Orleans. The staff was very welcoming and carried our bags in and up to our room. I must mention that it was quite chilly out. I asked about this, and the guy said it was very unusual, and this is the first time in over ten years he wasn't in shorts and short sleeves the week of Thanksgiving. Of course! I was glad I had my fall coat +boots +hat +scarf +gloves. 

I had requested a quiet room, as it can be loud since it's right off of Bourbon Street, so we were on the side off of a quiet courtyard. 

Our room was a Petite King which was plenty big for us and very nice. I loved the tall ceilings and chandelier. 

Once in the room, we dropped off our stuff and decided to venture out for a drink. 

We walked down Bourbon, which was pretty empty, and found Pat O'Brien's which came recommended by many people. I ordered a Hurricane, 

and Adam had the official drink of New Orleans, Sazerac. 

We wandered out to the lovely patio with flaming fountain, and found a table by a heat lamp since it was so chilly. They even had freeze warnings! I think it was 38 at that point. Brrr. Way too cold for that far south. 

Adam also had a Mint Julep which he enjoyed, but I found to be disgusting. 

After about an hour on the patio, we headed back for the night. 

Favorites:

Stef - Hurricane on the patio

Adam - Free beer on the flight and drinks on the patio

WR: Vet & Date Night

Friday after work, Adam had the pleasure of taking Chester to the vet for his yearly exam. I hear he was a "psycho." He had his shots and a few tests. They also trimmed his nails, and he cried the whole time. Apparently the lady at the front desk thought they had a bird back there. But no, it was just Chester yipping like a freak. Adam said it was a pretty stressful experience. Vets orders were for up him to take it easy that night, so we stayed home with him and relaxed.

On Saturday, I had a migraine all day so stayed in bed instead of getting ready for our trip. It was mostly gone by the evening for date night. We had tickets to We Will Rock You at the Orpheum at 8. We headed downtown around 5:30 for our 6 pm reservation at Masa. Masa is an upscale Mexican restaurant by D'Amico. I've been wanting to try it forever, so was really excited about it. It was delicious and did not disappoint. The complimentary chips were perfect and the three salsas were very flavorful. We also ordered the ceviche of the day which was so fresh tasting. 

For our meal, we both went for the three tacos. Adam had al pastor, 

while I had carnitas. 

We were done by 7, so had plenty of time to take the skyways over to the theater instead of braving the cold and wind outside for blocks. 

The show was interesting... It was set in a future world where individuality is banned and music is illegal. The main characters go in search of the last instrument in the world. The whole thing is set to Queen's music, which is what made it fun even though the story was so strange. 

I spent Sunday frantically getting ready for our trip to New Orleans over Thanksgiving - cleaning the house, last minute schedule planning, and doing 6 loads of laundry (I was behind). It was exhausting. I was so busy that I only caught pieces of the Vikings game. However I watched the end and overtime and was pretty irritated when they tied instead of lost. I wish they would just lose out so we could draft a good quarterback!

Chester's October BarkBox

About a month ago, Chester got his October BarkBox. We've since cancelled his subscription (for now), because we already have a big stockpile of treats and don't need anymore. I think it's a really cool service though.

Chester was very excited for his BarkBox to arrive. He spent a lot of time sniffing it and trying to open it like a present (we're so mean!).

We finally helped and opened it for him.

Inside, there were five different items. He didn't know where to start!

- Chevron bear (I thought it was an owl!) from Pet Qwerks
It's super cute and he loved it, but it's not the most durable. He enjoyed chewing the nose almost off, so it was taken away to be used for catch and supervised play only.
- Mutt Meatball Mix
Interesting item. It's a meatball mix that you add a pound of lean meat and an egg to it and then cook. We haven't tried it yet.
- Baker's Best Autumn Harvest goat treats
Haven't tried them yet (as I said, we have an excess of treats)
- Fruitables Share Pack (mini treat bags)
8 cute little bags with 10 or so little treats in them. It's a variety pack, so some of the bags have soft treats and some are crumbly. It's handy to take if you're going somewhere, or to give to puppy visitors!
- Lamb ears
Chester was very interested in these, but we haven't given him any yet. They make me a little nervous/sad.

Chester loved his BarkBox though, and is sad we're not going to be getting it anymore. Maybe after Christmas?