After Xmas, Before New Years

We're back from our Christmas trip to Minnesota. It was Ian's first long roadtrip and he did pretty well. The drive to St. Paul is about 7 hours and for the first 5 or so Ian was fine. The last 2....well, not so much.

While in St. Paul we stayed with Kara's parents Bert and Judy. They did a great job decorating the house for Christmas and putting together a real feast for Christmas dinner. On Christmas Kara's brother Eric and his family came over and Ian was able to spend some time with his cousins: Alec, Jonah and Kira Rose. Ian's aunt Jane made some great alcohol-laced sweet potatoes and Judy cooked almost too many things to mention (including 4-5 different cookies, a pumpkin, and a trifle for desert). Eric's oldest friend Juan came by for a quick visit and Sam (one of Jane's oldest friends) stayed for dinner. A very nice time was had by all and Ian got lots of great presents.

We had a great visit but I was glad to be home. In our own bed. Ian did about as well coming back as he did going. Good for about 5 out of the 7 hours before he started to meltdown.

I don't remember exactly when I snapped this picture and strictly speaking the composition is off (he's too far to the right of the frame), but there's just something about it I love. Maybe it's the way he's looking away and the darkness behind him. Or the clarity of his brown eyes (just like his dad!). But for whatever reason I like it.

Here's a picture of Ian in the super stylish, musical themed track suit from my cousin Vicki and her husband Curt. It even came in a little plastic container shaped like a record. He looks great in it. It's a little big for him (the pants are a bit long), which is actually good since it means he can wear it longer.