Minnesota Adventures

Minnesota is probably not most people's top destination in March, but we had fabulous people to go and see: Brad's cousin Joanne, her husband Ken, and the rest of their family. We kicked the trip off, as good Minnesotans do, by going to a Minnesota Wild hockey game. The Wild won 1-0!

Minnesota Wild wins!

Being Minnesota, it had to give us a good dumping of snow, turning everything white overnight. Sheri had her usual excitement at seeing snow. Ken wasn't as thrilled as he spent hours shoveling out the walk and driveway.

We spent a lovely lunch and afternoon with friends Marilyn and Jim who also live in the area. Marilyn and Sharon (Brad's mom) have been best friends since grade school and still talk (now email) every day. Marilyn is a wonderful cook, and she and Jim are even better company. We could have talked for many more hours. So grateful for the time we were able to share.

As the snow melted, we got out for some Minnesota adventures with the rest of the family. Joanne's son Ryan, daughter Alicia, and Alicia's husband Jack joined us for a round of indoor-ish golf. Our section had heat lamps to keep us warm, but was open to the driving range for golfing fun in almost any weather.

We found our favorite escape room we've done so far along with Joanne, Ken, Ryan, and Alicia. It was Harry Potter themed, and had some very creative puzzles and challenges. We kicked it's butt in just over 41 minutes and saved the magical world. You're welcome.

The winning continued at a casino in Wisconsin where Brad got the royal flush below. A couple of days later, Ken won $403 dollars with one pull on a game piece at a local brewery stop.

Of course, the highlight of the trip was standing right on the 45th Parallel!!! How often do you get the chance to stand exactly midway between the equator and the North Pole?

Just kidding......the highlight was hanging out with these great people! We had our usual fill of great food, even better company, fun games, and interesting adventures. Thanks to all of our Minnesota family for making our stop so much fun. We hope to see you all somewhere in Europe!

Left to RIght: Ryan, Ken, Brad, Alicia, Sheri, Jack, Joanne. Front row: Svea

Next stop, Ohio!