There's no place like home!

Travelling home always makes me think of Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" as she's clicking her ruby red slippers while saying "There's no place like home, there's no place like home...".  Although the land is as flat as a pancake, the winters bitterly harsh, and the summers hot and humid, northwestern Minnesota is a beautiful place.  I could, however, do without the gigantic mosquitoes.  :)

Our month in Minnesota flew by!  Guillaume kept busy every day helping my dad outside (from watering the cows every morning to fencing to sorting cows); they had a great time together!  Since there was no snow (crazy, I know!), they were able to get lots done.  I kept busy finishing up grad school applications, visiting with lots of family and friends, playing games, and preparing for our trip.  We are so thankful to have spent such long, quality time in Greenbush.  There's truly no place like home....

On our way to Minnesota from Iowa, we stayed for one night in Kindred, North Dakota with one of my college friends, Lyndsey.  We had a great visit with her and her parents; unfortunately, I don't have a picture from our visit.  Thanks so much, Lyndsey, Todd and Judy!!  Can't wait until next time.

The next day, we were on our way to Minnesota!!!

The Element made it 6000 miles from New Brunswick to Minnesota!!  Who would've thought?!  

We made it just in time for my cousin, Brody's, first birthday!  

Some of the fam fam!  

Making lefse for the first time with my mom, aunt, and grandma.  

So fun!!!

Riced potatoes + cream + butter + a few other things rolled out and fried on a griddle = delicous lefse!

Next endeavour...another classic Norwegian treat...krumkake!

Again, not bad for our first time!

Guillaume working hard...and Josie along for a ride!

Working with the cattle.  

Chopping some wood from a huge storm this summer that cleared a lot of our tree line.

Guillaume's daily chore at 7:30 am - watering the cows.  No sleeping in for him!

How lucky were we?!  Grant, Whitney and Whitney's mom, Renae, stopped by for some coffee.  So glad we got to see them twice in one month!  

Spending some time with one of my favourite buddies, Abram (my best friend, Amber's, baby). Love him...such a cuddler!!

Happy Five Year Anniversary!!  Enjoying some "Two Fool's" wine from my parents.  We enjoyed a date day in Grand Forks - shopping, out to eat, and the movies.   

I also made it home just in time for Santa Clause Days in Greenbush.  Had a great time making crafts with my cousin, Taylor.  

Merry Christmas!

Christmas picture time.  Had to get Josie in there!

Christmas Eve with the Thompson's and Duray's.  Above: cousin Finley and Guillaume 

Ready...set...OPEN!!!

Playing games on Christmas Day.  Story of our lives for the past month.  So much fun!!

To pass some time waiting to open presents, Austin and Taylor put on a little show.  Taylor LOVED the microphone!!  

Out to supper in Halma with my brother and cousins.  The night ended with a pool competition.  

Good thing we didn't bet any money...everyone except Jordan would've been under the table!  

Must be time to go.... sure wish we could take Josie with us!!!  LOVE that dog!  

What a great time in Minnesota!!  Wish the time didn't go so quickly.  We'll be enjoying New Year's celebrations in Quebec, and making final preparations for our trip.  We depart for Malaysia in two weeks...can't wait!!!!