How We Spent Our Christmas Vacation

The Christmas holidays are over ... back to work for some, back to school for others, and back on the road for us! 

Thinking about that "favorite" January school assignment, here is our version of "How We Spent our Christmas Vacation".

We left the Wildebeest enjoying the mild temps and flowering magnolias in Florida and drove up to an equally mild Minnesota. Time to contact friends and cross our fingers that everyone's busy schedules would be flexible enough for a visit. We were blessed to be able to visit, cook, decorate and dine with many.


Special friends, Ella and Maddie supplied the glitter, paint and artistic ideas to transform the gigantic Florida pine cones into a ...

.... perfect sized RV Christmas tree!










So humbled with the special gifts from friends including ...

A new welcome-sign coming soon to our future RV campgrounds,

And a beautiful fleece blanket loving made by Brittany and donated to a needy baby in our community.

During the last few months on the road, we have been spoiled with fantastic views outside our "home". Heading back north, we were not disappointed. Our "homes away from home" reflected the frosty beauty of Minnesota while our hosts warmed us up with the gift of their friendship.

Many thanks for opening your homes to us ... and your kitchens for my Christmas cookie bake-a-thons.

A side trip to Wisconsin brought a day of JOY as we celebrated our son's college graduation.  

After a fun gathering of family and friends that included the local favorites of Hardy's BBQ and New Glarus beer, we went on to Minneapolis, staying within walking distance of the Mall of America.

As the rain turned to ice, our Christmas gift to each other, Ice Creepers, came in handy as RVentures continued. We walked to the Mall of America and caught the Light Rail to downtown Minneapolis. First stop was Town Hall Brewery for a glass of their "Manhattan Reserve", a barrel aged cherry grand cru. It lived up to it's name ... definitely one of the finest beers we have enjoyed together.

Next stop, a walk by the Minnesota Viking's new stadium still under construction. As you can see, the Viking ship is beginning to take shape.

After a walk through Macy's winter wonderland, we enjoyed Rock Bottom's delicious and bargain-basement priced happy hour. Taking the light rail back to the Mall of America revealed more holiday sparkle.

But the true Christmas sparkle was in the eyes and smiles of the young children of our family on Christmas Eve. Will (6) and Sam (4) are ready to step in as Santa's elves if needed!

The special times continued on Christmas day. The turkey and "Mary's Special Potatoes" seemed even more delicious when served on my mom's china and parent's dining room table in their new, elegant home.

Started to think about heading back south when winter storm Goliath roared into town. Poppy, our guest host doggie, was not so impressed with the 9 inches of new snow ...

... But Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening before we headed south again, I was reminded of the beloved poem ... 

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

BY ROBERT FROST

Yes, we have miles to go as RVentures continue in Florida. But for now, we are happy to have been able spend our Christmas vacation surrounded by the warmth of our Minnesota family and friends.

Until next time ... stay warm with a friend ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!

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