There's no place like home for the holidays!

Ryan and I spent the holidays in Duluth. We've been dreaming about Duluth for months: snow-laden cedars, the long blue horizon of Lake Superior, and skiing. Ahhhh...Unfortunately there was no snow in Duluth when we arrived. It was the first completely brown Christmas on record--absolutely no snow! There was enough dead grass and there were enough free-running rivers to break a Minnesota girl's heart.

Despite the warmer-than-freezing temperatures, it was wonderful to be home. Dear old Duluth. We hiked the local trails with my siblings, and some friends. Caroline and Aaron got engaged, and we were able to celebrate them with all of our Mad7 women friends (and adjoining males).

We also spent a few days up on the Gunflint Trail where winter still reigns December-May. Our were full of ice-fishing, nordic skiing, sauna-ing, and playing in the snow. In fact, it snowed days a load the last night we were there, and I can't say that I resisted the urge to dance!

Now we are back in Seattle, ready for the transitions ahead. Ryan and I are moving into our new apartment this weekend. I am applying to graduate school on the 15th. I started a writing class yesterday. Urban life is rather startling after a week in the northcountry. Our senses are overwhelmed.