MPLS love

I had the privilege of spending time with best friends in Minneapolis. One of my very dear friends moved into my house and I was able to be there with her over New Years and her birthday! It was so wonderful being back in the house with her. It brought back lots of wonderful memories of when we lived together a couple summers back. That house still feels like home, especially with Janae there. 

I got to see friends for breakfast, for brunch, for lunch and for dinner. I spent so much time catching up, cooking and knitting. It was such a great trip! My week was filled with sweet adorable things, like this sweet pup and precious babe (my friends are pretty cute too).

One of roommates in Pittsburgh is originally from Saint Paul. It turns out that her father is best friends with a gentleman I used to work with at the University of Minnesota. On New Years Eve, I went over to his house with Kelsey and her family for their annual ravioli making party. It was so much fun. It was wonderful to meet Kelsey and Dana's families. They were incredibly welcoming. It was a loud, exciting, ravioli making and eating extravaganza. We made enough raviolis for each family for the year (nearly 500!!). There was music and laughter and good cheer. It was perfect.

I toasted midnight with two good friends and welcomed the New Year with a happy heart. Can it really be 2013?!

I was so excited to be in town to celebrate Janae's 25th birthday. She is a friend that I am so so so thankful for. She is incredibly kind and giving, so beautiful and smart. She is incredibly considerate of everyone around her and is a rare soul. She had a True American themed birthday party, which meant people came dressed to impress in their American best. Think red, white and blue, "white trash" and camouflage. It was quite a night. So. Much. Fun.

I also got to see some of my very favorite high school students. They are the best. It was so wonderful to catch up with them! They inspire me everyday.

Happy hour with these VISTA friends topped it all off. Steak tartare, local beer and good friends. What more can a girl ask for?!

I am the luckiest.