Winter Whirlwind

Apologies for not updating this over the holidays. It seems that we are both busy (Chief - downtown promotions; Snicks - basketball and recruiting) at this time of year and let it slip.

Hopefully we can make it up to you...

The holiday season started off with a splash! Barb and Jack (Snick's parents) visited over Thanksgiving and were able to enjoy two Oberlin basketball games while they were here. We also learned where Snick's spirit of volunteerism stems from, as they "gladly" participated in our Arrival of Santa and Tree Lighting event.

Thanksgiving was quickly followed by more fun with friends, especially our friends from Ellet. Tommy, Dale, and Doris did the long drive to Oberlin for Hawaiian Day. It is always nice to catch up with them (and Chief didn't mind leaving her bridge cheat sheet at home).

Finally, it was time for the trek to the motherland. Snicks left a day early to drive to Chicago and do some recruiting. Chief enjoyed her Friday night flight to MPLS and the subsequent tasty dinner with her parents and sister. The days that followed were a pleasing blur of visiting with family and friends. Congratulations to our friends Mari and Alex, Doron and Molly, James and Colleen, and Jake and Khanya. You all know why...

If you are ever in South Saint Paul, check out the Black Sheep Cafe. They have great latte art (and a great fireplace for taking pictures with friends).

Our niece (and her mother) are cuter than ever. What is not apparent is that she has me in a choke hold. Quite the grip for a three year old!

Sparks were not flying at the Brandel house (thankfully) as Chief's dad worked on some interior renovations.

The trip capped off with a gathering of a group of Brandel cousins to celebrate Mary (third from left) going to Grenada for medical school. If I were going to medical school, a tropical island would definitely be up there on my list!

Happy New Year!