Kari's Wedding

by Meredith

One week ago my dear friend Kari was married. The day started out with some showers, but as the morning went on, the July day turned beautiful - and hot! They wed at the couple's church in the morning, then celebrated with a boat ride brunch down the Mississippi. Guests were given classic coke bottles wrapped in their colors, along with a bottle opener signed with their names and date tied on.  Jesse had a really important test that afternoon, so my dad stepped as my date. Those dad's never let a girl down, do they? ;-)

{The couple's little man made the perfect ring bearer - he walked in with the maid of honor and best man}

{The beautiful bride and her dad}

{My wonderful dad and I}

{Waiting to load the boat downtown St. Paul}

 

{Our ferry}

{Coke bottles, wrapped in their colors, with a bottle opener engraved with their names tied on}

{Centerpieces}

 

{the bride and groom}

 

St. Patrick's Day in St. Paul

by Meredith

St. Patrick's Day in St. Paul is a long standing tradition this Minnesota girl has never been able to attend because of school or work. But not this year - it's on a Saturday and they are predicting a high of 77 for the 17th! I'm excited for the parade, green beer and enjoying the wonderful weather.

The St. Paul Winter Carnival

by Meredith

The St. Paul Winter Carnival is a tradition that has been around since 1886 when citizens of the Minnesota tundra wanted to plan something fun during the dead of winter.  It's always held in our state capital during the last week of January/ first week in February and runs for 12 days.  This year it runs January 26 through February 6.

The celebration entertains thousands of people from Minnesota and beyond - revealing man-made ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, ice bar, stage for music, fireworks, multiple parades, a coronation selecting each year's large royal court and more - all within a few blocks of each other.  Definitely a must see if you're here this time of year.  Last week I strolled through Rice Park and took some pictures of them working on the ice sculptures and gearing up for the first big weekend.