I was lucky enough to be able to make the sojourn to Wisconsin for a brief visit over Christmas to spend time with my parents, my brother and some wonderful friends. It’s nice to make the trip since I grew up in Wisconsin, but my true home is Montana, which is where I was born. It’s why I’ve spent my entire adult life pursuing these roots, which I’m so glad to say have happily landed here for a good while now. But it’s always bittersweet to go back to Wisconsin, because, though I love it there, my parents dearly wish they were out west as well, closer to my brother and me.

However, my family always has a blast when we’re together – our actual location doesn’t really matter at that point.

One of our favorite things to do together is zip on out to a lovely cross-country ski trail located in the Blue Hills. I just happened to have my camera with me on one of our outings (sadly my brother had stayed behind to write essays for his grad school application – such diligence), and I figured I’d do an impromptu photo session of my parents since: 1. Skiing is their absolute favorite thing. 2. I love them. 3. We’re always sure to get some hilarious images when the camera comes out.

And hilarious they were! I’ll stop yapping so you can check out the images. But just a few more things: I’m so very thankful to have these two wonderful people as my parents. They live so fully and laugh so easily, and I’d like to think I’ve grabbed up those traits, too.

We were all shaken by my parents’ neighbor’s house fire on Christmas day – it burned to the ground and their lives were changed instantly. (They all escaped safely except for their puppy. :( ) More than ever it reminded all of us how fragile life is, and how important family and friends are. (I will probably post photos of the fire at some point, but right now it’s just a bit too fresh.)

I love you Mom and Dad. Thank you for being your awesome selves as always.

Thanks all for sticking through this long post. If you’ve made it to these words, take a moment and tell someone you care about that you love them.

Cheers,

-Kristine