I’m not sure how I am filling up my time so well now that I have an excess, but it makes me wonder how I packed in so much before. Needless to say, the Allens have been quite busy lately!
Last week was full and fun! We went night skiing on Wednesday after Alex finished working, then Thursday we ate dinner at the chef’s table at one of our favorite spots, Restaurant Bea, with our friends, the Millers. This past weekend I flew out to Minnesota to spend a few days with my family and attend my grandmother’s memorial service, while Alex spent the entire weekend skiing with some friends.
The funeral service for my grandmother was very nice. I really enjoyed the message and thought that the reverend did a wonderful job. After the service we toured the wing where my grandmother most recently stayed and got to meet one of her favorite nurses who cared for her. I am so thankful for the staff at Friendship Village, especially her nurses, and for the opportunity she had to live there, with her lifelong friends, and receive top-notch care.
Saturday was a whirlwind with the funeral service and luncheon, followed by a quick trip to Southdale to splurge on a new pair of sales tax-free boots (!), then on to a family dinner. We ended the night at the Sofitel where we enjoyed an after dinner glass of wine and some profiteroles and read through the cards and notes we received at the funeral. It was lovely to get a chance to spend so much time with my extended family who I see so rarely. I enjoyed playing catch up.
On Sunday, I hosted an informal brunch at my mom’s house with my high school girl friends. I got to meet little Adeline, Kailey’s one year-old, for the first time, as well as see Molly’s second baby bump for the first time. It was wonderful to have an afternoon of girl time, complete with a clothing exchange.
I did get to spend some uninterrupted time with my parents and my brother. My mom and I split a perfect dinner at Rudy’s Red Eye Grill in White Bear on Sunday night, then came back and chatted with John a bit. I spent Monday morning with my dad and we hit two of my old go-to restaurants (4 Seasons for breakfast and Roman Market for lunch) and toured his new house before he dropped me back off at the airport to head back to Seattle.
It was a quick weekend trip, but it was so nice to see everyone!
