Day Three Hundred and Sixty-Five: Last Minute

Well, this is it. Three-hundred and sixty five days and hundreds of pictures later, we are at the end of our journey. Pete and I have learned so much about photography and photo editing in this past year, and have unlocked a passion for photography that we didn't quite know was in there.

That is why our passion is turning into a business: Belltower Photo. While we won't have pictures to post every day, we will treat you every now and again to pictures and stories from our collective perspective. And if you're looking for someone to take a picture of you, your family, your dog, your favorite item, or your special event...maybe you'll think of us!

Thank you for a great year. There is no way I could have stuck to this resolution without knowing you all are out there reading. I hope your 2010 is even better than your 2009, and that the good Lord pours out abundant blessings upon you and your family.

Day Three Hundred and Sixty-Four: Cardboard Fortress

With members of my family living in various places throughout the country, and having to work holiday schedules out with many different families, the Friedman family Christmas didn't occur until tonight. While we weren't able to complete all of our family traditions--going to Starbucks on Christmas Eve Day, mass, and a ham dinner--but this is one that I hope never goes away. Each year, my siblings Jenni, Ben and Ted (seen here) create a fort out of the presents that will be exchanged later that day. Each year its exact consistency is slightly different, it may be higher some years or larger in other years, but it is always fun to sit inside of there, even if just for 2 minutes.

Pete, and Katie's boyfriend Junior joined us for Christmas this year. I hope they enjoyed this tradition as much as we do.

Day Three Hundred and Sixty-Three: Winter Wonderland

Pete took me to one of his favorite spots around Minneapolis today: Islands of Peace park. The mighty Mississippi runs through this park, after walking 5 miles uphill through the snow that was waist high in the wind in -20 degree temperature, (okay, I may be exaggerating a wee bit...) we arrived at ole man river who was about 90% frozen. While Pete and I didn't venture too far out onto the river, we did let the "kids" walk on water for a little bit.

This bridge was one our first obstacles to reach the river, and on the way back, it just looked so pretty, I had to take a picture (or actually two...can you tell?) of it! Enjoy!

Day Three Hundred and Sixty-Two: Mele Kalikimaka

One of Pete's other brothers lives in Hawaii. They were in Minnesota in August, and are making a trip to Kansas in February, so a Christmas visit just wasn't in the cards. But to share in the Christmas season, they sent this beautiful Hawaiian plant to Pete's parents.

Mele Kalikimaka, everyone!

Day Three Hundred and Sixty-One: A Tender Tennessee Christmas

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One of my favorite Christmas Albums of all time (and yes, I'm still listening to Christmas music. The Christmas season isn't over until the Epiphany on January 6.) is Amy Grant's "A Christmas Album". She sings some traditional Christmas songs like "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem", but one of her more unknown tracks is called "Tennessee Christmas". And it's amazing.

Today, Pete and I, along with his parents traveled over to Spooner, Wisconsin to visit his brother Don and family and celebrate the holiday with them. We at some tacos, shared some gifts, watched some football, and just enjoyed each other's company; in mind, everything a Christmas should be (despite it being two days late and under some unusual circumstances.)

Right now you're probably wondering what that has to do with a Tennessee Christmas, and to the naked eye, nothing. But the climbing pine trees covered in snow lining the streets as we pull into the tiny town spark my imagination and what a Christmas in Tennessee would be like. Truthfully, with no family in the area, I have absolutely no desire to spend a Christmas in Tennessee. But I will certainly take Amy Grant singing and trips to Wisconsin in the alternative.

Day Three Hundred and Sixty: Blades of Glory

Next to my engagement ring and my camera, I received the best present EVER for Christmas from Pete: ice skates! (Note: if you happen to be looking for them in Kansas, you're going to have a hard time. It seems most sporting good stores don't care them in that temperate climate. Additionally, if you're looking for women's figure skates in size 11--my shoe size--you're also going to have one heck of a time. But that's neither here nor there.)

We arrived in Minnesota today (just one day past due) and Pete and I were both very anxious to hit the ice. Unfortunately, while we were getting snow in Kansas, Minnesota received rain that melted the top layer of ice on most of the outdoor ponds. (Literally, we sank into the layers of ice below when trying to skate outside.) But, we were determined to skate and ended up finding an open rink in downtown Minneapolis As we arrived, the zamboni was making its way across the ice, and left us with this fun pattern.

We're in Minnesota for another couple of days...I hope I get to pull out those blades of glory at least one more time!

Toooooeeeppick! (Name the move? Anyone? Anyone?)

Day Three Hundred and Fifty-Nine: Snow Day!

Merry Christmas!

Pete and I are supposed to be celebrating Christmas in Minneapolis with his family right now. But when there are 6 fresh inches of snow on the ground, more coming. and the road condition maps look like this (purple means "difficult" driving conditions), you don't go anywhere.






So instead, we bundled up, put the dogs on a leash, and had a snowball fight. What a great way to celebrate the birth of our Savior! :)