Wow! I am not used to having five weeks off at a time! The life of a student definitely has its perks.

Jake and I went back home to Colorado for Christmas. Because we had so much time off, we decided to bring the pets. This was my first time ever traveling with animals, and it went pretty smoothly. Turns out Maya loves going to the airport (I think she likes the attention), and Chihiro tolerates it well.

Alaska airlines gives you a notification when you are seated that your pet has been loaded in cargo.

Here is a picture of Chihiro in her carrier during our layover in Seattle.

And a picture of Maya (and her cargo friend) at the Alaska baggage pickup area. She was definitely happy to get out of the kennel after two long flights. Overall both animals did great. I would happily fly with them again on Alaska.

And to start off of winter break, we brought the cold air back with us from Alaska! Not quite Fairbanks cold, but not an escape from the cold weather either.

Much of the rest of my trip home consisted of eating (too much) food. We ate out, we ate at home with family, it was great. We started off the food adventure at the hot pot place with friends. It was a nice time and a great way to warm up.

Followed up by some desert at the a boba tea place in Aurora. Shaved snow ice (I think that was what its called) with some chocolate fish!

At some point, I ended up in Boulder and decided to take a little walk down memory lane. It was nice to spend a bit of time at CU and think about my undergraduate years.

They remodeled! After I graduated of course.

And I was able to spend some time with my Grandma. I took this picture when we went to brunch around Christmas. She is a lovely lady!

And of course, I got to see my miss Minnie Minnie MinPin! She is doing well-a bit fat for winter and happy as a clam! We had several good rides. I can’t wait unit I can see her again in May!

After a long, busy, fun trip, we flew back to Fairbanks. I had a great time visiting family and seeing friends. It was a bit hard to leave home, I anticipate that the next 16 weeks will go very quickly.

My roommate welcomed us back with some candy canes and chocolate!

Then Jake and I rounded out the weekend with breakfast at Oasis.

Until next time! ~Angela