So, after having subzero weather for about 10 straight days we finally had a heat wave. Of course that is relatively speaking. The temperature was actually only about 25 degrees, but that seems warm after -14 (that was the air temperature, with windchill it felt like -25). Anyway, I think that half the city of Saint Paul had a little cabin fever because I think they all went to some of the Winter Carnival festivities this weekend. We were included in that group. We all bundled up and went to see the Winter Carnival Parade and the Ice Sculptures. We also walked through the Minnesota "Hot Dish" tent. In Minnesota they call a casserole a "Hot Dish". Todd calls a "Hot Dish", and a casserole for that matter, a pot with a bunch of random stuff thrown in and called food. We got to watch some figure skaters and just enjoy being outside for a little while.
These were our favorite ice sculptures. Above is "And we're off. . ." that is the Emerald City in the background and in front you have the Scarecrow, Tinman, Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion. Below is called "Where's Frank?" it has 2 snowmen sitting by a fire and a third spot where there is just a puddle, a hat and a pair of boots. 
Every year they carve an ice throne. It is a little cold on your bottom, but still fun. I think that Todd needs one of these at home.
The highlight of the parade was a man with a dog standing on his shoulders. The funny thing is that he wasn't even in the parade. I guess he wanted his dog to be able to see.
