Forecast: Warm, but not for long

What do Minnesotans do when the temperature drops, the snow flies and the pale gray sky hangs low?
We head for the warmth and tropical-like humidity of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. (And you thought I'd say we hop on a flight south.)
Anni and I took Elise to Como last weekend. It's a great way to remember that, despite winter's strong grip, summer and green plants and heat and sun are only months away. (Optimism reigns in December. It's gone by February, only to return in late March.) Plus, Como is free, so there is that.
It was a good trip, but also a reminder that you've got to stay close when a 20-month-old starts fondling the flowers. (Yes, they're real and the pile of petals you just yanked from the flower and tossed to the ground is evidence. Sigh.)
Elise liked the plants and fish. Mom and Dad liked the heat and humidity. Then we walked outside, got smacked by the cold December air and wondered how long it'd be until spring.