Oscars

A shout out to all my girls (and Travis) in San Francisco. Sorry we couldn't be together tonight, but please know that I am thinking of all of you, and missing you very much.

If we were together, we would be drinking champagne cocktails, eating good Trader Joe's appetizers, and most of all enjoying each other's company.

Oh, and making snarky comments about what everyone was wearing. So, to get that part started, in absentia, here's the website to the Red Carpet: http://oscar.com/redcarpet/

Looking forward to hearing what you ladies have to say. Love you.

The greatest American sport (or maybe Canadian, but whatever)

I have a new love, and it is hockey. I saw my first hockey game recently, and it was awesome! One of Anne's nieces, Maddie, is on her high school hockey team, and they have had an amazing season. I got to see them perform, and I thought it would be interesting.

Interesting is not the word to describe this game. The players are so graceful and fast, and yet aggressive and committed. It was by far the most exciting sporting event I have ever been to. I literally didn't take my eyes off the game the whole time they were playing. Incredible.

I tried to take some pictures while they were playing, but they just don't communicate how much fun the game was. I kept this one because you can see #10, Maddie.
Sweet Victory! Maddie's team beat a team that was ranked much higher than they were, with a score of 2 to 1. The guy in the orange hat was a dad, and he was just bawling when they won. At least, I hope he was a dad.
The whole team, waiting for their medals.

Below is my first attempt at adding video. If it works, you may see much more. This is Maddie receiving her medal.

Winning this game (and the next, where Maddie scored!), meant that the team went to the finals at the Xcel Center. This is where the Minnesota Wild play. I'll let you know how much I love those games after I actually go to one. (Stay tuned...)

A total different experience, but no less exciting. Maddie's team played so well, and the score was 0 to 0 through three nail-biting periods. So, they went into sudden death overtime. (Can you feel the excitement? Can you? Of course you can!) About 4 minutes into overtime, the other team managed to eke by a score. Disappointing, I know. But the incredible tenacity of Maddie's team, the total committment was awe-inspiring. They are playing for 3rd place ranking in the state today - in the state! - but no matter what happens, these girls are my heroes.

Culture in the Twin Cities

A couple of recent trips to the museum's of the Twin Cities. I say the Twin Cities because I honestly don't remember if either or both of these were in Minneapolis and/or St Paul. Maybe I'll have it down by next year...

The Science Museum

The Children's Museum

Hangin' with the boys

Nothing says love like a nephew cuddling in your lap. If you can get two to do it, well then, everything's just fine.



Please note the red box Finn is clutching. Its full of his "animals" and he is currently carrying it everywhere. In the car, to bed and also onto Aunt Katie's lap.

Happy Birthday, Connor!

Connor, Feb 2008

Connor, Feb 2007

Its hard to believe, but our boy Connor is 1 year old today. And just to make sure we all understand he is exceptional, he walked about 4 or 5 steps at his birthday party yesterday! That boy really is something!

Love you, Connor! Hope you had a great birthday, and looking forward to seeing you soon!

Out on the town in Minneapolis

On Saturday night, I had my first adult outing in the Twin Cities. (No offense, James & Anne! :) ) I went to the Cedar Center, and saw the Spagetti Western String Co. perform. It was so good! Imagine: a banjo, cello, clarinet and mandolin on the stage together. AWESOME! (Margo- wish you were here.)

For those non-believers among you, here's the link to their website where you can listen for yourselves. http://www.spaghettiwesternmusic.com/framesgallery.html

It was great getting out, and even better to have people to get out with. Thanks Pat, Danielle and Carl for a great evening!

Christmas 2007

In no particular order, some of the highlights of Christmas 2007.

Catching up on past events, Part 2

When I arrived in St Paul, James and the kids picked me up. James and Anne had told me they had some events going on that evening, and asked if I minded the kids. Sure, no problem. I didn't have anywhere to be.

Apparently, the events were my surprise party, because when I got to the house, there were a whole mess of people there to greet me and welcome me to my new home!


And they brough presents! Wool socks, and mittens, and slippers, and ear muffs, and scarfs.... Hey, wait a minute! What am I doing?!

A little snow fight among friends. Dan trying to drink his wine while being pelted with snow. This is apparently a skill I will have to pick up. Maybe next year.

Catching up on past events, Part 1

I've been a little slack with the postings lately, so in the interest of keeping everyone in the loop, I'm posting some events from last year. First up, the grand move out of San Francisco!

Nicole and Dave were gracious enough to help me move all my stuff out of my apartment and into the container that took it to Minneosta. Above is the majority of it, although Nicole had some stuff in her car as well. Just enough to get started without being overloaded, right?
Even with all my stuff in the container, there was still plenty of room.
A little free advertising. Smart Move ended up being a great company, and the move was easy and seemless.
Then, off to lunch! Apparently, this place is a Bay Area landmark, so I'm glad I got to eat there at least once before leaving the area.
Thanks again, Nicole and Dave! Remember: all you can drink milk is in your future!