An Eventful Summer - 2009

I have been very lucky this summer. Very busy, but also very lucky. Two of my dearest friends from San Francisco came to see me this summer, and I had a great time with both of them.

Nicole and I enjoyed our first "Juicy Lucy" burgers together while she was visiting. We had such a great time, and it was so good to see her again!

Erin came to see me next, and she was willing to experience all the "special" parts of Minnesota I had to show her. In other words, Excelsior was a bit of a bust, but we had fun anyway.

Then, I got to see my friend, John, in Chicago. I met John at Trav and Trev's wedding last year, but it seems like I've known him forever. We had a great time in Chicago, and lerned a great deal about wine distributing. Fascinating topic!


In Millenium Park at the famous silver bean.

Outside Shedd Aquarium on a beautiful day in Chicago.

And a video of the aqaurium. Wait till the end for a surprise appearance.

Visiting Charleston, SC - July 2009

I got the chance to visit with Andie and Connor in SC in July. Despite some travel issues on the front end, we packed a lot of activities into a weekend, most of them with Connor as the lead attraction. But isn't that the way it should be? I mean, look at that face!


First, we introduced Connor to one of my favorite games, Connect 4. He loved it! But I think his favorite part might have been releasing the chips at the bottom.




Then, off to the beach. This meant sand and snacks. And of course, a big hole!




Andie and I went out for an adult dinner, and met up with some good friends of hers for drinks. It was great to see Todd and Debbie again, and the night views from our seats at the bar were amazing!

The Next day, we checked out the Children's Museum, and Connor had a ball.

First, he made his mother very happy, and checked out the meterology center. Looks like rain in the forecast!Then, he took his mom for a ride on a rowboat.

But rowboats are too small! Next, he tried out being a shrimp boat captain. Looks like he likes being in charge.

But it important to not speed, or you might get in trouble with the law.

Connor loved pumping water into this watering can, and then dumping the water all over his shoes. Maybe he'll be a gardener, like his Aunt Anne?

Or maybe he's just happy being our little prince.

After a fun day at the museum, and some time spent hiding in the tower of the castle, Connor was clear on what we needed to do next.

One final adventure - Connor's first movie! We went to see 'Up!' and I think it was fun for all.

Thanks, Andie and Connor, for a great visit!

A Look Back to 2008

This is a video clip from last year, but I kept it on my camera all year. I figured it was time to share with everyone else.

Seamus and Finn share their thoughts on a weekend at the Lake. To ride a boat, or to not ride a boat - that is the question. Enjoy!

Detroit, Michigan

So, I'm working in Detroit, Michigan these days. Its great work, but Detroit is a bit limited in social options. Luckily, one of the people I am working with, Mary, offered to take me out on the town. Here are some of the highlights.

Dinner in Greektown - this is the famous "burning" Opa Cheese!

Triatholon in July 2009

No, I didn't participate. James and Anne did. But I got to watch the kids. Here's what that looked like.

Here we are, waiting to see James and Anne pass by.

Still waiting. BTW, this is also Finn's b-day; note the styling duds.

What is taking so long?!

Wait! There she is, Super Mom!

Great work, Anne! And well worth the wait.

James was a little too fast for us this year, so we missed seeing him go by. But maybe he heard the cheers anyway? Go, Dad, go!