Halloween Picture

I was involved in a bike race - in the race, but I wouldn't say "racing". Some dude took this shot of me - not sure if my leg is actually broken, but it looks a bit out of joint?

Enjoy my "Officer Dangle".

Leaves in the fall...

Michelle's favorite season is Spring - but I've always been fond of Fall - perhaps it is the new school year scent that arrives..I don't know. The kids always like the leaves that accumulate from our neighbors. I told Papa Paul at some point that I'd update with pictures, so here's a few from the fall for you.

We also went to Harriet Alexander wildflower garden this Fall - a great way to spend the afternoon.


The kids are growing up so fast!

Merry Xmas from Tilia to Aunt M. & Uncle C.

Merry Christmas - She enjoyed it very much.



Thanks!

Flashback to T's 2nd Birthday

Awhile ago, in a galaxy.....or at least at Buca, St. Paul.

Tilia celebrated her 2nd birthday. She loves the pasta. Acer ate an enormous meatball- much like the 96er of "Great Outdoors" fame.

The Buca crew even sang happy birthday to "T-time". Joey and Mark were in town for the event - it was great for the kids to hang with Michelle's family for a bit.

Summer fun - Recap

I've been out of practice - but here's a few summer fun pics for all. The kids loved the slip and slide - despite the fact that we violated every stated description of safe use practices.

Back from Itasca

We have arrived at our starting destination (home). We took a short vacation to see the 1st state park in Minnesota and the headwaters of the Mississippi. At times it was doubtful, but we've all made it home.

We'll be updating you with some more pic and stories later.

T-Time's bug bitten eye!

This is the second time in as many months that Tilia has been the recipient of a swollen eye from a bug bite. This isn't nearly as awful as the first episode - in that case, she couldn't even open her eye. This isn't too bad...?

Favorite baseball teams, anyone?

Acer and I went to mlb.com and looked at all of the teams in the league. He has yet to choose a favorite team. I know, we should push the tribe, hey Joel? We looked at team names/colors/mascots. What other way is there?

I'm disappointed in the logos for some teams - they are utter crap! Especially the new San Diego offering! Not that I pine for the grey with brown pinstripes and brown hats of the mid 80s Tony Gwynn days, but c'mon! That padre hitting a ball was a sweet character.

Father's Day 2008

As a family, we had a cook out at Central Park- it is only 3/4 mile away, so Michelle & the kids biked over while I tried to prepare the grill. Usually, Papa Paul gets together with us on F Day - we'll have to get back to that next year. We really didn't plan on doing anything, but the weather was fantastic and Michelle had a craving for turkey cheese dogs.

We got a few pics of the occasion for the good of all humanity. Your great grandchildren will be thanking you for showing them these snapshots.

Salix's new skill: Back full layout

Salix says this is easy...hmmm.

Acer & Teeball

Acer began Teeball last night. It makes me think back to the days of my youth spending hour upon hour in the back yard hitting wiffle balls and throwing tennis balls against the side of the garage. He is going to be awesome! But first, we need to figure out if he throws lefty or righty. It doesn't seem to matter much at this point to him.

Any suggestions on how to figure that one out?

Nature Valley Grand Prix

As a family, we drove to the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood today and biked over to the criterium in downtown MPLS tonight. We had a good time watching the riders cruise through the downtown - only we chose corner 4 instead of corner 3 - that's where the only crash took place tonight. Now, I'm not hoping for people to get hurt, but a mild collision would have been cool to see.

tilia loves her brother and sister

She cares about their wel-being very much...the health of their scalps is a different matter entirely.

Our neighbors have internet...

Tilia is growing up so fast! I've decided to post a couple of things for all of you. If you are wondering about the length between the last post and this one, well - getting rid of Comcast has been one of the best decisions ever. I can't stand paying that much for cable/phone/internet. Back to Tilia - she is talking so much, new words everyday it seems. You should all come see her sometime.

Chicago Style Meet Update

Salix and Michelle went to Chi-Town to visit the Sears Tower, and compete in the Chicago Style Gymnastics Meet. Salix did well for herself - scoring her highest score this year! She is pumped about being in good health...unlike last year.

We'll send some pictures out at some time in the near future.

When asked, Salix said she enjoyed the "bumpy" airplane ride. I told her that most people would rather not have the plane bouncing around in the sky. Her response-"I'm a kid, we like bumby rides!" Yep.


Acer, Tilia, and I spent the cold weekend reading the book - "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" - the sequel - Acer is so into this series. Ask him about it sometime.

Any one ready for a 1/2 marathon?

Michelle is going to try and run the Gary B. 1/2 marathon up in Duluth this spring - again. Anyone willing to run with her? We took the family up last year, but won't be doing the same this year. She ran with cousin Sarah and saw a few familiar faces along the way. Online registration begins....here is the info:

THE 18TH ANNUAL GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON IS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2008

NEW IN 2008! Online registration will be used for the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.

Registration will be conducted through a random lottery process. Those interested in participating can register for the lottery from 12:01 a.m.(CST) on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 through 8:00 a.m. (CST) on Monday, March 3, 2008. Beginning at 8:01 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2008, 4,500 participants will be randomly selected. Your credit card will be charged ONLY if you are selected in the lottery.

You can check out the official site: here.

So, going through a few photos this week...

I like these two, perhaps my favorites of the immediate family.

This was taken in 2004 at Copper Falls State Park in WI.


This was taken in 2007 - same bench - perhaps even the same strange old guy took the picture. Both photographers had the same beef and cheese smell.

Chicago Style Meet 2008

Salix is set to have her last level 5 meet on February 8th - in Chicago. She hoping to stay healthy this year, unlike last year's major bug that totally wiped her out at this time. Salix and Michelle are flying down to stay the weekend wth Jackie - we'll keep you posted. Go Salix!


The boys (and Tilia) get the weekend off. We're planning on going to the Minnesota Zoo - if you are in town - let us know and we can meet there.

Yes, it is upon us...

30 years today on the planet. Whoa...That's all I got to say about that right now.

Electoral Compass - it seems to point north...

I know that some of you took the abc news political quiz - and some of you had the nerve to question my Sam Brownsomething selection. Well fine, something perhaps a bit more broad in its questions is in order.

Try this, you'll like it.

http://www.electoralcompass.com/

No, Mr.Sam Brownshin didn't make it into my top three with this one.

I'm sorry for the long post drought - been working a bit on a couple websites - and our camera broke.


Take care- oh, and happy new year!