Lots of stuff

Here's photos of some events since school has started. R.J.'s first cross country meet and a visit from Henry & Brian in Aug.

Now and back then

Lake Superior

In the cave by lake Superior

By the mouth of Temperance River

The view from our campsite

We've just returned from Temperance River State Park. We have the primo campsite and even Zeke adjusted to the great outdoors once he figured out that the routine was to basically do nothing most of the day. The walks along the trails & lake Superior were the highlight of his day.

I taught R.J. how to play cribbage and he even beat me once (I pointed out all of the points he was going to leave on the table.) Bob however, was unable to beat me the entire trip! Molly got her fill of s'mores and Solie enjoyed sleeping with her humans.

Happy Birthday Nature Boy

We had a successful first camping trip of the year. To celebrate R.J.'s eleventh birthday he elected to go camping with a friend. Karsten had never been camping before and I am happy to report that he survived the weekend. Molly and the boys had a grand time. The red bird on R.J.'s head was Molly's gift to him. Very creative. Mom and Dad surprised him with an ipod shuffle so now he is constantly plugged in. Look out middle school here we come.

School's out!

We made it to the end. Everyone finished up by last Wed. R.J. & Molly had the opportunity to go on a fun end of year celebration on Fri. One of Molly's friend's invited a bunch of kids from Adams Spanish Immersion school to Como Town for the day. Como Town is an amusement park by Como Zoo. The kids had a blast. I will try to post pictures but the first time I tried the computer and hte web were having trouble communicating.

First Communion

Molly made her First communion last Sunday. She was ill on Sat. but pulled through and was able to make 8:00 Mass on Sunday. She was the only girl not wearing a dress but very few people gave her strange looks and of course we stopped at home after Mass so she could change clothes before going out for breakfast!

Chicago

In celebration of our 40th birthdays this year my friend Caroline & I spent a weekend in Chicago. As soon as Caroline sends me some pics, I'll post them but just to give you a taste of our fabulous weekend... We are already making plans to return. We stayed at Affinia Hotel, just one block off the Miracle Mile and it was very posh indeed. We could both get used to being pampered.

Of course we shopped a ton but did not buy much except for a couple great deals at Macy's. We had lunch at a Tapas bar one day, sampled deep dish pizza and watched chick flicks one night(it was cold & rainy-it snowed overnight.) The other night we went to a dueling piano bar for some strong drinks and good people watching. We both agreed that it is good to be married to 2 great guys and not have to do the bar scene again! On Sun. we went to the Art Institute and saw a fraction of what is in the building. Lots of French artists and a new wing is opening in May. I'd love to return with the kids in the summer and spend more time by the lake.

Eagerly awaiting Spring!