twin cities trip

We just returned from an action-packed adventure in the twin cities. Friday night we visited Kristin, Craig, and the kids for a night of recreation Golden Valley style. Craig grilled salmon and vegetables to accompany Kristin's top secret bean dip. Later we had a fire and roasted smores. The kids ran around their big back yard and played with glow sticks.

Saturday we met Tony's parents and Grandma at Cossetta Italian Market for a delicious pasta lunch. After a stop at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, we checked into our hotel and took the kids swimming. Logan also got to open his belated birthday presents from his grandparents. He received a remote controlled helicopter and a Razor scooter.

The next morning we tried to go to Como Park Zoo but underestimated how much of the metropolitan area would be there on an absolutely beautiful Sunday afternoon. We ended up heading to Green Mill for lunch before going our separate ways.

Logan Bryce, Glow Stick Master



The pilot checks out his new helicopter.



Owen strikes a pose.



Swimming, swimming, and more swimming!

remembrance

Today we took Tony's Grandma to Fort Snelling National Cemetery to visit the grave of his Grandpa who served in WWII and passed away in 2006. We miss you Grandpa and think of you often.

eat a pirate

One of our favorite new cds is "Bedtime Stories for Pirates" by Captain Bogg and Salty. There is a song called "Scurvy" that features the shouted refrain of "Eat A Lime". Loosely based on that song, Owen decided to rock the microphone.

good eats

After eating our weight in plain berries all weekend, Tracy and the boys decided to "kick it up a notch" with two dessert selections: strawberries hand-dipped in dark chocolate and strawberry cream cheese ice cream. We highly recommend both delicious treats, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

welcome to berryville

With Mom coming home one morning having picked 55 quarts of strawberries, Owen quickly established himself as an official berry taster. Hopping into the van before the flats were unloaded, he was ready for a photo with a berry in each hand.

Summer wouldn't be complete without fresh jam. Owen assisted with mashing and stirring, while Logan was in charge of ladling into jars.

not just for tourists

To celebrate Logan passing his swim class, we headed to Canal Park for a special treat at the Amazing Grace Cafe. After sharing a pile of delicious sugar-filled items, we hit the streets for some family fun.

we've got fish

Logan continues to move through the hierarchy of YMCA swim classes. This week he passed the Minnow class on his first attempt, thus elevating to the status of...(drum roll please)...Fish. Good job Aquaboy!

jimmy is not an octopus

photos by logan

Today's images were provided by special guest photographer Logan.

mama's little fire crackers

Logan and Owen kicked off the Independence Day festivities by modeling the "fireworks" hats they created at the Children's Museum.

family day

We awoke this morning to an absolutely open schedule - no work, no appointments, and no classes means a family day of fun. After breakfast, we packed up the van and headed to the beach for a morning of sand and surf. After much splashing, we headed over to the playground and eventually sat down long enough to enjoy a picnic lunch. The boys then set world records for bike riding with an endless series of loops on the various paths. A stop at the Portland Malt Shoppe completed our outside activities. The day ended with a viewing of "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium".

church tour 2009

For those of you who don't know it, the Church is one of Tony's all-time favorite bands. They recently released a bunch of new material and are currently in the middle of a US tour. Tony is lucky he has an understanding family who let him attend three Church shows in a ten day period - Minneapolis (solo), Falls Church (with Jon), and Annapolis (with Jon).

The band performs live at the Ram's Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD.



Tony with Marty Willson-Piper (guitar/bass/vocals/music deity).



Tony with Steve Kilbey (vocals/bass/guitar/music deity).

tony's trip

Tony just returned from his trip to Bethesda where he visited Mr. Jon and his wonderful family.

Sunday
Early morning flight takes me from Duluth to Detroit to Washington, DC. I land at Dulles airport at approximately noon and immediately take a bus to the nearest Metro station. One train ride later I enter the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Last time I was here I ran out of time and literally jogged through this building. Today I spend 2.5 hours and although still not enough time, I appreciate the visit more. One more train ride to the Bethesda stop where Jon picks me up. After a brief check-in at his house, we head to Falls Church, Virginia for a concert by one of our favorite bands, the Church.





Monday
Jon and I drop Sam and Sarah off at their respective day camps and then proceed to nearby Great Falls Park for a scenic walk across a bunch of waterfalls. At lunch time we pick Sarah up and grab a quick lunch at Baja Fresh. Eventually, we take Sarah to a playground next to Sam's camp and play until he's released and joins us. Jon and I throw the frisbee around a bit just like old times. Back at the house we meet Mary and order some takeout from a Thai restaurant. Jon and I contemplate an early bedtime but then stay up late watching a movie.

Tuesday
After dropping the kids at camp, Jon and I run some errands, check out a really nice comic book store, and then take Sarah to the playground again while we wait for Sam. Once home, I start to pack while simultaneously playing "kidnap the princess" with Sarah and engaging in an extended light saber duel with Sam.

As soon as Mary gets home from work, Jon and I head to Annapolis for another concert by the Church. This venue doesn't have an open area in front of the stage so we view Adam Franklin and the Bolts of Melody from our assigned table while eating dinner. As the Church take the stage, we find a place to stand along a side wall that we both deem superior to sitting. After the show we hang out and talk to the band, get autographs and take photos.

Jon drops me off at the airport at 2:38 am for my 6:30 am flight. Three airplanes later I find my beautiful family waiting for me at the airport.