Melissa and Elias Visit!!!!

This little guy and his mom came in town the weekend and I could not have been happier to see them.  Melissa used to live with me in Chicago and while Ann Arbor isn't that far away, it's not as good as right down the hall.

Melissa was in town for a wedding so Shannon came over to hang out and do makeup.  

She did an amazing job and we had a great afternoon!!!

And what lazy Saturday afternoon isn't complete without a competitive game of Ticket to Ride!?!

Elias even helped me out when he got up from his nap...in case you were wondering, we won :-)

What fun it was babysitting this guy!!!  Such a happy baby.

On Sunday morning Chad, Melissa, Elias, Jake (Chad's friend) and I went out to brunch at an amazing new spot...well new to me...Stax Cafe.

Great to see you Melissa and Elias...can't wait to head to Ann Arbor for some Olympics watching!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Our dad is not a "birthday guy"  - he loves a good party, but just not one honoring his growing one year older.  Nevertheless, this was a "big one" so Kelly and I decided we were going to throw him a surprise party.  

We got him down to the city under the guise of a family dinner...instead about 40-50 of his closest friends were gathered to celebrate. And what a celebration it was!!!!

So many of his friends from various parts of his life were able to make it...showing what an incredible friend, mentor, and man he is.  Many of those who could not make it sent in videos wishing him a happy birthday that we included in the slideshow (more on that later!)

The yard service crew!!!

The Hinsdale crowd!

Kelly worked extremely hard on what turned out to be an amazing tribute slideshow that we all enjoyed....

....especially the birthday boy!

Naturally the cake had a snowmobile topper that he loved.

Cheers to a very successful party!

Happy Birthday Dad - I love you!!!

TriRock Triathlon

Brian and I completed the Lake Geneva TriRock Sprint Triathlon this weekend.  After completing the Big Foot Sprint Triathlon earlier this summer, I guess I couldn't get enough!  It started off as a very cool morning (about 40 degrees) and the race was delayed 45 minutes because there was so much fog on the lake.

Thankfully the race start was only a 10 minute walk from my parent's home so we were able to go warm up while we waited.

 Sporting our race tattoos....which I'm still trying to get off, I think I prefer the sharpie method.

Brian getting ready for the swim...

 And we're off!!

 Finishers!!!

Happy Birthday Dan!!



 Dan recently had a big birthday (3-0) and we celebrated with a surprise party at Jack and Gingers!

 He was very surprised and we all had a great time with friends and family!

 

Alaskan Adventure

Brian and I headed up to Alaska last week for a few days of fun with Daron and Leslie.  After relaxing in Anchorage on our arrival day, we went to Whittier for the 26 Glacier Cruise.

We saw seals, otters, and porpoises.

 And, as promised, 26 glaciers.

 Most glaciers are receding, but there are 12 in Alaska that are advancing...we saw one of those.

 

The following day it was off to Seward and to a great restaurant, with lousy advertising, called the Salmon Bake.

 Best of all, Andrea and Richard were in Alaska for a wedding and they met us for a great dinner and European Ticket to Ride!

The following day we hiked to Exit Glacier.

 Another great trip!  Thanks for hosting Daron!!