Michelle and the Twins

I recently had the privilege of taking Michelle on her first trip to Target Field. And even though they lost to the appropriately hated Yankees, we still had a blast.

Stella's 1st Birthday!

Our baby-girl just turned 1 this August and we celebrated for a few days. Here's the highlights.

Quin picked out this musical picnic basket for Stella all by himself.

She loves it; nice job, Quinny!

Stylin' . . .
and profilin'! Wooooo!

She had a grand time opening the big one.

Both kids enjoyed the playhouse she got from Grandma & Grandpa I.

Stella-bean!

I've been trying to think of an appropriate caption for this picture but I just can't - it's too funny!

Strip down for lunch!

As soon as the gifts came out, it was like a swarm of toddlers around Stella and Michelle; hilarious!

A little girl's very creative Mom made this Eric Carle themed birthday cake (thanks for the suggestion, Uncle Tom!).

Strip down again; this time for cake!!!

Grrrr, frosting make me mad; Quinny smash!!!

The progression of messy face here is fantastic.

After a long day of partying, this is what happens when all you want to do is watch a movie after everybody goes home.

5 Years Gets Us 2 Days With No Kids

First and foremost, thanks to Grandma & Grandpa K & Grandma & Grandpa I for their anniversary gifts of overnight babysitting. Michelle & I enjoyed a weekend away to celebrate our 5 years of marital bliss. We took a trip to New Ulm, MN. Our first stop was the historic August Schell Brewery. This shot is of the family mansion and garden.

Attempt #1 at a picture.

Attempt #2 worked better.

They have peacocks roaming the grounds of the brewery.

This look is not just an act, that thing scared the crap out of me.

When you put down your $3, you get a tour, a beer tasting, a free brew and a free of root beer. Mmmmm, double-fisting it with a brew and a root-brew.

Michelle was proud of her root beer.

My tasting collection.

We made a visit to the Herman monument; it's really big.

And very high. You can see for miles around from the top.

Again, a tepid smile as me and heights are not friends.

I took the camera away and made Michelle be in a picture.

She in turn found it hilarious watching me cautiously make my way back down the monument.

There is very, very little room climbing up and down.

Michelle thought this tree was really cool.

Our trip to New Ulm coincided with the annual Bavarian Blast, a festival of all things German. Michelle needed to take a picture of these folks that were dancing in 100degree weather. This guy was soaked through his clothes - ish.

Crazy German music. This tent was seriously the size of a circus tent with multiple stages set up. Crazy.

These are New Ulm's Ambassadors . . . seriously.

Finally, we took a trip to the Morgan Creek Vineyard & Winery. It was German Days there as well and this guy was walking around with a horse skirt. And people make fun of Norwegians.