Family Pics from this year

Me and Anna took a ride on the Mesabi trail. We rode from Gilbert to Hibbing, MN and back. Around 50 some miles or so. (we did stay in a cushy hotel overnight in Hibbing though, so it wasn't that grueling)

My dad giving Xavier some chess tips. I started playing with him this year too. He's still a little too young to grasp the strategy, but he's learning the moves at least.

I have to thank my dad for my interest in chess too. I remember him playing for hours on end when I was a kid, sparking my interest. He first taught me when I was very young. I didn't play for years, but then in my early 20s I started to get back into it, playing online. I hope Xavier likes to play with me when he gets older, it's a great mind exercise and a great way to bond with your kids if you don't take it too seriously.

Anna and the kids present their sidewalk art.

Spin Riggin' Jumbo Walleyes

Why is Mom's day always on fishing opener? I always miss out on a great day fishing. Can we change that somehow? Cant mom's day be the week before da opener? Yes, opener minus 7. that will be perfect. oh yea, you betcha as us Minnesotans say.

Anyway, here's some tips for fishing opening tomorrow.
Can't wait to get the boat out! Hopefully early next week I can get out. Tomorrow we're having Aubrey's big birthday bash and Sunday we're busy fer da Mom's day.

My Favorite Minnesota - Natural Wonders

being from Minnesota, I should've been to these places by now. Note to self, start taking more vacations.

Popcorn

Our new puppy. She's a pugshire - half pug, half yorkshire. Aubrey named her Popcorn Popcorn, we wanted to change it, but the name stuck.

Funny Microsoft support center call

being a tech, this video is hilarious! The Sh#@! we deal with sometimes!

brrrr! It's *!#@ cold!

It was only about 20 below zero this morning when I got up in Duluth and 45 below in I-Falls!

But at least I don't live in Tok, Alaska. I read a story on NPR.org last week that Tok had temps around 80 below. Here's a link to a blogpost with a picture of a thermometer reading -80F at the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge offices in Tok, Alaska. That's insane!

Here's a link to an ABCNEWS story about the cold snap featuring the front page of the Duluth News Tribune.

I don't remember a winter this cold in years, but it's definitely nothing new. We do have the weekend to look forward too though, it's supposed to be in the twenties this weekend. The Twenties! That's almost 50 degrees warmer than it is right now! I'll have to get out my shorts and flipflops.. HEAT WAVE COMING!

Ice Fish Baby!!!!

it's about that time of da year to do a little ice fishin' up here in da great northwoods ya know...

oh yah, you betcha!

Grandma Dar and Aubrey

parenting resolutions

here's some great tips on how to be a better parent this year

May08 001

Aubrey right after she turned 2 years old. She already loved to talk!