Bathroom Remodel

Sherri & I just finished tiling our downstairs bathroom that we've been dabbling at for several months now. Come visit and try out the new jet tub!

Fall-O-Ramma

Julie, Mom, and Dad did another knock-out job of hosting Fall-O-Ramma this year. Pumpkin carving reached a whole new level with Chewbacca and the Minion, and the Poker Walk trophy goes to Philip.

Sherri modeling with style on Dad's fancy new bench

Fall Colors at Jay Cooke State Park

Sherri & I snuck away from schoolwork for a day to enjoy the Fall colors at Jay Cooke State Park with my parents and sister, Julie. It was so refreshing being able to crawl around in the woods along the river with trees bursting with color.

Almelund Threshing Show

Sherri & I finally got a chance to partake in all the fun and hype we've been hearing about this Almelund Threshing Show. It's a podunk, miniature state fair out in the middle of nowhere that is just our style. There was a historic little schoolhouse with all kinds of artifacts, blacksmiths hammering away at fiery steel, a genuine working lumber mill with a saw blade the size of our Prius, a flea market full of random trinkets and nick nacks, plenty of time for a pitcher of watered-down beer and a pretzel, country bands playing in the background with lots of microphone feedback, decrepit steam engine tractors that looked and sounded like they were going to explode, and last but not least, an old-school tractor pull competition as the sun went down. Pure small-town awesomeness!

Shhhhh! This is a library for heaven's sake.

The beloved Dunce Cap

The two best teachers right at home in the schoolhouse

Great Smoky Mountains Rafting Trip

Sherri got us a gift certificate to go whitewater rafting on our trip down to visit her brother's family in South Carolina. It was super fun, and it brought back some really great memories of when I was a river guide. One night we decided to drive up into the Great Smoky Mountains where we hunkered down in the car until morning for a hike. We climbed a butt-kickin' 12-miler that brought us to a beautiful overlook where we ran into Mr. Black Bear and some wild wart hogs. It was a long trip down as we slowly peeked around the corners of bushes yelling, "Hey Bear!"

Kayaking Sunrise River

To celebrate the commencement of summer break, Sherri & I spent a couple of days with my parents at their ranch. They live only a couple of miles away from the Sunrise River. It's a fun little meandering creek that winds down the valley under a wooded canopy, eventually emptying into the mighty St. Croix River. There were just enough rapids to keep things interesting, with little wave trains swerving around corners, and a few slumbering boulders here and there. Mom & Dad graciously provided 5-star shuttle service for our paddling trip, allowing us to throw all of our gear into the back of their truck, Big Iron. Mia accompanied us, cautiously observing from the river bank. It's been awhile since Sherri & I had been in our boats, so we spent some time practicing our combat roll at the put in. Mia rode along with Mom & Dad, who later waved to us from the overhead bridges down stream. Dad captured some great photos for us to remember the day. That afternoon, we all drove over to St. Croix Falls for lunch at a tasty Chinese restaurant, and later walked along the cliffs at Taylor Falls. We had to, of course, scope out the town for some ice cream since it was a hot summer day. We hope to enjoy several more outings like this in the future. It's good being around family.

Mom & Mia walking us down to the put in

A couple of river rats anxious to paddle

Both are a little rusty on our combat roll

Now remember- loose hips

Paddling a meandering river under beautiful canopy

Sherri gives it a thumbs up!

Can't wipe the smile off my face- born to be on the water