tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129166592024-03-13T22:41:01.088-05:00everything nagelGregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12864040113636852232noreply@blogger.comBlogger554125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-25791977447266123032013-05-02T08:28:00.001-05:002013-05-03T08:30:14.391-05:00What a Difference a Week Makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMO7VhWOkI/UXrcBTiZmYI/AAAAAAAAA_w/eFwRp2XJduc/s1600/monday-friday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMO7VhWOkI/UXrcBTiZmYI/AAAAAAAAA_w/eFwRp2XJduc/s640/monday-friday.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a (nice) long, cold winter, we got one more big blast of snow last week. I saw that the forecast was calling for snow on Monday, then temps in the 70s over the weekend, so I took the first of the two pictures above on Monday morning after the overnight snow. By Friday, temps were already into the 60s and Max, Wren, and Allison were out on the parkway trails in a new tandem stroller. (And, surprise, by Saturday afternoon I had our air conditioning on.)<br />
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A lot of people have been whining about how long the cold weather has stuck around this year. I've enjoyed it. I'd rather have 6 months of winter than 4 months of winter and 2 months of sloppy, rainy mess.<br />
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Spring stinks. Summer: golf, biking, boating. Fall: bonfires, grilling out, walks around the lake. Winter: hockey, sledding, hunkering down. Spring: muddy, drizzly, blech. This year we skipped spring...straight from winter to summer. I'll take it.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>* * May 3, UPDATE: aaand it's snowing again. :) * * </b></span></div>
Gregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12864040113636852232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-63479309423208434422013-02-27T20:27:00.001-06:002013-02-27T20:27:30.397-06:00Max's Second BirthdayMax turned 2 this past weekend and Shube joined us for lunch and some cake. It was fun to watch Max understand (mostly) what was going on with the cake and presents. He wore his new "safety goggles" and played with his toy drill, new Legos and trucks.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqaI6C_GaqQ/US6_C5Pj60I/AAAAAAAADno/iOU5RXZcHTU/s1600/max+bday+xmas+2012-13+134.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqaI6C_GaqQ/US6_C5Pj60I/AAAAAAAADno/iOU5RXZcHTU/s320/max+bday+xmas+2012-13+134.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUxZ6U-dk10/US6_EtnQVgI/AAAAAAAADn8/grRUgHKT0uI/s1600/max+bday+xmas+2012-13+149.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUxZ6U-dk10/US6_EtnQVgI/AAAAAAAADn8/grRUgHKT0uI/s320/max+bday+xmas+2012-13+149.JPG" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-29198114297903914282013-02-23T17:17:00.001-06:002013-02-23T17:17:39.606-06:00IGLOO!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkf65SFh94U/USlOFHbfjyI/AAAAAAAAA_c/5kvwMxACG2w/s1600/photo-759607.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkf65SFh94U/USlOFHbfjyI/AAAAAAAAA_c/5kvwMxACG2w/s320/photo-759607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5848291440917974818" /></a></p>Gregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12864040113636852232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-5804388793255464992013-02-11T07:49:00.000-06:002013-02-11T07:50:16.476-06:00Max's First Snowman<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRIc1dPboq8/URj3GUU73nI/AAAAAAAADmo/Jm5JybwrqhE/s1600/photo%2B1-716477.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRIc1dPboq8/URj3GUU73nI/AAAAAAAADmo/Jm5JybwrqhE/s320/photo%2B1-716477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5843692204421013106" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioGUZizgOkI/URj3G0DkXQI/AAAAAAAADm0/nnp7EPOlGU0/s1600/photo%2B2-719091.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioGUZizgOkI/URj3G0DkXQI/AAAAAAAADm0/nnp7EPOlGU0/s320/photo%2B2-719091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5843692212938104066" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zIhEYPRvrg/URj3HYm5F0I/AAAAAAAADnA/-0dhr2q_Xpk/s1600/photo%2B3-721398.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zIhEYPRvrg/URj3HYm5F0I/AAAAAAAADnA/-0dhr2q_Xpk/s320/photo%2B3-721398.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5843692222749939522" /></a></p>We got several inches of snow this weekend (still coming down today) and thought Max was ready to help build a snowman. He was even giving him hugs (last picture).Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-7267425842488078482013-01-31T08:06:00.000-06:002013-01-31T08:47:17.354-06:00Pajama Day<div class="mobile-photo">
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We are loving Max's school- Children's Praise N' Rainbows. Small class sizes, a very structured day, and he's learning about Jesus. He told me that God is big like elephants. They do fun things like this week's Pajama Day...so cute!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-42433263938963827932013-01-02T15:17:00.001-06:002013-01-02T15:17:32.889-06:00Big boy Robe<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWOh9O3PNMY/UOSj7TNCgtI/AAAAAAAADlA/EEmb3mKPKXE/s1600/photo-752889.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWOh9O3PNMY/UOSj7TNCgtI/AAAAAAAADlA/EEmb3mKPKXE/s320/photo-752889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5828964056886837970" /></a></p>Big boy robe for the big brother. Max gave us his best 'cheeeeeese' as he posed in his new robe from Grandma Rhonda (MeeMa). Just 8 weeks until we get to meet his baby sister!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-90810902495455213312012-12-28T10:16:00.001-06:002012-12-28T10:16:51.388-06:00Christmas fun<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIDeSFdt44I/UN3F87zvzEI/AAAAAAAADj0/QlEv_jbTBgA/s1600/photo%2B1-711388.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIDeSFdt44I/UN3F87zvzEI/AAAAAAAADj0/QlEv_jbTBgA/s320/photo%2B1-711388.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5827031143524846658" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLDCHMp3xxE/UN3F9aIFY0I/AAAAAAAADkA/ObMHn2ncAY4/s1600/photo%2B2-713333.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLDCHMp3xxE/UN3F9aIFY0I/AAAAAAAADkA/ObMHn2ncAY4/s320/photo%2B2-713333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5827031151663211330" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3PlVCvD5taA/UN3F-vzKRWI/AAAAAAAADkM/rfIB0uqzLuw/s1600/photo%2B3-718123.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3PlVCvD5taA/UN3F-vzKRWI/AAAAAAAADkM/rfIB0uqzLuw/s320/photo%2B3-718123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5827031174660900194" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7iCsAsZxMk/UN3F_NYMhOI/AAAAAAAADkY/NI6yaka1nOw/s1600/photo%2B4-719886.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7iCsAsZxMk/UN3F_NYMhOI/AAAAAAAADkY/NI6yaka1nOw/s320/photo%2B4-719886.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5827031182600864994" /></a></p>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-27866612950868174652012-12-25T14:15:00.000-06:002012-12-25T15:14:06.945-06:00Winter in the DesertWe have been blessed this year to have been able to travel to Palm Springs (La Quinta, CA) to visit family TWICE. Our most recent trip was the first week of December and we were spoiled with above average temps (80 each day) and an endless supply of authentic Mexican food.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzSrWWZX_JM/UNoIh1PCX6I/AAAAAAAADjM/sn2bxf0Qu5A/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzSrWWZX_JM/UNoIh1PCX6I/AAAAAAAADjM/sn2bxf0Qu5A/s400/lunch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Some highlights were: patio time, golf cart rides for Max, picking and juicing fresh lemons and grapefruits from Grandpa's yard, visiting El Centro (where Grandpa grew up), the San Diego Zoo, a Tamale Festival, In-N-Out Burger, Pickle Ball, and a fantastic date night at <a href="http://www.inglesideinn.com/melvyns_restaurant.html">Melvyn's</a>.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pArETkdCoC4/UNoHFjz5bgI/AAAAAAAADik/mypZkNUI4Bk/s1600/photo%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pArETkdCoC4/UNoHFjz5bgI/AAAAAAAADik/mypZkNUI4Bk/s400/photo%2B4.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
Visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggandal/sets/72157632336742509/">our Flickr page</a> for more pics.
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-26370163149616827262012-12-12T11:28:00.001-06:002012-12-12T11:28:44.976-06:00Tree Trimming Party<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edGGTdj6an8/UMi-zaHYx3I/AAAAAAAADhg/XmIh5Na8npY/s1600/photo%2B1-724977.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edGGTdj6an8/UMi-zaHYx3I/AAAAAAAADhg/XmIh5Na8npY/s320/photo%2B1-724977.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5821112308769277810" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNM9Sj0CrbI/UMi-0B-DBOI/AAAAAAAADhs/gdqCHRLcWhg/s1600/photo%2B2-728730.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNM9Sj0CrbI/UMi-0B-DBOI/AAAAAAAADhs/gdqCHRLcWhg/s320/photo%2B2-728730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5821112319467521250" /></a></p>We had a little help from our elf this year!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-16602623538474307712012-11-29T09:35:00.000-06:002012-11-29T09:37:22.523-06:00Holiday Time<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpTvcfeXulg/ULeBM002aSI/AAAAAAAADgo/_8yXdeDmhVI/s1600/photo%2B1-742523.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpTvcfeXulg/ULeBM002aSI/AAAAAAAADgo/_8yXdeDmhVI/s320/photo%2B1-742523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5816259501111011618" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kBDBZk-w_A/ULeBNocDT-I/AAAAAAAADg0/yzccOswH8ns/s1600/photo%2B2-745534.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kBDBZk-w_A/ULeBNocDT-I/AAAAAAAADg0/yzccOswH8ns/s320/photo%2B2-745534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5816259514965643234" /></a></p>We had a very Happy Thanksgiving in Indy this year and are now looking forward to some California sun!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-81359960057224135202012-11-01T07:20:00.000-05:002012-11-01T07:21:00.128-05:00Max the Ring Bearer<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQuG7GtJTEM/UJJpLXilu8I/AAAAAAAADfg/zsIl0TeLk-E/s1600/photo%2B1-760128.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQuG7GtJTEM/UJJpLXilu8I/AAAAAAAADfg/zsIl0TeLk-E/s320/photo%2B1-760128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5805818513652562882" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GkuZz4-xX0/UJJpM4oSTDI/AAAAAAAADfs/az4L_oh3kOI/s1600/photo%2B2-767412.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GkuZz4-xX0/UJJpM4oSTDI/AAAAAAAADfs/az4L_oh3kOI/s320/photo%2B2-767412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5805818539714694194" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGdrGu13wMU/UJJpOOoyKLI/AAAAAAAADf4/fpcBhzYmmUM/s1600/photo%2B3-771685.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGdrGu13wMU/UJJpOOoyKLI/AAAAAAAADf4/fpcBhzYmmUM/s320/photo%2B3-771685.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5805818562802231474" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYUhvbNOkC8/UJJpO6sjcrI/AAAAAAAADgE/6JXRAyM6ZjM/s1600/photo%2B4-775135.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYUhvbNOkC8/UJJpO6sjcrI/AAAAAAAADgE/6JXRAyM6ZjM/s320/photo%2B4-775135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5805818574629204658" /></a></p>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-71711847428135622882012-11-01T07:01:00.001-05:002012-11-01T07:01:26.945-05:00Boo!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAxzXFTCkgg/UJJkl7A-nII/AAAAAAAADe8/wxE2Jfk1DQA/s1600/photo-786945.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAxzXFTCkgg/UJJkl7A-nII/AAAAAAAADe8/wxE2Jfk1DQA/s320/photo-786945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5805813472293723266" /></a></p>Scooby Doo and Daddy too.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-25273682678463708742012-09-09T20:05:00.001-05:002012-09-09T20:05:34.599-05:00Book Fest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We enjoyed the <a href="http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-061058&eventState=mn">Target Children's Book Festival</a> this weekend. What a well put together event. So impressive. Discounted books, tons of food, face painting, kids bands, author readings, and so much more.<br />
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Max really enjoyed his first bus ride</center>
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We got to meet Super Why (one of Max's favorite characters)</center>
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Most exciting, for me, was listening to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Selig">Josh Selig</a> read his latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yellows-Noisy-Night-Olive-Branch/dp/1402790708">Red &Yellow's Noisy Night</a>, and afterwards getting it signed and personalized for Max. <br />
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What a great morning for our little reader!
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-82598870027298852752012-08-07T08:00:00.000-05:002012-08-07T08:01:20.825-05:00Chicago Trip<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FPdOudOkt8/UCERobnOXGI/AAAAAAAADdE/VKckRE5KFfc/s1600/photo%2B1-780829.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FPdOudOkt8/UCERobnOXGI/AAAAAAAADdE/VKckRE5KFfc/s320/photo%2B1-780829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773915583570402402" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3CFx0l9-pY/UCERo5wRh-I/AAAAAAAADdQ/W095oAXzAEM/s1600/photo%2B2-782541.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3CFx0l9-pY/UCERo5wRh-I/AAAAAAAADdQ/W095oAXzAEM/s320/photo%2B2-782541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773915591661422562" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEmCmWojo2Q/UCERpE_KoQI/AAAAAAAADdc/P5qtP2J9KNM/s1600/photo%2B3-784480.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEmCmWojo2Q/UCERpE_KoQI/AAAAAAAADdc/P5qtP2J9KNM/s320/photo%2B3-784480.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773915594676674818" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRPn7HqVVuc/UCERpQc5MJI/AAAAAAAADdo/uAFJT0m4vqg/s1600/photo%2B4-785575.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRPn7HqVVuc/UCERpQc5MJI/AAAAAAAADdo/uAFJT0m4vqg/s320/photo%2B4-785575.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773915597754151058" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuI7Syqvd2I/UCERpn5qy6I/AAAAAAAADd0/sKgeBR4qfdo/s1600/photo%2B5-786606.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuI7Syqvd2I/UCERpn5qy6I/AAAAAAAADd0/sKgeBR4qfdo/s320/photo%2B5-786606.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773915604048858018" /></a></p>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-44113327067889948632012-07-24T10:00:00.000-05:002012-07-24T10:02:00.532-05:00Miss Irma Lou 2002-2012<div></div><div><br><br><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tveRbzHrYhs/UA646IhwJTI/AAAAAAAADc0/Qc_GICypSIY/s1600/photo-720532.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tveRbzHrYhs/UA646IhwJTI/AAAAAAAADc0/Qc_GICypSIY/s320/photo-720532.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768751481569158450" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); "><div>Do not stand at my grave and weep.</div><div>I am not there, I do not sleep.</div><div>I am a thousand winds that blow,</div><div>I am the diamond glints on snow.</div><div>I am the sunlight on ripened grain,</div><div>I am the gentle autumn's rain.</div><div>When you awaken in the morning's hush,</div><div>I am the swift uplifting rush</div><div>of quiet birds in circled flight.</div><div>I am the stars that shine at night.</div><div>Do not stand at my grave and cry,</div><div>I am not there, I did not die...</div><div><br></div><div>-Anonymous</div></span><br><br></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-3025543372609866632012-06-27T12:31:00.000-05:002012-06-27T12:31:04.968-05:00Sounds of SummerIn the last few weeks, I've been lucky to see two great shows within minutes of our home. One local band and one band from Chicago - both known for being great live, and both kind of throwback sounds.<br />
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Davina and The Vagabonds</h3>
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I saw the name and a description of locals <a href="http://davinaandthevagabonds.com/video/">Davina and The Vagabonds</a> when we were at the <a href="http://dakotacooks.com/">Dakota Jazz Club</a> a few months back on a date night. They're kind of a New Orleans jazz sound mixed with some swingy rock - a tight band built around Davina's piano and voice with a couple of horns. After following their schedule online, I found that they were playing a Sunday afternoon show at the Lake Harriet Bandshell just a few minutes from our house. Allison, Max, and I rode bikes over to check them out and had a great time...Max's first official concert.<br />
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They play around town a LOT - which is great. Vocally, Davina has a raspy, Etta James thing going on, and does equally well with their originals as with the classics they play. They tour some, but when they're in town they play 3-5 nights a week.<br />
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An original song of theirs:<br />
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<h3>
JD McPherson</h3>
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I heard about <a href="http://www.jdmcpherson.com/">JD McPherson</a> on NPR a couple months ago, and, after hearing a handful of songs online, I checked his calendar and saw that he's in the Twin Cities a couple times this summer. He's based in Chicago, and has a small band - he plays guitar and sings, and is joined by bass, drums, piano/organ, and sax. The sound is a freshened-up 50s rock and rhythm and blues vibe...like Brian Setzer without the costumes. High energy, clean sounding three-minute songs that would fit in a malt shop jukebox.<br />
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They played at the <a href="http://finelinemusic.com/">Fine Line Music Cafe</a> last night - their first trip to Minnesota - and the place was PACKED. Allison was working hard finishing up her latest project, so I flew solo. Felt a little weird going to a concert alone, but I'm really glad I did. I'll be really surprised if they aren't playing much larger venues by next summer. I can see this band getting really popular. I can't wait to see more of them (they'll be at the State Fair in late August), and I'd gladly drive a ways to see them again.<br />
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The song that put them on the map:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aZGn4LncY0g" width="560"></iframe>Gregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12864040113636852232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-51041171717426967602012-06-18T09:25:00.000-05:002012-06-18T09:28:06.424-05:00Daddy's Weekend<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sch630OJAls/T9869yK1MzI/AAAAAAAADcM/3pE0WUSaDeM/s1600/photo%2B1-786425.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sch630OJAls/T9869yK1MzI/AAAAAAAADcM/3pE0WUSaDeM/s320/photo%2B1-786425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755383681916416818" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6r_VYbuDqs/T986-LSLSyI/AAAAAAAADcY/yxM2jWNTfDs/s1600/photo%2B2-787912.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6r_VYbuDqs/T986-LSLSyI/AAAAAAAADcY/yxM2jWNTfDs/s320/photo%2B2-787912.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755383688658111266" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxDnR7255kY/T986-id9yRI/AAAAAAAADck/-TY117HqhnM/s1600/photo%2B3-789848.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxDnR7255kY/T986-id9yRI/AAAAAAAADck/-TY117HqhnM/s320/photo%2B3-789848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5755383694881573138" /></a></p>We had a wonderful weekend celebrating dads. A cookout at the farm, pool time, brunch, family bike ride, and a little golf on tv.
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<br>This first year of fatherhood has found Gregg to be a patient, funny, creative, and loving daddy to Max. More than I could of hoped for. Thanks for a great first year, Love!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-22582367070144506332012-06-11T10:09:00.001-05:002012-06-11T10:09:27.697-05:00CSI:MinneapolisMax has recently become quite enamored of his sunglasses. He likes to peel them off (a' la David Caruso) for dramatic effect...
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<br />Gregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12864040113636852232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-4647889286375685482012-06-07T13:23:00.001-05:002012-06-07T13:23:40.810-05:00Lake Minnetonka Day<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xyrDKlExMs/T9Dxrazc7uI/AAAAAAAADbk/9Kb60Uhh5V0/s1600/photo%2B1-720811.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xyrDKlExMs/T9Dxrazc7uI/AAAAAAAADbk/9Kb60Uhh5V0/s320/photo%2B1-720811.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751362452383919842" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_wMM1xyVbk/T9DxrnNspPI/AAAAAAAADbw/GL2uMuSOsAA/s1600/photo%2B2-722140.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_wMM1xyVbk/T9DxrnNspPI/AAAAAAAADbw/GL2uMuSOsAA/s320/photo%2B2-722140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751362455715226866" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BL9q6JX3WdU/T9DxrxTpyXI/AAAAAAAADb8/u2fVLZ66_0k/s1600/photo%2B3-723760.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BL9q6JX3WdU/T9DxrxTpyXI/AAAAAAAADb8/u2fVLZ66_0k/s320/photo%2B3-723760.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751362458424559986" /></a></p>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-42292156937216025822012-04-09T08:00:00.000-05:002012-04-09T08:01:41.327-05:00Easter Weekend<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-at7iJk5mAVw/T4LdtvApb4I/AAAAAAAADbA/db4Az6FIKl0/s1600/photo%2B3-701328.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-at7iJk5mAVw/T4LdtvApb4I/AAAAAAAADbA/db4Az6FIKl0/s320/photo%2B3-701328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729385453751725954" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ybhUskkPKY/T4Ldt7Z9nGI/AAAAAAAADbM/Kl-pygalLZc/s1600/photo%2B4-702982.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ybhUskkPKY/T4Ldt7Z9nGI/AAAAAAAADbM/Kl-pygalLZc/s320/photo%2B4-702982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729385457079131234" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JV7PyS3Bl20/T4Lduavp_ZI/AAAAAAAADbY/-TWPIBox21M/s1600/photo%2B5-704720.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JV7PyS3Bl20/T4Lduavp_ZI/AAAAAAAADbY/-TWPIBox21M/s320/photo%2B5-704720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729385465491619218" /></a></p>> <br>>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-6625869115721049732012-04-09T07:57:00.000-05:002012-04-09T07:58:41.302-05:00First Zoo Trip<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy_2TaVrvdE/T4LdAk8vALI/AAAAAAAADao/605zxSe5unw/s1600/photo%2B1-721302.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy_2TaVrvdE/T4LdAk8vALI/AAAAAAAADao/605zxSe5unw/s320/photo%2B1-721302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729384677956845746" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7i4vmNTj22c/T4LdA_lveUI/AAAAAAAADaw/TYOYrT3zvBo/s1600/photo%2B2-723206.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7i4vmNTj22c/T4LdA_lveUI/AAAAAAAADaw/TYOYrT3zvBo/s320/photo%2B2-723206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729384685108164930" /></a></p>>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-8905142614982566382012-04-02T08:03:00.001-05:002012-04-02T08:03:54.567-05:00Not a Mom Toy<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrxgY12wImE/T3mju1YNqKI/AAAAAAAADaQ/AM_W0Gec_qw/s1600/photo%2B1-734568.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrxgY12wImE/T3mju1YNqKI/AAAAAAAADaQ/AM_W0Gec_qw/s320/photo%2B1-734568.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726788426176243874" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH6-CB88ZxY/T3mjvqWLBoI/AAAAAAAADac/btxZjVNJsQU/s1600/photo%2B2-738485.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH6-CB88ZxY/T3mjvqWLBoI/AAAAAAAADac/btxZjVNJsQU/s320/photo%2B2-738485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726788440394761858" /></a></p>Turns out, setting up a train track is not one of the skills I've picked up through life. I'm at a complete loss.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-27835315046292752912012-03-27T20:43:00.011-05:002012-03-27T21:13:35.151-05:00Nagels Go West<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hF4OouATDZI/T3JuBd6dvII/AAAAAAAADZ4/yZ3U577EOuA/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hF4OouATDZI/T3JuBd6dvII/AAAAAAAADZ4/yZ3U577EOuA/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724759047830092930" /></a><br />We got out of the brown Minneapolis winter and went to visit Bumpa & Noni in Palm Springs a few weeks ago. This was Maxim's first flight and big trip. He did so great...other than being awake for the day at 3:30 every morning. Never quite made the time adjustment.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoJeTLp4RqI/T3Jt9BLOsqI/AAAAAAAADZs/nN3CcaZjwBo/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoJeTLp4RqI/T3Jt9BLOsqI/AAAAAAAADZs/nN3CcaZjwBo/s400/2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724758971396305570" /></a><br />We spent a nice chunk of time out there, a full 10 days. Since their house is on a golf course, Gregg got to golf. I'm on hiatus until my kid(s) are big enough to hang at the pool alone.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK5GWo1FdO8/T3Jt3wKG6iI/AAAAAAAADZg/WLMPczbF6vI/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK5GWo1FdO8/T3Jt3wKG6iI/AAAAAAAADZg/WLMPczbF6vI/s400/3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724758880928852514" /></a><br />We hiked through the mountains in the desert. So wild to experience such a different climate and landscape than what we're used to in the Midwest.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0cRgN-kwWE/T3JtvzLQxsI/AAAAAAAADZU/CZ1fbwhGFGw/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0cRgN-kwWE/T3JtvzLQxsI/AAAAAAAADZU/CZ1fbwhGFGw/s400/4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724758744300046018" /></a>Max enjoyed his backpack ride with dad.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6E0skhNm3I0/T3JtotItnpI/AAAAAAAADZI/z01159_b1WA/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6E0skhNm3I0/T3JtotItnpI/AAAAAAAADZI/z01159_b1WA/s400/5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724758622419656338" /></a>And multiple golf cart rides!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcBP8W7n-Sc/T3JthbwBhzI/AAAAAAAADY8/L_0ThDlLF7E/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcBP8W7n-Sc/T3JthbwBhzI/AAAAAAAADY8/L_0ThDlLF7E/s400/6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724758497493616434" /></a>Just being super cute.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fT_33yjXwQ4/T3JtDS-x2qI/AAAAAAAADYk/cOuPixOaZS0/s1600/8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fT_33yjXwQ4/T3JtDS-x2qI/AAAAAAAADYk/cOuPixOaZS0/s400/8.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724757979743509154" /></a>Mom & Dad got a couple of days away in LA/Santa Monica. Here we are being cool on Rodeo Drive.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx1eBIXmleU/T3JxUKVoYiI/AAAAAAAADaE/sltr6DyucYw/s1600/7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx1eBIXmleU/T3JxUKVoYiI/AAAAAAAADaE/sltr6DyucYw/s400/7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724762667527725602" /></a>One of the things I found most amazing about Palm Springs is that wherever you are, you can just look up and are surrounded by mountains, palm trees, and blue sky. It is just perfect. The view, coupled with the musky floral smell of the grapefruit trees makes you exhale and appreciate everything.<br /><br />For the full trip album, click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggandal/sets/72157629642970957/">here</a>.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-30809155703095985672012-03-21T15:40:00.001-05:002012-03-21T15:40:55.966-05:00Fun at the Library!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Vza6f06GQ/T2o82J1gqCI/AAAAAAAADYM/b0y0J5G1HuI/s1600/photo%2B1-755967.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Vza6f06GQ/T2o82J1gqCI/AAAAAAAADYM/b0y0J5G1HuI/s320/photo%2B1-755967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722453177578596386" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gW6dnJExY0o/T2o8222skAI/AAAAAAAADYY/hPImHP47q34/s1600/photo%2B2-758807.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gW6dnJExY0o/T2o8222skAI/AAAAAAAADYY/hPImHP47q34/s320/photo%2B2-758807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722453189663166466" /></a></p>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03206327031329065648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12916659.post-62165969844132835322012-03-19T12:03:00.000-05:002012-03-19T12:03:29.100-05:00Happy Eleventh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmBM8ALt_aQ/T2dmtIkRiZI/AAAAAAAAA-A/UjEoQS_g0ec/s1600/red-roses-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmBM8ALt_aQ/T2dmtIkRiZI/AAAAAAAAA-A/UjEoQS_g0ec/s320/red-roses-photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A happy anniversary to my lovely wife of 11 years. I love you, sweets!Gregghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12864040113636852232noreply@blogger.com1