Minnesota Reunion

This weekend Mike and I headed to MN for his 10 year high school reunion.  We were able to arrange a visit with Mike's family as well.  Although the reunion was not a highly organized event, we ended up having a great time.  About 20 or so people from Mike's graduating class met up at a bar for dinner and drinks.  The night was capped off with a fireworks show.  We were blessed with great weather and even better company. 

View from Mike's Dad's backyard

View from Uncle Bill's backyard

Vanessa and I

Mike and Uncle Bill

The Gents

The Ladies

One of the highlights of the weekend was our last night in Minnesota.  Both Mike and I were lucky enough to take a ride in an ultralight plane.  Thanks a million times to Rose and Doug who arranged the outing and provided the expert piloting skills :)

Official flying gear

I was the first to fly

A great night to fly (another ultralight in the background)

Amazing views

Just 'cause he is a stud

After both our rides

Now wish me luck convincing Mike that we do not NEED an ultralight.

4th of July

The sun finally came out in Washington!  Mike, Buckley, and I enjoyed a relaxing 4th filled with sunshine, yummy food, and good company.  We attended a BBQ at a friend's house where everyone brought their pet to the party.  As usual, the animals gravitated to Mike. 

Ignore Bowser (the Bulldog)

One of the couples brought Puck, their pet pig.

Buckley and Puck

Mike joked that a simple task of staining the deck turned into an 8 hour ordeal.  While Mike was away, Buckley's habit of gathering things under the deck became even worse.  When my running shoe disappeared, it was the last straw.  We committed to blocking off the deck so that Buckley could not get under it.  While I stained the deck, Mike shopped for wood.   Mike and I (mostly Mike) cut, stained, and hug the trellis.  For two untrained laborers, I think it turned out wonderfully!  Poor Buckley can't get under the deck anymore. 

Before (and old picture)

During

 

 

 

After

Mike and I are off to MN tonight.  Mike's 10 year high school reunion and some family time are in order.