Sunday, December 27, 2015

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had an enjoyable and merry Christmas! It still has not felt like winter has started with the warmth and lack of snow, so we did not have a white Christmas. We drove up north to Sturgeon Bay to Mitsche bay house to celebrate with Mom, Dad, David, and Michael.

The day started out with the opening of presents, and Cassie was up first. She would have been content eating all of the tissue and wrapping paper, but she did get a few gifts. She will be giving us the gift of processed wrapping paper for at least a few days.

Oh boy that's mine!
I got a bone, a scarf, and antlers!
Oh man, now I have to carry my things when we hike... Thanks a lot Uncle Phil
Other people got gifts too. 
When we planned on going up north for Christmas, I had grand plans of bringing my skates to make a rink on the bay, or bringing our snow shoes or skis to get out on the snow. Unfortunately, there was no ice or snow...but... there was plenty of water. So after we were done opening each others presents, I grabbed my hat, coat, and paddle board and hit the bay. It was choppier than I would have preferred, so I didn't venture too far up the shore. I paddled around until my wet feet got cold and then brought it to shore. It was nice to get out for a short Christmas paddle.
Santa's new sleigh.
Cassie really wanted to go out, but it was too cold to have a wet pup
She was intently watching with her cute collar tag (thanks grandma!)
Cassie and Santa
Later in the afternoon we had a great dinner with the family, Grandma and Grandpa Alvin, Aunt Linda, Uncle AJ, Aunt Jan, and Uncle Arvid. It was great getting everyone together and we all enjoyed great company and delicious food.

Beautifully set table

The whole gang!
Santa showed up! I know him!

Santa brought gifts for all!
Santa was pretty funny
Grandma and Grandpa!
We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and then headed back to Milwaukee to get ready for work. It was a great Christmas full of family and fun, and it was a great way to end 2015.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Catch Up Blog - Edition 3

So we are almost caught up and just need to get through September and October. In September we were able to get a good view of the blood moon and tried to get some pictures. We are still trying to figure out our good camera, but were able to get some decent shots.

Partial Eclips

Blood Moon! Howooooo!
Flashing back to the update when we drove east in August and we were hit by that motorcycle... it's amazing what you can find out how to do on the internet. Just a few minutes with a hair dryer, a pry bar, some brute force, and goo gone made the car bumper look just like new. And we saved $800 by not getting it fixed in the shop!

Fixed bumper!
Into October, I spent two weeks working on the East River in NYC. It was a busy time with a lot of work, and unfortunately I had no time to do anything fun. But I did get some good pictures. We stayed in Staten Island where hotel prices are at least reasonable, but there is really nothing over there. No offense to anyone who lives in Staten Island. It appears to be a housing area for people who work elsewhere. Every morning we rode a speed boat from Staten Island to the East River near East 21st Street in Manhattan. The boat rides to and from the site was the highlight of the work.

Sunrise from Staten Island looking at Manhattan

Cruising past Lady Liberty

Manhattan

Brooklyn Bridge

Our work barge with the Empire State Building 

Sunset with Manhattan

Sunset and the statue of Liberty heading back to Staten Island

I returned home just in time for Halloween and we had some decorating to do. Diana picked up some good clearance decorations last year. All skeletons. 

Skeleton Attack