Gary’s Wedding

Over the past weekend (June 20th) Gary and Deanna got married.  Now to most this may sound like oh, ok, but to see and be a part of the wedding was pretty special.  I almost think the Vikings have a chance at the Super Bowl this year.  The wedding and reception took place the same places Amanda and I got married so it brought back some old memories.

Gary, Jay, and Trevor

As you can see purple was a main color in the Theme.

And alas my wonderful family Amanda and Axton.

The things my sister gets me into!

Today was another long hard day of training for summer courses.  Ok so it may have been rather entertaining.  Helene, Layne, and I were in a class that toured Camp Ripley. We left the airport aboard two CH 47 Chinook helicopters. The flight was very fun.  They took us on a low tour of the tree tops and rivers of the base.

On the flight, the doors were all wide open for a full view.  I was lucky enough to get a back seat next to the door on the trip back. 

While at the base we were able to use tank simulators, go through the mechanics area, and an environmental education.  The best area was the mechanics area.  We were able to check out all sorts of neat things.

It was very neat to check out the firearms area.  We were able to hold pistols all the way up to manuvering a 50 cal. The tanks were neat to see how close the simulators and real things are in comparison.  I guess thats a good thing.

Where were You?

I find that as many believe today was a huge day in history.  It is an event that will have immediate recall of that moment of happening.  I found myself sitting in a LLI training.  Thankfully we were able to stop and watch as the 44th or maybe technically 45th president.  I figure Biden should get credit for his 5 minutes.   It was amazing to see and think about so many people watching together for one cause.  Now we must wait, and hope the change will happen.

BSU

We headed up to Bemidji this past weekend.  It was the Alumni Track Meet.  I was torn about going, but with BSU trying to cut the track team, I felt we should attend.  It was great to see a bunch of the guys again.  Axton ran in his first race.  I would post a picture, but we had a little bit of a camera issue.  Yeah it broke, but I am proud to say we have a new one now.  He did wonderfully.  We approach the line and found an open spot of the far side of the track.  It took a little bit to get started. Once we got going we had a nice 40 meter jaunt down the track.  I ran in the mile and 3,000. I am pleased with how it went, but it sure is tough getting the legs to turn over quickly.

One Step Closer

Thanks to my loving wife I am one step closer to a life goal I set a few, ok maybe more years ago.  I would like to complete an Ironman Triathlon before the age of 35 (yeah, I modified it from 30).  I plan on doing a few Sprint Triathlons this summer.  So far I am registered for one in Alex early May and Baxter end on August. 

So here’s a picture of my new toy/christmas present for the rest of my life. 

We took a little trip down to the cities and shopped at Gear West.  We were very pleased with the service, selection, and abitlity to answer all of my novice questions.

Operation Grocery

Axton and I headed to Super One after school today.  We were armed with 2 lists and multiple people in the aisles.  It did work to our advantage to have Axton work the crowd as we went along.  His smiles and waving helped carve our way through the crowds.  I was in luck to have one of our neighbors there to help point out some of the fancy items on the lists.  Why just a plain old onion won’t work for French Fried Onions is beyond me.  Just for the reference, I had to go look what they were called again. 

It is a good thing gas prices are going down!

Fall

Its hard to believe it is almost Thanksgiving.  Amanda went hunting with me this year.  She got up bright and early and headed into the woods. I know what a trooper.  After 30 minutes in 2 deer came out just as though they knew we were waiting for them, the only problem was neither of them fell down.  I don’t think she will let me live that one down anytime soon.

We will be spending Thanksgiving in Brainerd this year.  Amanda has Thanksgiving off, but gets to work the weekend.  I hope to use the time working on my paper and cleaning the garage. 

Axton still really enjoys playing outside.  He meets me at the door with his shoes wanting to go out and play.

One Last Fling

We had quite a jam packed day today.  We spent the morning at Home Depot.  For a cool scoop check out Amanda’s blog.  This afternoon we had one last adventure on the water.  A friend from Amanda’s work invited us to an end of summer waterskiing party.  We were very close to not going, but ended up changing our minds at the last minute.  I didn’t do any waterskiing, but I did have the wakeboard along.

Let’s get that man a beer!

It was totally a blast!  Yes I will say the water was a little chilly.  I must be honest and say I have been in worse.  I guess that is what I get for hanging around Bill and Jedd.  I also give credit to the wet suit Amanda got me. 

Afterwards we all hung out in the hot tub and had a great meal. 

Off and Running, More Ways then One

Another school year has begun.  I will say my attitude is much better this week.  My roll has changed and has taken some time to get use to. I spend the morning doing Title 1, which I started today, and the afternoon in First Grade.  We are getting better at moving from place to place.  I school has lots of turns to get around and with 27 kids, yes I am down to 27, its a hope to get all to the same place.  You may laugh but so far I have lost one, we turned they went to Kindergarten.  Today we went to PE from music and I had to track 4 down that were heading for the room instead of the gym.  Oh life is an adventure.  And for the record we, which I am giving credit to my co-worker at the end of the line, may have lost a couple going on the tour of the school, but Jeff helped them find us. 

On another note running has been going well.  I have been pretty consistent getting out and running for 30 minutes.  I would like to increase the time, but am a little nervous.  So far my hip has been doing pretty good.

Axton now is full blown walking!  He is so funny strolling around the house.  His personality is coming out more and more everyday. 

Who taught him this?

3 years, 1 day

It has been 3 years and 1 day since Amanda and I took the path into marriage. You may ask what we did for this festive occasion.  We spent a day hanging around home.  I must say it was a nice slow pace compared to the rest of July.

We did go swimming with Axton at White Sand Lake.  He loved walking in the water and playing in the sand. Our meal of choice that evening was good old brauts on the grill.

Looking back I must say they have been 3 great years.  We have traveled all around Minnesota and flown to Alaska and Florida.  And we can’t forget about a great little boy named Axton.  Here’s looking toward many more years to come,  I love you Amanda!