More Half Marathon Pics

Here we are, walking along the river towards campus, nearing mile 9. Krista's dad and cousin were our support crew and bought us the big containers of Gatorade in our hands.

As if that weren't enough, they also bought us doughnuts!

Chocolate covered - it hit the spot - we really need that sugar boost!

Just after crossing the finish line - all smiles.

Dad and Todd showing off the half marathon t-shirt, medal, and their gold, Starbucks membership cards........oh my!

.......at the finish!

Run, run, run.......

What a surprise it was to open the Monday morning paper and see Todd's photo. The caption was about the little girl trying on ther dad's medal and didn't mention Todd, but it's still cool.

Eau Claire Half Marathon

Here's dad, all dressed and ready to go; Misty was upset she couldn't tag along.

Todd getting ready.

The weather was perfect, blue sky, lots of sun, and perfect temperature with a breeze.

Gentlemen, are you ready?

A is for Animals

I'm nuts about animals, I just can't help it; here I am with the baby lamb.

We didn't go for a horse drawn carriage ride; I think it'd be more fun to ride the horse.

What a beautiful horse and you can see the blue sky and sunshine, just lovely.

Save the best for last, a video of the Great Pyranees puppies.

More Farm Babies

Chics holding chicks..............here's Sam and baby chick.
My turn next................

Jodi...........don't drop it =)

Lots of little chicks, way more fun than the marshmallow peeps you get at Easter.

What I really wanted to adopt was a great pyranees puppy.

Kate looks like she's in love - who wouldn't be?

These puppies grow up to be 125+ lbs of furry love.

Farm Fun

About a month ago, I wrangled some friends into making a short trek to Govin's Meat and Berry farm in Menomonie for their annual Lambing time. It was a treat, we saw lots of new little critters. Here are the piglets.

Here's their mom...........she's pretty big. I think they said she was 500+ lbs - can anyone say "extra large pork chop?" I asked why she was in that cage contraption and I learned that it gives her piglets time to crawl out before she plops down on top of them. Pigs are really smart so after a few weeks, the piglets learn to run away when mom wants to lay down and the cage is no longer necessary.

I got to hold one of the squealers and would have loved to take it home.

Hungry? Yum, yum.

Adorable newborn w/ mom.

Chicago Finale

We attempted to go to the Children's Museum but it was mobbed; we learned the Chicago schools were also on spring break. It was a nice walk there, but then we got in a cab and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry. That was mobbed too, so we headed to some books stores and had a bite to eat at cafe. When we went back to the Museum of Science and Industry later in the afternoon it wasn't as busy.

One night we ate at this restaurant, a German place. We didn't think it was great, my meal was especially bland.

The Chicago pigeons are smart, here they are gathered around this wonderfully warm fire.

You can't go to Chicago and leave without some Garrett Popcorn. But is it really popcorn? I think the popcorn is just the base layer on which to pack on the salt and sugar - that's why it's so good. So if you're in Chicago or New York - get some. Yes, I bought a lot, but I gave it all away.

Chicago Part III

In Millenium Park, they have this cool sculpture, it's a gigantic, mirrored bean. Here you can see the skyline and Todd looks so smal standing there. This post is for Uncle D in CA - we were just talking about the big bean today.

Having fun and being silly.

Smile....................

Chicago Part II

A couple views of the downtown Chicago skyline.

It really was like being in the concrete jungle.

If you wanted to see some plants you had to head to Millenium Park.

It was fun walking around - even though it was cold and gloomy.