Thank you, Prince

You were ours, and we will miss you so.

Thank you for everything.

 

Bush Lake Beach

It was surprisingly warm out...and the beach was calling us!

Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

Wildflowers, woodpeckers and waterfalls.

 

  

 

 

Willa Day

Willa joined our family 8 years ago today. She was excited for her day. She told her class about it and wanted an ice cream cake to share with the neighborhood. We are so very grateful for this sweet kid.

Taiwan in St. Paul

Our "urban expedition" to Taiwan today included red bean paste mochi, tea eggs, a lion dance, visiting with friends, goat-petting, Hakka songs, learning about local customs, and of course, boba tea!

Jia LOVED the red bean mochi.
 

The girls are now insisting that I make tea eggs at home

Norseman

We spent a fun afternoon with friends touring the Norseman, a local small batch craft distillery.

Washington D.C.

I went to Washington DC for work. Although I spent most of the time in meetings, I did escape a couple of times! A D.C. haiku:

Pink and white petals
surround us as we walk by.
Cherry blossom snow.

 

From the Vietnam war to 9/11, the exhibits at the Newseum are nothing but intense. Maybe that's why they have a bar in the elevator...

 

 Twin tower antenna

We took a private tour of the Library of Congress which featured a special viewing of artifacts dating back to the 1300's (an illustrated text on the laws of war for wandering Knights, a King Charles I pardon and other items), Thomas Jefferson's personal book collection, and the Library's impressive architecture. I also took more pictures of ceilings than I ever thought possible.

 

 Thomas Jefferson's library from Monticello.
 

 

 This text tells a wandering knight what to do if he runs into another knight with the same suit of armor because, well, that could be awkward.

  
An official pardon granted under the ginormous seal of King Charles I of England (1600-1649).

 

LeAnn Rimes private concert for our final night. Wow, she can belt one out. Impressive.