Goodbye Grandpa

We'll miss you.

1915 - April 25, 2007

Minnesota

Sue, Freinde and me

I flew out to Minnesota to speak at a conference at the university. Sue & Scott and their boys Cam and Luke were kind enough to have me hang out with them for four days. Cam and I spent some quality time playing pinball (me) and video games (him). The pinball picture is one that Cam took. I caught up with Freinde and Cyndi and went for a couple of runs with Sue. Sue and I also hit Ikea - let's just say it's a good thing I was already at my max weight for my airline luggage. It was interesting to note that even after four years of being gone, things still seemed the same. And of course the best part about being away is getting back home again!

Soccer Goal!

He shoots, he scores! A fun night playing indoor soccer.

20 Miles on Leif

Legs ...














Hmmmm .... I'm remembering an old ZZ Top song. I biked with Darin for his last training run before Eugene. Darin's legs after the 20 mile run (left) and my legs after the 20 mile bike (right). The mud was more impressive before it dried.

He's looking for a 2:59:59 marathon!

Saving the Kapok Tree

The theme of Cole's school music program was convincing a man/farmer in the rainforest not to cut down the Great Kapok Tree. Darin and I pondered the complexities of clear cutting, tree planting (memory lane), and the Prince George economy while Cole played the glockenspiel.

Eggs

How long do hard boiled eggs keep?

The Easter Bunny

The Easter bunny came to our house on Sunday and her name is Oreo (aka Shorty). A big thank-you to John and Vincent for letting Oreo come live with us. She is adjusting well, but I'm still getting used to the little brown 'surprises' she leaves on the carpet. Church was inspiring and very full. The focus was on the hope we have in Christ and a number of people shared their stories. In the afternoon, we did a 5 mile Swanson family run/bike (Darin and I ran, the kids biked) and enjoyed being outside in the pouring rain - well most of us enjoyed it. A quick stop at the Iranian deli for some sweets finished off our Easter 2007.

TrailBlazers Courtside Kid

TV Debut!

Leah won a Courtside Kids pass for the Portland Trailblazers, so we went to the game on Wednesday night. Leah got to high five the players as they came on the court, sit on the players' bench and of course have her face on the Jumbo Tron!

April Fools

A seven year old's dream - Sunday afternoon at the PDX Brickfest (Lego conference) with Dad.

Yesterday was April Fool's day and the kids and I couldn't come up with any good tricks. Darin on the other hand told me in the morning that the upstairs toilet was broken. This is a bummer, since Darin is really busy and I figured it probably wouldn't get fixed until next weekend. In addition, it meant that I had to use the kids' bathroom - how nice! April Fools! At least he told me it was a joke yesterday evening or I'd still arguing with the kids as to who gets to use the bathroom first.

Night Fire

It was so nice out last weekend, Darin made a fire for the kids. They loved it!

Canada and Back

Card Sharks

The kids and I enjoyed spring break with Grandma. We went swimming, played at Jungle Mania, went to the pet shop (very cute puppies) and played cards. I also was able to indulge in my favorite Tim Horton's mocha and honey crueller TimBits. Alas, even though it was once again Roll Up the Rim to Win, I didn't even win a doughnut! I did however get my work VISA renewed which was even better.